Leica Screw Mount

A small format camera known as Ur-Leica designed by Oscar Barnack started it all, in Wezlar Germany. Leitz factory gave Barnack the go ahead to build a production model, and he made several prototypes, the last one released in early 1920's (Leica 0). Leica 0 had an adjustable slit focal plane shutter. The production camera ended up being Leica 1A with a self capping focal plane shutter with two separate curtains that were released sequentially after the shutter release. Screw mount Leicas had a rotary shutter setting dial that had to be pulled up, and drop down at the desired shutter speed.

Ur Leica 1914

Leica 0 1920

Leica 1A 1925-1932

Leica Standard, first screw mount Leica 1931-1933

Leica1 shutter drawing by Ali Afshari, from the book: "Leica Design 101". This idea (Patent No. 235,560 filed in 06/16/1924), made camera design sequential, and had great influence on the rest of cameras specially the SLR.

Leica IID with built-in rangefinder 1932-1948

Leica IIIf 1950-1957

Leica IIIg 1957-1960

Leica IIIC with Motor 1938