CyanConker Posted September 25, 2012 Share #1 Posted September 25, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello everyone! I found this Leica 1 (A) in the Basement while cleaning up. It is probably from my Grand Grand Uncle who was a sailor. The Serial Number is 50432. I just ordered a Film to try if it is still working, but the shutter moves pretty smooth, so there is hopefully a chance that I can still take pictures. So far so good, but what I am really wondering about, and what I cant find out even after hours of googeling, why does this camera has this Plug(?) in the front. And also the pocket has this punched out hole which fits for it. When I opened it on the bottom, I was able to sneak in a bit and saw that a cable is attached to it. What does it do and why is it in a leica 1? If required I can add more pictures Best wishes from Germany Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/188752-leica-1a-with-a-special-adjustment/?do=findComment&comment=2125014'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 25, 2012 Posted September 25, 2012 Hi CyanConker, Take a look here Leica 1A with a special adjustment. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Michael Hiles Posted September 25, 2012 Share #2 Posted September 25, 2012 I have never seen one exactly like this before, but my suspicion is that the "plug" is a flash synchronization connector. It looks awfully like a prontor-type connection. I have a Model II with a similar thing, but my connection is up near the shutter speed dial. This would have been an after market addition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyanConker Posted September 25, 2012 Author Share #3 Posted September 25, 2012 Ah ok, is it possible to determine from what year this addition is? I am asking this, because the little leather ring around it maches the rest of the leather of the case perfectly in color and structure. So maybe it was made while the Leica 1 was still in stores? Also the hole in the pocket irritates me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted September 26, 2012 Share #4 Posted September 26, 2012 I have a few "Leica clone" cameras from the early 50s that have had flash sync added in front like this, so it wasn't unusual. However, it really lowers the value to collectors. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted September 26, 2012 Share #5 Posted September 26, 2012 Even some of the classic books on Leicas do report pictures of bodies which had this kind of synchro - added by 3rd party labs ; it's true that is a modification that makes the item "not in original status" but I think it does not disrupt the value of the item, expecially if, like in this case, is finely made: this is not a rare item (even if Hektor - equipped Leica I aren't so common) and/or is not "kitted" with some of the addons which compose a highly valuable collectible (bag / box / original papers etc...) - in those cases a slightly modified body does indeed have a significant impact on the global value. This is a very old and nice item - with a not uncommon modification - which is a valuable antiquity being a camera of the very start of Leitz/Leica history... personally, I would like a lot to have it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted September 26, 2012 Share #6 Posted September 26, 2012 In the 1950's there were lots of independent camera mechanics and workshops that did this 'post-synching'. The camera is of course a Leica I (Leica A in the U.S.) which was discontinued in 1930, so this is a much later, independent job. Cameras with this kind of modification are not uncommon, though Leica II, III or IIIa cameras are often seen that I's. The downside of these synch jobs is that, while factory-synched cameras have a cutoff so that the synch circuit does not close again when you re-cock the shutter, the back-street jobs did not have that. So with flash lamps, you could put in a new bulb only after re-cocking was done – or it was fired inadvertently! The old man from the Age of Flash Powder Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted September 26, 2012 Share #7 Posted September 26, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yes it is a flash socket, a 'period' modification to update earlier cameras. If you are going to try the camera out, trim the film leader before trying to load it, and remember to extend the lens (it collapses into the body when not in use for compactness). You can find free manuals on the net to download - any Leica LTM model manual will explain these two points. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted September 26, 2012 Share #8 Posted September 26, 2012 I am asking this, because the little leather ring around it maches the rest of the leather of the case perfectly in color and structure. The ring might have been made from the part that was cut out for the synch, so it would naturally match. Oh, and what Lars said - something one learns the first time he cocks the camera with a big, live Edison/Mazda flash bulb mounted. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted September 26, 2012 Share #9 Posted September 26, 2012 Nice and lucky find especially with an Hektor lens I love the Leica I ... here is mine : Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/188752-leica-1a-with-a-special-adjustment/?do=findComment&comment=2125895'>More sharing options...
thomas_schertel Posted September 27, 2012 Share #10 Posted September 27, 2012 I think, the flash synchronization makes the camera more useable. "Collectors" would not agree with this opinion. But the camera makes even today good pictures. You should set the time to "20" when using flash. yours sincerely Thomas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyanConker Posted September 27, 2012 Author Share #11 Posted September 27, 2012 Thank you for all the help, today I received the film (I ordered a Kodak Tri-X) and I cut it like explained. Finally I can try it out There is just a little issue, when I take a picture in slower settings than maybe 1/60, the shutter sounds like it would stuck somewhere a litte. But I really dont like to give it out of my hands for repair. What should I do, or is there no choice but to trust the repair-shop? And another question, after I took a picture and i transport the film, some knobs are turning, right? but why the thread of the shutter is turning as well? I am just curious Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomas_schertel Posted September 27, 2012 Share #12 Posted September 27, 2012 The turning of all knobs is usual. The first curtain of the shutter is wound onto the axis of the wheel to set the shutter time (simply spoken). The knob of the shutter turns, because it is coupled with the film winding mechanism. When you are rewinding the film, it turns too. So you can see, whether you have rewound the complete film or not. Yours sincerely Thomas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyanConker Posted September 28, 2012 Author Share #13 Posted September 28, 2012 Wow it's really great that you guys can help me, thanks a lot! But I still have a question. Does anybody has a clue why there are two tiny holes on the right side( the left side from the photographers view) at the front? Was there something attached to it? And if, what could it have been? And what would you say is the condition ( assumed it works ). Because I am new in this, I cant estimate it how its condition is in comparison to other Leica 1 Hektors. I would say from my feeling its kind of average, but not too bad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted September 28, 2012 Share #14 Posted September 28, 2012 Wow it's really great that you guys can help me, thanks a lot! But I still have a question. Does anybody has a clue why there are two tiny holes on the right side( the left side from the photographers view) at the front? Was there something attached to it? And if, what could it have been? And what would you say is the condition ( assumed it works ). Because I am new in this, I cant estimate it how its condition is in comparison to other Leica 1 Hektors. I would say from my feeling its kind of average, but not too bad. May be screws holes were screws were retaining an engraved or enameled distinctive plaque about the camera dealer/importer or the company owning the camera (news paper, university, etc) Next I agree with you about the conditions, the Hektor has a ding on its front collar, need to have special tool for relieving it as the brass is relatively bristy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clickie McPete Posted October 30, 2012 Share #15 Posted October 30, 2012 Lovely camera and a great find, especially with the Hektor. I'm a sucker for the kind of patina that this one is showing. These early Barnacks are so special, like mechanical jewels in the hand. It's a shame someone went and modified it at some point but it's still a wonderful piece. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyanConker Posted August 27, 2013 Author Share #16 Posted August 27, 2013 Ok finally I developed the film, and I was really astonished by the relatively sharp images this almost 90 years old camera can take. Of course, a lot of the pictures are not perfect, but thats just because of me. Just need to take more Pictures Here is my favourite picture. Cheers! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/188752-leica-1a-with-a-special-adjustment/?do=findComment&comment=2406513'>More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.