Supplement to VIDOM magazine No. 113, June 2017 – Leica Historica e.V.

Annual Spring Meeting and AGM in Wetzlar (p. 4 f) After many of our members had visited the auction and continued with our annual Solms Fair, we met on Saturday general meeting in which all members of the evening in order to listen to Olaf Nattenberg’s board were re-elected. Afterwards our new excellent and entertaining lecture on the Website was introduced and presented. It differences and similarities of Leica and Exakta needs to be especially mentioned that we had . It was also possible to try out some two “birthday children” with us: our dear of the collectibles that he had brought to friend Hans Ploegmakers and our “first lady” Wetzlar. The next day traditionally started Ursula Rosswog. Happy Birthday again! with Georg Mann’s enjoyable beneficial

An „Essential“ Night (p. 9 ff) On January 18, Leica invited sellers, customers by Leica. Dr Andreas Kaufmann and CEO Oliver and journalists to a “Festival of Photography”. Kaltner showed on stage the “Ur-Leica” and Joel Meyerowitz was accepted to the Leica the new M10 next to each other, before the Hall of Fame and the new was CEO presented more details of this new, presented to the public. This evening was a beautiful camera, which sports a huge pleasant mixture of professionalism, nice , cuts down the handling to the ideas and a familial charm so often nurtured essentials and is a joy to hold and touch.

Leitz Telecron 1:6.3/1200 (p. 12 ff) For a long time the “longest” lens in the Leica- was produced for more than 25 years in a System was a 400mm, first marketed in 1936 virtually unaltered version in not even 350 as an f/5 Telyt and followed by several specimens. improved models. From 1966 on, 560mm A Photokina anecdote from 1970 says that on lenses were offered as well. In 1971 a new one of the Telyt 800 prototypes the name focal length was presented: the Telyt-S “Telecron” was shown. Then, in early 2017 6.3/800 (“S” meaning “Sonderglas” = special something extraordinary surfaced: in the glass that was necessary to build a three- estate of a former Leitz employee a element design of that quality). This lens 6.3/1200mm lens was found, also named indeed offers an amazing image quality as “Telecron”. The rear part was very similar to proven by Reinhard Künkel’s pictures of the one of the Telyt 800. Towards the front it African animals. The lens came in time for the changes into a conical tube with a massive 1972 Olympics. Equipped with a Leica-R- lens head. The unusual dimensions become mount, it can still be used adapted e.g. to the clear when we look at the 120 cm length, the new Leica SL. The optical design consists of a 16 kg weight and the 22 cm front lens three element cemented achromat and was diameter. Factory documents prove that three computed by Georg Knetsch. The whole lens is prototypes were built. This achromatic three- 79 cm long and weighs 6,9 kg. The diameter of element design also was computed by Mr the front element is almost 15 cm. It can be Knetsch, but named “Telyt” on the data sheet. put apart in three parts and thus be It was originally probably planned to use the transported in a special suitcase. The middle suffix “cron”, originally introduced for the part sports a rugged handle also used as a 1953 50, in order to connect to target sight. The black paint of the body the use of special glass in the tele lens. The sometimes caused thermic problems in hot most fascinating aspect of the “Telecron” is conditions – one of the reasons why later tele that is cannot be found in any of the lenses were painted silver. The Telyt-S 6.3/800 renowned literature. Nobody seems to know

1 it. Perhaps it was some kind of “top secret” APO-Televid 82 with the new Leica SL, can lens. It was never produced in series. produce a similar magnification and 800 mm had been the longest focal length of a performance but at a much lower speed of Leica lens for quite a while, until in 2006 the effectively f/15. The relatively fast f/6.3 was Leica APO-Telyt-R 1:5.6/1600 was built as a important in times when 400 ASA film was unique specimen (two prototypes exist). considered to be the fastest low light medium, In 1948 a 1:10/1000 lens was tested but it is but it is no longer since digital sensors not known if it has ever been completed. produce a considerably better quality even at Handling such a long and heavy lens is highly much higher ISO settings. Hence nobody complicated, as is its use for photography. would think about producing such a lens Todays Digiscoping alternatives, such as the today.

