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The Leicaflex camera
production commenced in 1964 with camera serial number 1080001 and terminated in 1968 at serial
number 1174700 with 37000 issues.
Catalogue number 10002.
The Leicaflex was the first pure single lens reflex camera manufactured
by Leitz.
The Leicaflex has a very clean uncluttered body, it is finished in satin
chrome some few examples, numbers unknown were produced in black paint. The
viewfinder incorporates a clear glass screen; a central micro prism ring is used
for focusing. The shutter speeds are displayed at the bottom of the viewfinder
and the meter indicator is on the right hand side. Correct exposure is obtained
by matching needles. A battery indicator is also incorporated. The CdS exposure
meter is not “through the lens” but has a separate window located in the
pentaprism housing. The shutter speed control is located on the camera top
plate, fitted coaxial to the wind on lever. Shutter speeds are from 1 sec to
1/2000 plus B. A new range of lenses was introduced with quick change bayonets.
Electronic flash contacts were located on the camera front appropriately marked
for expendable and electronic, the latter being at 1/100 sec. Other features
were a mirror lock, a fully opening back, a rewind crank and a self timer.
There are two marks of this camera, Mark I has a “pie” shaped counter, Mark II has a circular frame counter and a meter cut-off switch incorporated in the film advance lever, on the Mark I ever ready case top cover a place was reserved for storing the battery.
There were four variations of the original Leicaflex. The first two were externally identical (Type 1) but internally were very different. There were also two Type 2 Leicaflex versions with internal differences.
The tripod bush is now integral.
Illustrated here are a Mark I
model with Summicron 2/50mm single cam lens and respective lens hood and
cap and a Mark II with Elmarit 2.8/135mm single cam lens. In the
foreground the first model of leather ever ready case, design similar as the one
for M3/M2 cameras, an instructions for use leaflet and a second model of leather
ever ready case, design similar as the one for M4.
A Mark I
with one of the early Summicron R 2/50 in silver chrome, 250
issues only.
A Mark II with a Super Angulon 3.4/21 this lens need to have the mirror locked up and so must uses an external viewfinder.
Two Leicaflex Black Paint, model Mark I with silver chrome Summicron 2/50 and Mark II with silver chrome Elmarit 2.8/35.
The last illustration shows the different counters shapes and the lodging place for the battery storing in the ever ready case top cover.
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