A Leica Model A fitted with the early Elmar, manufactured in 1926, the 15th year of the Taisho era and the first year of the Showa era. Incredibly, it celebrates its 100th birthday this year. A full century old. Happy centenary!
The serial number is in the 2xx
x range. Both the film advance and rewind knobs are engraved with the distinctive arrow-feather markings found only sporadically among cameras from this serial-number range. Together with the mushroom-shaped shutter release and meter distance scale, this early Elmar Model A has all the most desirable features.
It also retains the characteristics of an early Model A, including the coarse-pattern early gutta-percha covering, latch-type baseplate, round accessory shoe, and low-profile control dials. Still earlier Model A cameras have further differences, and researching these subtle variations is part of the pleasure of owning one.
The knurling patterns on the film advance and rewind knobs, shutter-speed dial, and front rim of the lens all match. The early Elmar name ring features the charmingly small lettering unique to the earliest version. This Model A remains in its original configuration.
Even after 100 years, this landmark Leica remains fully capable of regular use. Its Leitz code name is, fittingly, LEICA. The illustrious history of the Leica begins here.
A camera to photograph with, admire, and research.
Previously sold by our shop, this camera has been carefully used by its owner and has now returned to us once again.
There is some paint loss and light wear throughout, along with a small amount of touch-up paint on the top cover. Even so, it remains in remarkably good condition for a Leica that has survived an entire century. There are no noticeable dents or impacts, and it has clearly been treated with care over the years.
It was fully overhauled in 2026. All controls operate smoothly and properly, and the viewfinder is clear. The lens glass is also clean, with no noticeable cleaning marks or haze.
Please note that on early Leica Model A cameras with the mushroom-shaped or dimpled shutter release, the release must be held down continuously while rewinding the film.
Another characteristic occasionally found in sheet-metal Barnack Leicas is a slightly wider-than-usual gap between the film transport sprocket and the body shell from the time of manufacture. As a result, the film advance knob may continue to turn even after the final exposure has been reached. Please set the frame counter carefully when beginning a roll and rewind the film once the specified number of exposures has been completed, following the traditional operating procedure of the period.
The original Leitz lens cap and take-up spool are included. The spool is the ribbed type and is believed to be period-correct for the camera.
For those wishing to explore the Leica Model A in greater depth, this excellent reference book is highly recommended:
https://flashbackcamera.jp/products/026012-bookleica-variations-of-leica-a-die-varianten-der-leica-i
