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A mystery case


jaapv

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Can anybody shed light on the intended contents of this case? The camera holder fits an M3. The lightmetal lensholders are one for the M bayonet and one for a larger, flatter bayonet. The vertical lensholder is just too narrow to take a lens with a M bayonet. There are three larger clamps and a small one, but I know of no flash that will fit. The case is E.Leitz, Wetzlar, and judging by the nasty leather from the late 1950ies. Unfortunately the original carrying strap has been replaced by a 1970-ies wider strap.

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Jaap,

 

This, in my opinion was one of the best compartment cases made by Leitz. As you probably found out, the insert can be removed. The insert of your case was designed to fit an M2/3/4 etc. body, Visoflex I, Telyt 4.5/200mm, filters etc. The metal mount next to the M lens mount accepts a Visoflex I finder. Produced during the mid-1950's to early-1960's and Leitz code number for the case used to be 14800, IIRC.

 

The beauty of the case apart from its versatility is, that the top opens away from your body, giving you excellent access to the contents. Here are a couple of photos of my own 14800 case, with a different insert - holds 2 M bodies, 5 lenses, filters, film etc.

 

And - no, I did not use IR cut filters with my M6 and M7 - this was just an informational photo and I was too lazy to take the filters off.....

 

Best,

 

Jan

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It is indeed the same case, but your insert is totally different from mine, and far more practical I think.

 

Yes, and that was the beauty of the case - it could be customized for the equipment at hand. I still own two of the outer cases with various inserts. My original case holds together by sheer willpower, I had the get it re-stitched many times, last time an emergency repair was done by a cobbler in Prague. It looks as if pulled out of a hungry dog's mouth and time has probably come to start using the second one.

 

With some gentle pushing, it will hold an M8!

 

Best,

 

Jan

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Guest henjenn

Found this picture on ebay.

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At least it explains the clips-for film :) I guess it is a Visoflex 1 insert- now I will have to roam the Bay for a more regular insert.

 

Wouldn't it be simpler to buy a Visoflex 1? :D

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Jaap,

 

Here is a case with the other insert:

Genuine Vintage Leica Leather Camera Utility Case | eBay

 

The case itself looks even worse than mine and its leather is probably too dry for reviving. But - all you are after is the insert....;) Should you win the auction, you can save on shipping by asking the seller to chuck the case and mail you only the insert....

 

Just a thought.... These cases do appear on eBay fairly regularly.

 

Best,

 

Jan

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I once made an insert inspired by these to go in another make of case, they had stopped making the original by then. I used thick casrd, velvet, benser camera holders and lens back caps glued to the card with epoxy.

I still have it somewhere, but the case was rather large

Gerry

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  • 2 weeks later...

It is no secret where Leica got the idea for these cases ;)

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