Gatto Sonne C4
The Gatto Sonne C4 is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1953. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1953
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- C4
- Serial Range
- Unknown; observed examples use numeric, C-suffix, C4-prefix and later five-digit formats, with no continuous factory allocation verified
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, large combined viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- B and 1 s to 1/1000 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- Unknown, external control provides separate electronic and flashbulb synchronization
Sonne C4
The Gatto Sonne C4 is a rare Italian LTM coupled rangefinder developed in Pordenone in the early 1950s. It uses 35 mm film, a Leica-compatible 39 x 1 screw mount, a large combined finder and a curtain focal-plane shutter covering 1 second to 1/1000 second plus B [1][2].
An external selector provides separate electronic and flashbulb synchronization modes. Standard outfits are documented with Officine Galileo Elionar lenses and Schneider Xenar or Xenon lenses, but the lens supplied does not alter the camera model identity [2].
History
Development and Launch
Antonio Gatto established his camera activity in Pordenone after work connected with Officine Galileo. The C4 followed the earlier Sonne IV, V and C bodies, replacing their smaller or separate viewing arrangements with a prominent combined rangefinder-viewfinder housing. Historical sources place presentation in 1953, while another Italian record dates its Milan Fair appearance to 1954 [1][2].
Production Evolution
At least two C4 body types are documented. The second version adds or changes front engravings, most visibly a sun emblem and cursive Sonne script [2][3]. Observed serials such as 237 C, C4 259, 708C, 804C, 898C and 46010 use different patterns, so they must not be converted into a continuous serial range.
Special Variants
Engraving types, lens packages and minor finish differences remain production variants within one Standard model profile. They are not separate special editions. Personalized inscriptions and Germany Patent wording should be recorded as engraving or provenance metadata [2][4].
Collector Notes
Verify the large finder housing, LTM thread, rangefinder cam, dual synchronization selector and exact top-front engraving. A Leitz auction example confirms the second-version description and C4-prefixed serial pattern [3]. Published weights conflict, including a 480 g body-only dealer figure and higher unsourced database values, so weight remains Unknown until a controlled body-only measurement is available [4].
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