A rare find, the Leica B-Type with a new Compur shutter, also known as the Rimset model.
This particular camera was manufactured in 1930 and bears serial number 34,000. The distance scale is in meters.
The Leica B-Type had a production run of approximately 1,700 units, including both old and new Compur models, with around 1,000 featuring the new Compur shutter. However, after the introduction of the Leica DII in 1932, sales declined significantly. Operating it reveals the challenges of its design.
The new Compur shutter ranges from 1 second to 1/300, with settings for B (bulb) and T (time). Around the cute lens, the Elmar name is delicately engraved. There's an extremely rare metal lens cap finished with black paint that was originally unmarked, contributing to its rarity due to loss over time.
The film release button is a dimpled release (earliest B-Types had a 'mushroom release'). The film advance and rewind knobs have a coarse serrated finish, similar to contemporary Leica A-Types.
The base plate locking mechanism is the cross bar type, seen in early Leica A-Types and older B-Types with old Compur shutters. Considering its manufacturing date, it should originally have the standard all-nickel-plated lock like the DII and DIII models. However, it appears to have been swapped out at some point. The cross-bar-lock base plate matches the overall condition of the camera well, suggesting it might have been fitted from an early stage.
There are signs of age-appropriate use throughout, such as paint loss and minor scratches, but there are no prominent marks or dents. It's clear this camera has been cherished and used carefully for over 90 years.
Serviced in June 2024, all functions are operating correctly. While using it for actual photography requires somewhat complex operations, it is fully functional.
The film winding and shutter mechanisms are completely independent. To advance to the next frame after taking a shot, you need to press the dimpled release style button to unlock the film advance, then wind it.
The film counter operates with a cute spinning needle motion. Before loading film, you must set this counter. Open the base plate, press the nipple release button while turning the sprocket gear with your index finger to set the counter. Additionally, you must rewind the film two frames backward from the empty shutter position, setting the counter to '0' and then turning it back two frames counterclockwise.
Please note that various mechanisms such as the film counter and winding will not operate unless film is loaded, so please be mindful of this.
