alan mcfall Posted June 7, 2018 Share #1 Posted June 7, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) I noticed one or two posts regarding the Leica "Dummy" cameras; and thought to add a photo of some that I have. Reportedly for dealer window displays, occasionally found in operating form, and possibly made from parts not usable for production for some reason. It seems many were canabalized for the parts, especially the pre-war ones. In the photo: Model IIIa, no serial. And, two 50/3.5 Elmars, one chrome marked f=5 CM and with serial "123" on the depth of field ring, like the early matched lenses. The other in nickle marked F=50mm. Model IIIf, serial Nr. 10939A, Red dial, self timer. Lens is 50/2,8. Model M3, serial M3-12176A, rigid early summicron. Model M2, serial M2-12922A, collapsible summicron. Model M4, serial M4-190A, black Wetzlar summicron. Model M5, serial A653, black summilux. Model M4P, no serial found, black Canada summicron. All are non-functional. I know many others are known, and it may be hard to understand collecting camars that don't work, but it may be interesting to some. If there is meaning to the serials, beyond the "A for Attrape", it would also be interesting. Laney shows some of these same cameras and the serials are different by a few hundred, so perhaps sequential. Are they listed in factory records? 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! 4 Quote 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/285349-attrape-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3533122'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 Hi alan mcfall, Take a look here Attrape Cameras. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jc_braconi Posted June 7, 2018 Share #2 Posted June 7, 2018 I have one an M4 who was completely rebuild by a Wetzlar employe including the Summicron 2 / 50 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! 2 Quote 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/285349-attrape-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3533208'>More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted June 7, 2018 Share #3 Posted June 7, 2018 Collecting Attrape cameras is not for me, especially when they often now cost more than a working original. I would no more buy one than I would buy a loaf of bread made from fibreglass or a car made out of Play-doh. I can see the point of making them to leave in shop windows and for film props. The only one I would like would be one of the giant wooden M4 cameras. Wilson Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted June 7, 2018 Share #4 Posted June 7, 2018 .... they often now cost more than a working original. The last few I've seen on sale from UK dealers have seemed quite cheap and have taken time to sell so perhaps more people prefer working versions these days. I see no problem with collecting them though, after all stamp/coin/etc collectors are hardly likely to use the stamps/coins/etc that they collect but this has no deleterious effect of the desire to collect them. In some ways I can actually see why they would be of interest though I'm not a collector - just someone who seems to always have more cameras than I honestly need (I am going to have to have a cull soon). 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted June 7, 2018 Share #5 Posted June 7, 2018 I noticed one or two posts regarding the Leica "Dummy" cameras… Laney shows some of these same cameras and the serials are different by a few hundred, so perhaps sequential. Are they listed in factory records? I don't think, and have never heard about… maybe some delivery records were kept… but by logic no FACTORY record : they were uncovered by any warranty and not serviceable… 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
derleicaman Posted June 8, 2018 Share #6 Posted June 8, 2018 (edited) I have an M3 Attrape with dummy 50/2 Rigid, an R3 (I know, why bother), Trinovid 7 x 35 Dummy and a Schnitt M6, as well as a Leicaflex Std chassis that was used for teaching apprentices in the factory about the Leicaflex. I also have prototype MP3 Black which is real, but the 50 Lux is not. The lens is not marked Attrape, but Muster, and has just the front element and a brass plug behind it to give it heft. Edited June 8, 2018 by derleicaman 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan mcfall Posted June 8, 2018 Author Share #7 Posted June 8, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have an M3 Schnitt, engraved M3 C-17; which could be "Cut or Camera number 17". The rangefinder and shutter, even 1 second work perfectly, double stroke. Probably hasn't had much use! The leicaflex chassis below might be for use in training or maybe just a completed model that was later stripped. It has adhesive still on it from the leatherette. Hand engraved 50918 on the bottom. I have a 90 Elmar cut-away, serial 759983. There were many cut lenses, including the Summarex. 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! 3 Quote 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/285349-attrape-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3533660'>More sharing options...
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