Leica 1, SN 436

[Generousmedium]

Hello! I have the camera described below, and pictured here. I inherited it from my father, and it has been in the family since the 70s. The story as I had it was that it was bought by a coworker on a trip to New York to replace a camera back. My father was a professor of anatomy and a photomicroscopist. When my father saw what it was he stowed it away, only bringing out to show various people who would make pilgrimages to see it.

From what I know, it looks likely to be the real thing, but I am far from expert. It is also in very bad condition, a number of screws missing and the vulcanite as you see it, but doesn't appear to have ever been modified.

http://www.generousmedium.com/leica1/index.html

My questions are:

Is it real?
Are there any evident modifications?
What might it be worth?

It has been a treat to be around this sort of photographic history.

I would appreciate any information anyone can supply.

Alan Hayes

 

[Robert Lai]

Looks legitimate, but it's in "ebay mint condition" 😀
Which translates to a lot of corrosion, loss of vulcanite, etc.
Details are correct such as the Wood's metal for the number, the mushroom shaped shutter button, and the filled plug at the back for checking lens registration. Hard to know where to put a price on it, as it will require a LOT of restoration to be usable.

If the lens is in half-decent shape, it is worth quite a lot. The ELMAX and "Anastigmat" were the first lenses, so correct with this body.

 

[Dralowid]

Alan,

The highest prices for early Leicas are usually achieved at the Westlicht Auctions in Vienna. I suggest you contact Peter Coeln there and ask his advice (I have no connection). Look at previous auctions for a guide to value though I admit most are not in the same condition as yours.

http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=4&L=1

Although in frankly poor condition an Elmax camera is a significant find and at first glance appears genuine. He will be able to advise whether the cost of restoration would be easily covered by an uncreased sale price. I don't know...

Michael

Michael

 

[Erik van Straten]

I think it is genuine, but the condition of the camera is horrible. Some parts seem to be chrome or nickle instead of black paint. The quality of the photographs isn't great either.

However, the lens doesn't look bad at all. There is haze, sure, but that can be cleaned. It can be a very valuable item.

I agree with Michael to contact Westlicht.

Erik.

 

[Generousmedium]

The condition is indeed horrible. The shutter does advance, and fire, though it seems a bit sticky! Lens is hazy but looks cleanable. I will take better pictures and talk to Westlicht.

Thanks!

What's Wood's metal, btw? Or rather, I know what Wood's metal is, but don't understand how it applies here?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Wood's metal is how we call the metal in the engravings on black paint pre-war Leicas. This seems to be a soft metal that is somehow poured into the engravings. How this is done exactly, remains a mystery to me.

I think it is completely irrelevant if the shutter works or not. The important parts are the top cover with the number on it, the knobs, the rewind lever etc. and the lens. For a restoration job you'll only need a donor camera. The speed dial with "25"on it is also important. This was later changed to "20" and "30". So the pin-disk under the round cover is also very important.

Erik.

 

[Generousmedium]

Yes, I looked up Wood's metal and it is a very low melting point solder-like alloy. Interesting how restoration and value relate. I have been operating on the principle that there isn't much I could do beyond not dropping it!

 

[Erik van Straten]

Interesting how restoration and value relate.

One of the 0-series Leicas that was recently auctioned for millions was also a restored camera.

Erik.

 

[Dralowid]

One of the 0-series Leicas that was recently auctioned for millions was also a restored camera.

Erik.

Yes, but if I remember rightly the restoration was carried out by someone well known (Ottmar Michaely???) and was well documented. This is not cheap but it would be the only way round the market's aversion to 'restorations'.

Michael
(what do I know? By comparison with this I have a cupboard full of junk!)

 

[Erik van Straten]

it would be the only way round the market's aversion to 'restorations'.

I would like to have a restored Leica I with the original number 436 and an original Elmax lens when original parts of another early other Leica were used to make it complete again. What is wrong with that?

Erik.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Boy, it looks on the rough side, but if the glass is good, I think it would be worth restoring.

 

[Jerevan]

Restorations of and modifications to Leica cameras is in some ways a part of the Leica company history - I mean, lens coating, upgrades from a Leica I to II, repainting ... to me personally, restored would not be a bad thing if done with care and the correct parts.

If you get to know more about its history, please let us know.

 

[Dralowid]

I would like to have a restored Leica I with the original number 436 and an original Elmax lens when original parts of another early other Leica were used to make it complete again. What is wrong with that?

Erik.

Well so would I but I think neither of us are 'investors' looking for 100% solid appreciating assets!