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 Leica screw-mount camera introduced 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].

For LeicaLensList, 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 link here 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 database entry should be treated as a duplicate helper for the Leica Standard Model E. The camera 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].

Relationship to Leica I Model A

The Leica I Model A should remain a separate camera entry. It is identified by its 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].

Collector Notes

When matching advertisements, the most important distinction is the lens mount. If the camera has an interchangeable screw-mount lens, no built-in rangefinder and the body is described as “Leica Standard”, it should normally be linked to Leica Standard Model E, or this ad-helper entry if seller wording specifically says Standard Model A.

If the camera has a fixed lens and is described as Model A, it should be linked to Leica I Model A, not to this entry.

For LeicaLensList, the Leica Standard Model A entry should not be presented as a clean historical model. It should be used as an internal or low-visibility ad-link camera to catch seller terminology and redirect users toward the correct Leica Standard Model E context.

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] CameraQuest. Leica Screw Mount Serial Numbers 1923–1965. https://www.cameraquest.com/ltmnum.htm
• [4] Summichronica. Leica Standard Model E. https://www.summichronica.com/leica-standard-model-e