Serial number in the 5000 range. Early Leica Model A from 1927 with the original Elmar lens. Distance scale in meters. Leitz product code LEICA. This is the very model from which the history of Leica truly began. Ninety-eight years have passed since its manufacture and it is approaching its 100th birthday. It would be wonderful to celebrate it in 2027.
It features the early mushroom release button, coarse early-type vulcanite, latch-style baseplate, round accessory shoe, and low knurled knobs with fine patterns, all characteristic of the earliest versions. All parts are original to the period. The small lettering on the old Elmar name ring is also charming.
The primordial appearance of the Model A is simply adorable, a camera that brings a smile to your face just by looking at it. This example has been fully serviced. Despite its age, you can still enjoy shooting with it to your heart’s content.
Here is the English translation without using double quotation marks:
The camera shows natural signs of aging and has developed a wonderfully appealing character over the years. There is paint loss from regular use, a nick on the corner of the top cover near the advance knob, and a minor ding near the tripod mount. The purpose is unknown, but the baseplate has a circular hole of about 5 mm that was made at some point. It has been filled from the inside with a thin copper plate, so there is no light leak. On the inside of the baseplate, on the film chamber side, there are hand-engraved markings that appear to be the name of a previous owner, along with the country name Danmark.
It received a full overhaul in November 2025, and all mechanical operations are now smooth. The finder image is crisp and clear. The lens has also been cleaned and the focusing adjusted, so it is ready for use. Please load a roll of film and enjoy shooting.
The lens glass shows no noticeable scratches and remains in good condition.
For this early Leica Model A with mushroom and dimple release, you need to keep the release button pressed during rewind. As occasionally seen with early sheet-metal Barnack bodies, the gap between the film-transport sprocket and the body shell was somewhat wide from manufacture, so the advance knob may continue to rotate even after the end of the roll has been reached. Please make sure to set the frame counter carefully before starting, and once you reach the prescribed number of frames, rewind according to traditional practice.
A period-appropriate genuine Leica front cap is included.