The Lens Bayonet (p. 23 ff) It is always an exciting challenge, not only to 1948 by a group of Leitz designers around deal with the functionality and details of our Hugo Wehrenfennig. The patent for the M- collectibles but also to find out about the bayonet dates from 1952 (applied in 1950 reasons why some decision had been made already). Whereas most parts of the M camera and perhaps even discover some kind of were created from scratch, the M mount was “signature” of certain engineers. built around the old screwmount. When the One example is the M-bayonet which finally new bayonet was developed, they had to keep only shows some of the aspects of all its in mind several aspects: compatibility, future original design ideas. The development from reliability, compactness yet a wide mount the Leica IA to a top-class camera system was . The diameter of the opening is the one reason for its success. The bayonet surely bottleneck of the construction. Wehrenfennig was an essential interface to external contrived a solution: four recesses between periphery. Compatibility has always been each of the four interlocking wings of the lens crucial which sometimes meant restrictions bayonet, widen the bayonet aperture for engineering. The open diameter of the considerably. Interestingly, this detail was M39 screwmount for example is about 37,7 never taken into serial production. Much later, mm whereas the diagonal frame of format there was produced a very small quantity of measures 43 mm. This and the Elcan 1:1/90 mm lenses for the U.S. Military, position and gradient of the rangefinder which finally used this idea for the lens elements have basically defined the relevant bayonet. The Visoflex III prototype with the parameters that have been valid for 85 years same feature from Hugo Wehrenfennigs now. estate seems to be a one of a kind. A much The development of the M-mount, reaching larger diameter of a bayonet for 24x36 mm back until the mid-1930s, was intensified after format can be seen in the new Leica SL.

Early Leica M Lenses (p. 27 ff) Complementing the text about the M- 1.5/50 and Summarex 1.5/85 also bayonet, several early M-mount lenses are show differences to their later serial M presented. These lenses are not screwmount versions. The depicted 4/90 and versions with adapter rings but solid M-lenses, 4.5/135 unveil their peculiarities only at close dating from the earliest M mount protoyping. inspection (compare the circular part of the Especially interesting is the Summitar-M M-mount). Apart from the Hektor 6.3/28, of specimen from 1949 with an M-mounted which no M-variation is known, virtually all helicoil and two levers entirely different from lenses that were part of the system in 1949 the later prototype Summicron version. The also existed as early M-mount prototypes.

2 Lens Bayonet on a Leica I (p. 33 ff) Much earlier than 1954 Leica was dealing with Here an interesting camera is shown which the constructional elements of the M-camera. already features a bayonet mount for did some research on film- interchangeable lenses. It is a modification on transport levers, hinged back covers and a basis of a Leica IA, that uses recesses to grant non-rotating -speed dial for light-meter a straight insertion up to the beginning of the coupling as early as the 1930s. contact point of the screw mount flange.

Three Lenses on a Leica (p. 35ff) A Dr. Bawendi article in VIDOM 107 explains stored inside the camera bag, and it that using the OROLF lens revolver made it additionally averts the handling disadvantages possible to mount three M-lenses on one of the lens revolver. The Benser holder with camera. Additional information was provided the two additional lenses support the in VIDOM 108 and 109. In practical use the photographer when holding the camera revolver had some disadvantages, though. steady. There are several tricks to mount even However, there has been another method to unusual lenses on the holder. The included attach three lenses to an M-body and still be images show different ways of usage. Perhaps able to change them rapidly, namely the the relatively high original price of the item Benser lens holder (cf. advertisement on p. (comparable to a mirror finder of that era) 38). Analog M cameras from model M4, can prevented it from being more successful. The be retrofitted with the necessary hang-in pin inventor of the Benser lens holder, Walter (for CTOOM bracket originally), since the Benser, was a member of Leica Historica until holder needs to be attached underneath the he passed away in 2002. bottom cover (not instead of it). This lens Addition: Although the new M10 has the same holder has never become very popular, thickness as the analogue M-cameras, the despite being highly practical. Changing the holder cannot be used, since the tripod socket lens is slower than with the revolver but is not located at the same place anymore. considerably faster than with lenses that are

Summaron 1946 – addendum to VIDOM 111 (p. 41f) In VIDOM 111 the unusual earliest “Summaron” in 1946 and were internally 3.5/35 version of 1949 was presented. Here delivered within the Leitz Factory, e.g. design we’d like to show you another, even earlier department. It would be nice to find out if Summaron lens. other early Summaron types are known. The mount of this lens resembles its P.S.: Our Vienna based member Peter Coeln predecessor, the Elmar 3.5/35 much closer. was able to confirm that he had seen three The serial number 594.855 is engraved on the lenses of the 1949 serial number group DoF-ring and actually this number is one of a mentioned in VIDOM 111, which all were of group of three which were used for the later, regular type.

