I've just acquired a Leica A, however I can't seem to find any markings that say leica or a serial number. If anyone knows if this was common, or not, I'd appreciate any info on the matter. The lens on it is a collapsible 50mm 3.5 leitz elmar. The distance scale is in meters.

Thanks in advance...

-- grant (g4lamos@yahoo.com), March 03, 2001

Answers

Have not heard of one without a serial number, which should be a 4 or 5-digit number preceeded by "No" on the top plate just above the accessory shoe (between the viewfinder and the shutter dial). The Model A with Elmar 3.5 began in year 1926 with number 1250, and ended in year 1936 with number 60000. The name "Leica" did not appear on the Leica A. The collar around the base of the shutter dial should say "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" however.

It's possible of course that the top plate was replaced. However, I have not heard of Leica replacing a top plate without also stamping the original serial number (usually also with an "*" to indicate replacement plate).

I'm not aware of whether the serial number was also stamped on the chassis inside the camera for verification. In any case, a Model A without a serial number or the Ernst Leitz stamping are not common practice. You may want to contact a local Leica expert who can verify the other tell-tale characteristics of a Model A (top plate screws, winder milling, and a number of other variant characteristics).

Good luck.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), March 04, 2001.