Leica Model 0 (pilot model)

OBJECT TYPE: Camera
MANUFACTURER: Ernst Leitz GmbH
INVENTOR: Barnak, Oscar
NATIONALITY: German
PLACE MANUFACTURED: Germany, Wetzlar
OBJECT NAME VARIATIONS:
  Null Series Leica
  O Series Leica
  Pilot Model Leica
INTRODUCTION DATE: 1923
PRODUCTION DATES: 1923-1924
FILM TYPE: 35mm rollfilm
IMAGE SIZE: 24 x 36mm
APPROXIMATE MANUFACTURED QUANTITY: 30
SERIAL NUMBER RANGE: 101-130
FUNCTIONAL TYPE: 35mm (other)
1 LINKED COMPONENT:
LENS: 5cm f/3.5 Anastigmat/Elmax UID: L533.00117
STANDARD LENSES/SHUTTERS: 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat
INTEGRATED SHUTTER: Yes

NOTES:
  "Preproduction series of 31 cameras, Serial #100-130, hand-made in
  1923 & 1924. Since the focal plane shutter was not self capping on the
  first seven examples, they required the use of a lens cap which was
  attached with a cord to a small bracket on the camera body. This
  feature was retained on the second batch even though they had a self-
  capping shutter. The viewfinder (either folding or telescoping type)
  is located directly above the lens. Leitz Anastigmat f 3.5/50mm lens
  in collapsing mount. Extremely rare and highly desirable." (McKeown,
  1992).

OBJECT IDENTIFIER: L533.00004
VIDEODISC 1, FRAME NUMBER: 13

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES:
Lothrop, Eaton S., Jr. --A Century of Cameras from the Collection of the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House.-- Dobbs Ferry, NY: Morgan & Morgan, 1973. p 153.//
Lager, James L. --Leica Illustrated Guide II: Lenses, Accessories & Special Models.-- Dobbs Ferry: Morgan & Morgan, 1978. p 23.//
Hasbroeck, Paul-Henry van. --150 Classic Cameras: From 1839 to the Present.-- London: Sotheby's Publications, 1989. p 124.//
McKeown, Jim & McKeown, Joan. --Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras: 1992-1993.-- Grantsburg, WI: Centennial Photo, 1992. p 218.//
Lager, James L. --Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume I - Cameras.-- Closter, NJ: Lager Limited Editions, 1993. pp 12-14.//

EXHIBITION HISTORY:
"[Leipzig Spring Fair]", Germany, Leipzig Spring 1925.//
"75 Years of Leica Photography", US, NY, Rochester, GEH - South Gallery, November 10, 1989 - January 7, 1990.//