Shanghai No. 2 Camera Factory Shanghai 58-I

Shanghai 58-I

The Shanghai 58-I is an early Chinese LTM rangefinder produced in 1958 by the Shanghai Camera Factory, represented in LeicaLensList under the existing Shanghai No. 2 Camera Factory make. It closely follows the Leica III body concept, with separate viewfinder and coupled rangefinder eyepieces, bottom loading and a cloth focal-plane shutter reaching 1/1000 second [1][2].

The camera predates the existing Shanghai 58-II profile. Its separate finder system and early body construction make it a distinct model rather than a minor 58-II variant. Contemporary and collector sources differ on whether the closest reference was the Leica IIIb or IIIf, but agree on its Leica-style 39 mm screw mount [1][3].

History

Development and Launch

A Shanghai camera-development group was organized in 1957, and the Shanghai Camera Factory was formally established in March 1958. Chinese historical reporting identifies the 58-I as the factory's first camera and an important early industrially produced Chinese 35 mm model [1][4].

Production Evolution

The 58-I remained in production for less than a year before development shifted to the combined-finder 58-II. Collector research records serials approximately from 58000 into the 5801xxx group and estimates fewer than 1,500 cameras, but surviving factory allocations are not available [2].

Special Variants

Examples are documented both with and without strap lugs. These are production changes within one Standard model entry, not separate editions. Lens packages and the 58-1 spelling likewise remain metadata or aliases [2].

Collector Notes

Verify the separate rear eyepieces, diopter adjustment, Shanghai markings, early serial style and correct L39 lens mount. The model's rarity has encouraged altered FED or other Leica-copy bodies, so engraving, controls, internal construction and provenance deserve close inspection [2].