Leica Standard Model A

Leica Standard Model A

The Leica Standard Model A is best understood as an ad-matching alias for the Leica Standard Model E, not as a historically separate Leica camera model. Seller listings sometimes combine the terms “Leica Standard” and “Model A”, but in Leica terminology these normally refer to two different camera families [1][2].

The Leica Standard, also known as Leica Standard Model E, is a compact 35mm screw-mount camera introduced by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar in 1932. It uses the standardized Leica Thread Mount, also known as LTM, M39 or Leica screw mount, and accepts interchangeable screw-mount lenses [1].

The wording Model A usually refers to the earlier Leica I Model A, a fixed-lens Leica camera introduced before the standardized interchangeable screw mount. Because of this, “Leica Standard Model A” should be treated as seller confusion unless the camera can be verified as a fixed-lens Leica I Model A [2].

This entry exists only to improve advertisement matching. Listings titled Leica Standard Model A, Standard Model A, Leica Standard chrome Model A or similar should match this helper entry only when the photographed camera is clearly a Leica Standard-style interchangeable LTM body, not a fixed-lens Leica I Model A.

History

Naming Background

Leica’s early model naming is often confusing in seller listings. The Leica I Model A was a fixed-lens camera, while the Leica Standard Model E was an interchangeable-lens LTM body. Because both names are short and widely reused in auction titles, sellers sometimes create hybrid descriptions such as Leica Standard Model A [1][2].

Relationship to Leica Standard Model E

This entry should be treated as a duplicate helper for the Leica Standard Model E. The specifications should follow the Leica Standard Model E, including the LTM mount, absence of built-in rangefinder, use of an external accessory finder and Barnack-style cloth focal-plane shutter [1][3].

The Leica Standard was produced in black lacquer and chrome variants. Leica Wiki lists production from 1932 to 1950, while collector references give production totals of 13,545 black cameras and 13,680 chrome cameras. Later examples could be chrome-finished and may appear in seller titles as Leica Standard chrome or Leica Standard Model A chrome [1][3].

Relationship to Leica I Model A

The Leica I Model A should remain a separate camera entry. It is identified by a fixed lens, such as early Anastigmat, Elmax, Elmar or Hektor versions, and does not use the standardized interchangeable LTM mount in the same way as the Leica Standard Model E [2].

The easiest practical distinction is the lens mount. If the lens is fixed to the body, the camera is likely part of the Leica I Model A family. If the camera has an interchangeable 39mm screw mount and is described as “Leica Standard”, it is normally a Leica Standard Model E [1][2].

Serial Number Notes

Serial-number identification should be handled carefully because Leica Standard production appears in non-contiguous assigned blocks. Leica Wiki’s serial table includes early Leica Standard blocks such as 101001–106000 and later scattered blocks through the 1930s and 1940s, ending with late New York chrome examples around 355001–355650 [1][4].

The safest wording is 101001 to 355650, non-contiguous Leica Standard / Model E assigned blocks. A serial number within that broad range does not prove the model by itself, because other Leica models were produced in overlapping ranges. The body layout and mount must also be checked [4].

Identification

A correct Leica Standard-style body has no built-in rangefinder, no built-in viewfinder, a single accessory shoe, an LTM lens mount and the compact Barnack body layout. Early black examples often have nickel fittings, while later examples may be chrome. Some later bodies used type III-style shells with strap lugs and a plugged slow-speed dial position [1].

The phrase Standard Model A should not be interpreted literally. It should be read as seller wording for a Standard-style camera unless photos or serial evidence prove that the body is actually a fixed-lens Leica I Model A.

Collector Notes

Collectors should check the mount first. An interchangeable 39mm screw mount points toward Leica Standard Model E. A fixed lens points toward Leica I Model A. The accessory shoe, absence of rangefinder windows, body finish, serial number and lens coupling should all be checked before matching a listing.

This helper entry is useful for seller titles, but it should not be presented as a clean official Leica model. Historically, the correct camera family is Leica Standard Model E.

Sources

• [1] Leica Wiki. Leica Standard, model E. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Leica_Standard_%28model_E%29
• [2] CameraQuest. Leica A. https://cameraquest.com/leicaa.htm
• [3] Collecting Leica Cameras. Leica Standard, Model E. https://www.leicacollector.nl/leica-standard-model-e/
• [4] Leica Wiki. Serial Numbers Leica Cameras. https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Serial_Numbers_Leica_Cameras
• [5] Summichronica. Leica Standard Model E. https://www.summichronica.com/leica-standard-model-e