Leica Standard or I Model E?

[cobbu2]

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Greetings all,

 

I just recently acquired a beautiful Leica Model E, SN 182533. It came about as a trade from a Leica II that after my first test roll I had to send back to the dealer under warranty due to the second shutter curtain detaching from its upper rail. Upon being notified the II would be unrepairable, I worked a trade for the Model E seen here with my 50/2 Summitar:

 

 

This body is in excellent shape and the shutter operation and advance are incredibly silky smooth!

 

But here's where my confusion comes in... referencing the serial number, Leica Wiki refers to it as a Leica I under the Standard Model E category (as part of a batch of 200 made in 1935). So which is this body... a Model E Leica I or a Standard?

 

I can't wait to put it through its paces and will be posting some photos soon!

 

Thanks in advance, Allan

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[sabears]

It's a standard (however the name used was different depending on the markets).

 

cheers.

[luigi bertolotti]

Exactly... the various evolution of Leica I were identified as MODEL <X> in the USA... (see our Wiki for details) ; the term "Standard" was used by Leiz Wetzlar to identify the Leica I (keeping its official name as "Leica I") when the flange distance threaded mount was standardized, so that any lens could match any body (which was not for the first Leica with interchangable lenses)

[George Furst]

I can understand your pride in owning this camera. The amaizingly shiny black paint, the small pocket size, the smooth leather covering and the feeling that little had changed in the ten years since the original 1a came to market. To me these early cameras are really the reason that Leica became famous. Oh yes there are little changes like the shutter button, nickle to chrome, taller knobs (much easier to use than the original ones), and a few more screws holding the top plate to the extruded aluminum casing but fundamentally it is the original Leica jewel.

 

At the same time I have no idea why the other camera could no be repaired. Here in Korea there is nothing in the screw mount camera that cannot be repaired. A new shutter curtain is one of the easiest repairs with a going price for new curtains, both that is, for around $125 and that includes a CLA!

[cobbu2]

At the same time I have no idea why the other camera could no be repaired. Here in Korea there is nothing in the screw mount camera that cannot be repaired. A new shutter curtain is one of the easiest repairs with a going price for new curtains, both that is, for around $125 and that includes a CLA!

To be honest, I was wondering that myself, and I would agree; I admit I was somewhat surprised by their answer, though I suspect there may have been more issues with it that were obvious. However in anticipation of the possibility, my backup plan was to make the trade anyway. Once I was notified by the dealer about its status, the decision was easy, and upon receiving it, I have to say I'm happier with this one.

 

So I believe it's safe to conclude that this is both a Leica I and a Standard (Model E). Thanks for the answers everyone!

[cobbu2]

An update: I bought back the Leica II from the dealer (at a greatly reduced price) as I have found a local shop that will do the repair. Now I'll have both! Thanks again everyone.