Leica 1A Query

[David 11084]

OK, I posted the pictures. Now I need some comments. Fair exchange!
David

 

[newspaperguy]

A little hard to tell David. I can't get the pictures to open much larger than thumbnails (but then, I'm a noob on the PC) I can see why the covering might disturb you... it looks a little - awkward is not really an adjective, but that's what I think.

Other than that - NICE. Wish I had kept the one I had back in the day... somewhere around 1955/6. It was gift: "Hey, you take pictures... got any use for this old thing?"

 

[Dralowid]

Nice to see that the camera retains it's original 'dimple' shutter release button and also finely 'knurled' knobs. I have an earlier camera that has lost these features. Unfortunately the pix are too small to pass comment on the vulcanite. I assume the lens has the 'smaller' engraving found on earlier cameras?

Great find, welcome to the world of the original point and shoot!

Michael

 

[Erik van Straten]

I think the vulcanite is genuine. It has shrunk a bit, but that is not unusual. Better pictures would be useful. Just lay your camera on a flatbed scanner, like this one!

Erik.

 

[David 11084]

Many thanks. The scanner tip is a great one. Will have to acquire one!
Michael, what do you mean by the smaller engraving on the lens? How will i know? I have read plenty of literature and don't recall this distinction. The Serial Number dates it to 1928 so should I expect 'smaller' engraving.
The shutter release is a gem isn't it? I have just mastered holding the camera both verticaly and horizontally whilst depressing the shutter and 'countering' the pressure applied with a firm hold to the bottom of the body.
I appreciate the comments.
David

 

[Erik van Straten]

Michael, what do you mean by the smaller engraving on the lens? How will i know?David

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Michael means - I hope he agrees with me - that the letters on the front of earliest Elmars are smaller than on mine illustrated above. This can not be seen on your pictures, because you've left the cap on the lens.

Erik.

 

[Dralowid]

Eric, you better able to interpret my ramblings than most!

David, there are lots of details to look for on a Leica I, the problem is that in the heat of the moment, I tend to forget the detail and focus on whether the thing looks roughly right or looks as if it is a collection of parts!

At least most points of interest are easily noticeable and well documented. I find the Contax I, by contrast, to be something of a minefield!

Michael

 

[David 11084]

I have used the Barnack as a point and shoot to date-mostly quite closely to the subject in most cases.
Have now acquired a Fodis rangefinder. Any comments about using it would be appreciated; as would any further comments on my 1A.
David

 

[Erik van Straten]

I have used the Barnack as a point and shoot to date-mostly quite closely to the subject in most cases.
Have now acquired a Fodis rangefinder. Any comments about using it would be appreciated; as would any further comments on my 1A.
David

This shot I've made with my 1A at full aperture using a FODIS for focusing. It really works well, but it is also very slow.

Leica I, Elmar 50mm f/3.5, Tmax400 printed on Ilford MGIV fb.

Erik.

 

[jsrockit]

I am completely jealous. I've been jonzing for a I or a standard lately.