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DESCRIPTION
Leica I 35mm rangefinder camera from 1928, paired with the original Leitz Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens, serial number 12707. A historically significant early Leica example showing age‑related cosmetic wear consistent with its era. The shutter is working as expected, and the Elmar lens displays minor surface scratches and minor haze, both typical for early uncoated Elmars. Fully tested.
CONDITION
Overall Condition: Good Vintage / Working
- Camera fully tested and working
- Shutter operating as expected
- Rangefinder present (Leica I viewfinder only)
- Exterior shows age‑related wear
- Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens included
- Minor surface scratches to lens
- Minor haze present (very common for early Elmars)
- Black finish shows typical patina
INCLUDED
- Leica I 1928 camera body
- Leitz Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens
- Body cap (if supplied)
- Front lens cap (if supplied)
KEY FEATURES
- Early Leica I body from 1928
- Classic collapsible Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens
- Black finish with period‑correct wear
- Mechanical shutter with expected operation
- Historic Leica screw‑mount design
COMPATIBILITY
- Leica screw‑mount (LTM) lenses
- Standard 35mm film
- Adaptable to digital mirrorless systems (manual focus and aperture)
COLLECTORS NOTES
Early Leica I bodies from the 1920s are highly collectible due to their historical importance and foundational role in 35mm photography. The Elmar 50mm f/3.5 is one of Leica’s most iconic early lenses; minor haze and surface marks are very common and rarely diminish collector interest. Serial number 12707 places this example firmly within the early production period, adding to its desirability.
SEO KEYWORDS
Leica I 1928, Leica Elmar 50mm f/3.5, early Leica rangefinder, Leica screw mount UK
Photographs of item
Note that all the photographs are of the item for sale that you will receive. If you notice that the photographs in any way do not match the title or description please contact me and let me know.
Equipment Testing
I will carry out a standard set of testing for all equipment I am selling and will highlight any issues found as well as the perceived condition of the item. Not all tests will be appropriate for a specific camera or lens, but the appropriate ones will be carried out.
| |
Test |
| Digital Camera |
- Camera powers on with no errors
- It is possible to write to memory card
- It is possible to read from memory card
- Inspect test image for any noticeable sensor issues
- Standard controls/buttons work
- LCD screens work and display correctly
- The viewfinder is clear
- If the camera uses removable lenses, test that lenses mount correctly and functions work.
|
| Film Camera |
- Test that the camera winds on
- Does the shutter release
- Test the shutter through all speeds and note whether the speed varies appropriately (speed accuracy not tested or guarenteed)
- Shutter curtains open and close as expected
- Self timer functions
- If the cameras has a light meter that the meter works and varies appropriately (accuracy of meter not tested or guarenteed)
- Condition of the viewfinder
- Condition of the mirror
- Rangefinder functions correctly
- Bellows condition (specifically looking for cracks and light leaks)
|
| Lens |
- Shine a bright light through and check for fungus, haze, dust and scratches
- Attach the lens to an appropriate camera body
- Test the function of aperture ( does it open and close appropriately)
- Test the function of focus (AF and Manual)
- Function of zoom
- Is movement excessively stiff or loose
|
Equipment Grading
| Grade |
Condition |
| Mint |
As new condition, no marks, fully working |
| Excellent |
very minor usage marks detected, fully working |
| Very good |
Some minor usage marks or small scratches, fully working |
| Good |
Marks consistent with use, minor wear on edges, small scratches, fully working |
| Fair |
Heavier wear marks, possibly some minor issues with functionality, but usable |
| Poor |
Heavy wear, not fully working, would require work, should be considered as a renovation project |
Notes of Condition
Please note the following:
- All the equipment we are selling is used and unless specifically stated it has not been serviced.
- Most older lenses will have some degree of dust.
- Film cameras will not have had any light seals replaced and they will most likely be degraded, for optimum performance they should be replaced.
- We will not specifically note individual marks on a piece of equipment, please refer the the photographs.
Shipping
Shipping
The item will be shipped within 2 working days after your payment has been received & cleared. It will often be sent quicker than this.
All items will be sent securely packaged. Please note that although the majority of packing materials we use are new, we will reuse materials when available and encourage all of our customers to do the same.
Items below £150 in value will be sent by Royal Mail 48, those above this value will be sent via Special Delivery in the UK.
We are happy to send internationally.
Returns
All items sold come with a 30 day no fuss return guarantee with the exception of items sold as faulty or for parts.