Leica Model A with early Elmar lens, manufactured in 1928 (Showa 3). Leitz’s product code was the memorable LEICA—the very beginning of the brand’s glorious history. The serial number of this example is in the 12,000 range. The focusing scale is in meters, with a minimum focusing distance of one meter.
The shutter release button is the concave, or dimple type. This individual is likely among the last Model A units to feature the dimple release. The vulcanite covering is the coarse-grained type, continuing from the Leitz Anastigmat and Elmax eras. The winding and rewind knobs have been upgraded to the slightly later, taller style.
The Elmar lens engraving features the small, charming font characteristic of the earliest A-type lenses. The baseplate is the original latch type. Since the markings read auf – zu in German, this example was likely supplied for the domestic German market.
This camera shows heavy signs of use, yet even after nearly a century since its production, it can still function well without parts replacement when properly serviced. Such superb engineering and durability are truly impressive. A Leica that is a joy to shoot, to admire, and to study.
It shows clear signs of long use, giving it a well-worn, characterful appearance. The black paint and nickel plating have worn off on areas such as the top of the viewfinder and the shutter dial, revealing the underlying brass. There is also a slight dent around the rewind knob. The vulcanite covering retains its original rough pattern typical of early production and shows no chips or cracks.
Fully overhauled in October 2025, including shutter curtain replacement. All mechanisms operate smoothly. There are a few small chips on the corners of the viewfinder glass, but they have little effect on visibility. The front element of the lens shows some faint cleaning marks, though they should not affect image quality.
Please note that on early Leica A models with the mushroom-style and dimpled release button, it is necessary to keep the shutter release pressed during film rewinding. In addition, as sometimes seen with early sheet-metal Barnack bodies, the gap between the film-advance sprocket and the body shell is slightly wide from the factory. As a result, the winding knob may continue to turn even after the last frame has been exposed. Be sure to set the frame counter correctly before shooting and rewind once the standard number of exposures is reached—just as photographers did in the early days.
