PreservedUpdated 12/13/2025
Leica Prototype Rangefinder Camera
Made by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar1923Bavaria, Germany
A pre-series Leica rangefinder camera of the type produced by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar in the mid-1920s before full commercial launch. The Leica established 35mm still photography and changed documentary practice worldwide. Prototype and pre-production bodies are distinguished by hand-fitted components and non-standard engraving, and are central reference objects for historians of photographic technology.
Provenance
1923
Assembled at Ernst Leitz Wetzlar works
documented
1938
Acquired by the Meyer family, Munich
owner supplied
1948
Held continuously by the Meyer family collection
documented
2026
Digitally preserved in Relic
confirmed
Current Custodian
Bavaria, Germany
Access Matrix
- Digital viewingpublic
- Additional photographsby request
- Remote video inspectionavailable
- Research visitowner approval
- Temporary research loancase by_case
- Museum exhibition loanavailable
- Scientific samplingnot permitted
- Commercial licensingcontact owner
Record Metadata
CategoryPhotography
MaterialsBrass, black enamel, nickel, glass optics, leather
Dimensions13.3 × 6.5 × 3.5 cm
Serial No.Pre-series; unnumbered
ConditionVery good; brassing at edges, shutter functional
Digital Record
41 high-res images (8,192 × 6,144)
3D Mesh / Photogrammetry
Precise digital measurements
Doc. Score: 91/100Scanned 6/9/2026
Cite this object
Relic Archive. (1923). Leica Prototype Rangefinder Camera [Object record]. Relic Object RL-1923-000009.