Original (unmodified?) 1932 Leica Standard (model E)?

[tobiasfjp]

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I once bought this camera from the son of the original owner and kept it in my display. Now I'm trying to find out a bit more about it. According to Leica, this original Leica Standard was delivered together with this Elmar 3.5/5cm lens to dealership Capi in The Hague (the Netherlands) on the 8th of November 1932. Unfortunately, the Capi badge at the back of the camera has fallen off, leaving a round hole in the vulcanite. The serial number suggests it's a relatively early camera (number 742?). What's strange is that the rewind knob does not seem to be extendible on mine, even though it looks like the smaller 'Model E' knob and not the slightly larger model C one. I don't think it's stuck as everything else on the camera moves freely, including the shutter (although it could do with a CLA to make it fully smooth again). Should the knob be extendible? Is this an original (unmodified) camera or has it been 'upgraded' at some point?

The lens has a '6' behind the infinity lock, I believe that means something too but that's where my knowledge ends...
I was going to sell it but now I'm thinking of getting it CLA'd and keeping it at least until it turns 100 years old in 2032, I'm curious what others would recommend.

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Edited December 9, 2024 by tobiasfjp

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[tobiasfjp]

Total file size is quite small on this forum, but here's some more pictures

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[tobiasfjp]

And some smaller ones

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[jerzy]

camera is from the first production batch (1932), 101001-102350. Rewind knob must be stuck, it shall be extensible. "6" on Elmar means the real focal length, 51,3mm. Serial numbetr on Elmar is something like 145xxx (it is on black ring, above "1:3,5" which seem to be contemporary to the camera. Very nice set with minimal usage marks and would benefit having CLA (both camera and lens)!

[jerzy]

….hole after Capi badge may be filled with original vulcanite with similar pattern…..

[tobiasfjp]

Amazing, thanks for the detailed answer jerzy. Yes the lens serial number corresponds with Leica's records so it was originally sold with this camera.

Good to know that the rewind button is indeed stuck, I'm going to look into getting it CLA'd. Is it good practice to (carefully) clean the camera and lens exterior too? That would really make it stand out again.

[tobiasfjp]

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If only I could find that Capi badge... 💭

[jerzy]

well, I do not have Capi badge but I might have pieces of original vulcanite to  patch the hole. Cleaning exterior shall be part of CLA, but here I would go even further - polish the black paint and nickel plated elements,to get then shiny, this could be then on top of regular CLA

[jerzy]

...how is the Fofer (rangefinder), does it work, is the path good visible?

[tobiasfjp]

1 hour ago, jerzy said:

well, I do not have Capi badge but I might have pieces of original vulcanite to  patch the hole. Cleaning exterior shall be part of CLA, but here I would go even further - polish the black paint and nickel plated elements,to get then shiny, this could be then on top of regular CLA

Yes that sounds like a very good idea, getting it polished. The vulcanite would be an elegant solution I think, would I be able to purchase a round piece like that off of you? That would be amazing (I'm in the Netherlands).

1 hour ago, jerzy said:

...how is the Fofer (rangefinder), does it work, is the path good visible?

The rangefinder works perfectly and clear. The outer view is yellow (not sure if that's how it should be?) and the small inner part is bright and clear, with the two images very clear and easy to focus.

Edited December 9, 2024 by tobiasfjp

[jerzy]

yes, I can cut you a circle from my vulcanit but you will need to finish it, I mean to grind it to fit perfectly. If you send me the diameter then I will cut a circle a bit larger so that you can grind it. Vulcanite is very brittle, you will need to be careful not to break it. Having camera with me would make it easier. Do you have anyone there who can do CLA for you? I can do it as well, if you wish. I am based in Vienna, contact me via PM if you are interested