German Leica Copy - Prototype Collection
250
Hammer Price
€9,600
incl. Buyer's Premium
This item is subject to margin scheme taxation and the premium is 24% if it remains in the EU
Estimate € 10.000 – 12.000
Manufacture Year : c.1946
Two previously unknown and probably unique early post-war German 35mm cameras with focal-plane shutter inspired by Leica: (1) early design stage with simple rectangular body, simple screw lock base plate and 50mm Leica tube finder, (2) the second camera one is much more advanced, with built-in viewfinder, refined body shape with angled edges, breech lock base plate and unique lens mounting system combining screw mount and bayonet lock. The history of these cameras reveals a connection to the Mauser factory in Germany as after the war Mauser company was banned from weapons production, so this might have been an attempt to shift the production in other area. The lenses included are (1) Xenon 2/50mm no.1981036, (2) Xenar 3.5/5cm no.1725941, (3) Xenar 3.5/7.5cm no.1199017 and (4) Tessar 4.5/12cm no.1080803, all lenses adapted for use with these cameras, with custom made extension tubes, copy of ELDIA copying device, Vidom finder with lens modifying focal length and two film loaders for Leica cassettes