Early model of the FISON hood for the Leica A-type, specifically the rectangular type. It likely dates from the era of lenses such as the Leica Anastigmat, Elmax, and the early Elmar 50mm f3.5. The hood has a 36mm slip-on fitting and is molded as a single piece without any logos or engravings from Leica.
The hood's base features a step, which indicates it is a later version of the rectangular-type FISON hoods. The vertical line indicator is engraved on the upper part of the hood (while the earliest models had it on the lower part). This makes it one of the later iterations of the rectangular type.
A notable quirk of this design is that when mounted on the Elmar lens, the hood tends to rotate, requiring the user to manually adjust the vertical line indicator to the top each time the hood is attached. This can be quite inconvenient, which led to the eventual shift to the more practical round-type hoods in later versions.
Nevertheless, this FISON hood stands as a historical relic that embodies Leica's early design experimentation. It's a charming and somewhat impractical piece, perfect for collectors who appreciate the original trials and errors in Leica's evolution. A unique example of Leica's early attempts at refining their accessories, this hood is a fascinating "misstep" that adds to the history of Leica's legacy.
This FISON hood has clearly been used extensively over its nearly 100-year existence, and it shows significant signs of wear. The black paint has worn off, revealing the brass base, which has oxidized and darkened over time. However, there are no significant dents or impacts, and the wear is consistent with its age and use.
This hood is a fitting accessory for a Leica A-type camera that shows similar wear, providing a sense of authenticity and history when used together. It has been tested and confirmed to fit the Leica A-type in our shop.
The fact that this hood still exists as an individual piece is a rarity, and it is a valuable collector's item. This 100-year-old FISON hood is indeed a scarce piece, offering a direct connection to the early days of Leica’s design evolution.
