A pinnacle among Leica copy cameras, the Witness was manufactured around 1952 and is said to have a production run of fewer than 350 units, making it an exceptionally rare camera. It was produced by the British company Peto Scott and distributed by Ilford.
Originally, the Witness was to be equipped with the Daron 50mm f2.9 as the standard lens, but it was deemed too ordinary in terms of specifications. As a result, the large-aperture Dallmeyer Super-Six 2-inch f1.9 lens was selected instead. The Super-Six, a four-group, six-element double Gauss lens, was highly regarded both then and now for its exceptional performance. It offers refined lines and an elegant rendering, especially when shot wide open.
Although the Witness uses a proprietary bayonet mount, it is also compatible with Leica screw mount lenses. A variety of L-mount lenses can be attached. Moreover, the Super-Six 2-inch lens can be used on Leica bodies simply by removing a small set screw on the mount—truly a remarkable piece of engineering.
The Super-Six lens features a beautiful pale blue coating and supports rangefinder coupling from the minimum focusing distance of 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) to infinity. Beyond that, by pressing a button on the focusing lever to bypass the stopper, it allows for close-up focusing down to 1.8 feet (about 55 cm), albeit without rangefinder coupling.
This particular unit comes with not only the original cap and case, but also the instruction manual, a typewritten document from the period, and even a certificate showing the balance payment was completed and ownership was transferred to the original buyer. It’s a testament to British preservation habits—and a reminder that, both then and now, acquiring something truly exceptional takes effort and commitment.
This item is one of our previously sold pieces, lovingly used by a customer and now returned once again to our store. Welcome back! This marks its third time on offer.
There is a very minor dent near the shutter dial on the top cover, but considering how most Witness cameras tend to show heavy wear, this example remains exceptionally clean. The body and lens were both thoroughly overhauled in 2021. It has been regularly and carefully used until recently, and the body still functions smoothly. The viewfinder is clear, and the smooth operation of the Super-Six lens is truly addictive. It also couples perfectly with Leica rangefinders.
While the lens shows some signs of coating deterioration, there are hardly any cleaning marks, and the glass remains beautifully clear. Both the body and lens are in remarkably well-preserved condition—this is a rare example even among the many Witness cameras we have handled over the years, ranking among the finest.
Additionally, this unit comes with a stylish custom-made aluminum lens hood. It includes a built-in protective filter, making it a highly practical accessory for the Witness, which is often troublesome when it comes to sourcing hoods and filters. The design and craftsmanship are so refined that it looks as if it came as a factory-set item, enhancing the elegant styling of the Witness.
