About Movie

The most famous rangefinder (and boy do we all want one!) the Leica 1 was the first rangefinder camera to use 35mm film. 'Mr Kodak' had developed miniature roll previously but he based it on the smaller size used in movie photography. With 24 x 36mm instead of the 18 x 24mm used by Kodak, Leica have continued to produce this exceptional format and quality even in the digital age.

In 2004 the M Leica became the longest lasting 35mm camera making it the 'daddy' of them all. Nikon F lasted 15 years before being totally redesigned and the Rollie made 30 years plus. Ok, one more!! The Exacta saw 38 years but to reach a 50th celebration must mean that Leica has a winner on its hands.

When you become an accomplished photographer your thoughts turn to becoming a professional, don't they? Yes you guessed it, you are going to want an M series Leica. In the 50's and 60's camera design was turned on its head as the SLR brought about the demise of a number of manufacturers. But somehow the Germany giant maintained its position.

With negatives holding their own in the comparison to pixel stakes, 35mm film can be relied on for delivering around 18 mega pixels. Which leads to the question why would you want to carry around a ton of digital weight when a rangefinder can compete? OK there are some obvious benefits to going digital but when you consider the end quality results.... no contest. When you use the 'Rolls Royce' of cameras its hard not to continue.

But when did it all start?

In 1899 Leitz started presenting microscopes to eminent scientists who won a Nobel Prize. This practice was a preamble to the design of the Leica 1 and the model A in 1925; the start of a success story.

The Leica M3 was a radically progressive design being larger and heavier than its fore runner. With a new bayonet lens mount taking over from the 39mm Leica screw thread, the rangefinder and viewfinder was now combined. Two strokes of the newly designed level wind instead of turning a knob meant the film and shutter operations took place in one operation. The M3 introduced a top mounted selenium-cell exposure meter which was to be continued in principle for 50 years.

In 1956 Ernst Leitz marketed a special version of the M3 with a Leicavit trigger wind fitted for professionals; it was called the Leica MP.... have you seen the lasted MP models on offer? In 1967 the Leica M3 replaced the M2 various specials were made.

While this description could continue it would prove uneconomic to design a web page to accommodate a description of all the Leica cameras made. Leica cameras are steeped in history and collecting these fantastic cameras can seriously damage your cash flow...I suggest you take you time and build up a legacy for the children. The list below is a general summary of the Leica models produced; I'm up for an M6.

Leica models to look out for:

- O series 1923
- A Anastigmant 1925
- 1A Elmax 1926/30
-1B Elmar 1926/30
- 1A Luxus 1928/31
- Mifilmca 1927
- 1B Compur 1926/29
- 1B Compur Rim set 1930/31
- Standard 1931
- IID 1934/48
- E Standard 1932/46
- III F 1933/39
- 250 FF Reporter 33
- 250 GG Reporter 1942
- III G 1935/50
- III B 1938
- III C 1935/45
- III D 1948/51
- IC 1949/52
- III A 'morte in sarre' 1950
- III F 1950/52
- Red dial version 1952/54
- III F Canada Version
- III F 1950/52
- II F Black dial 1951/52
- II F Red dial 1952/57
- 72 1954
- III G 1957/60
- Swedish Military 57
- I G 1958/60
- M3 1954
- MP 1956/57
- MP Counterfeit 58
- M2 1957/67
- M2-M 1956
- M1 CFPS 1957
- MD 1964/66
- M4 1967
- M4 50th Ann.
- M4-2 Red dial 1978
- MDA 1966/75
- MD-2 1980
- M2-R 1967/70
- M5 1971/75
- M5 50th Ann. 1975
- KE-7A US Army 1972
- M6 J 1994
- RPS M6 1994
- M6 Royal Danish Wedding Ann. 1995
- M6 Anton Bruckner 96
- M6 EIN 1996
- M6 50th Jaguar Ann. 98
- CL 1993/95
- CL 50th Anniversary 1975