Tropical Cases (p. 43ff) Not a lot is known about the aluminium cans the “tropical case”. Even at the time when from the 30s in which classic screwmount they were sold, they were not mentioned in lenses were packed. They are, however, highly lists or catalogues and we do not know a interesting and in some cases extremely rare. telegram word for them. Hence, we might ask: Neither van Hasbroeck nor Rogliatti write Why were they built and how were they sold? about those “cans”. Lager at least mentions And which cultural-historical background is

3 hidden behind the term “tropical case”? request. Other items, such as the metal ever- Tropical areas, located within a 5000 km belt ready case MBROO (but only in the 1950s), on both sides of the equator, have been an also helped to protect from water or impact exotic dream since the late 19th century, damage. The same is true for the “tropical especially for artists who wanted to start cases” that were available until the late 1930s. anew in some kind of paradise. Painters, Today we know of nine versions for nine authors and songwriters have used this theme classic lenses (see list on p. 49). They are made for their works. Technological progress made from very thin aluminium. The cap bears the this whole excitement possible. Travelling had type of lens that each variation was made for. become plan- and comfortable. Tourism was There is no velvet inside and each case only triggered by modern steamships. Thus, weighs a few grams. Can-like cases were not photography became an important aspect as new for Leitz, microscopic eyepieces and film well and camera manufacturers sensed a new cassettes had been sold in those cases before. field of activity (cf. advertisements). The distribution of the “tropical cases” Photographic literature also started to deal remains mysterious. Perhaps customers with with the topic providing hints for taking particular professions received their lenses photos in the tropes. It seemed, however, that inside those cases, or they were a special Leitz had missed the train when Paul Sieg service for Leica agencies in those areas due wrote in his book that the Leica would not to the climatic conditions. withstand the tropical condition, which is not Anyway, their available number today should entirely true since Leitz did build special be very small and often their cultural- versions of their cameras on customer historical meaning is not recognized.

The Leitz Iris-Microscope (p. 54ff) As well all know the roots of the Leica can be eyes. The special version of the Elmar 1:4/90 found in microscopy. Even after the first Leica with pre-set aperture sometimes is called camera had been marketed, microscopes still “Ophthalmic”. The images show all the were an important business for Leitz. Hence it important details clearly. The design dates is not surprising that there were quite a few back to 18. August, 1951 (recording device) or items that combined microscopy and the 13. November, 1953 (pre-set aperture) Leica. One of those special objects is the “Leitz respectively. The iris-microscope was used by Irismikroskop”, a binocular magnifying device ophthalmologists as well as naturopaths as mounted on big monopod with a table-top shown on the photos of a fair (p. 60) that was and lit by a slit lamp. A Leica M with VISOFLEX held by Leitz around 1970. could be used to take photos of the patient’s

Leica’s First Digital Camera (p. 60ff) In 1996 Leica presented their first digital needed a high-end PC equipment of the late camera, the S1. The sensor and electronics 90s. The S1 works as a scanning camera and were designed by Dr. Volker Zimmer and his needed about 185 seconds for one image, team, while mechanics of the body by Rolf predominantly used for reproduction. The Crema (shaping of the handles by Burkhard 36x36mm² sensor scanned every in three Kiesel). Due to several adapters, a whole colours, so interpolation was not necessary. variety of lenses could be used on the S1, 1500 serial numbers were originally assigned, including medium format lenses. With its high but only about 150-160 units were completed. resolution, the S1 enables professional The interview with the designer Rolf Crema photographers to print 43x43cm² at 300 dpi reports about some anecdotes. and effectively much bigger, but this also

4 Wollensak Lenses for Leica Cameras (p. 66ff) At the end of WW II Leitz had reduced the “ New York” camera were production drastically and the few things that of Leica III, the hole of the slow speed dial were built went into military use. Leitz New covered with a circular metal plate instead. In York, however, decided to build lenses for the 1950, the 50/3.5 was no longer available and American market. The lens heads were built the tele lenses were renamed “Raptar” and by Wollensak, Rochester, the helicoils by Leitz “Raptar Series II”, before production was New York. Three different focal lengths were stopped in 1951. A very rare 50/4.5 was developed. The first lenses were marketed in mainly used for enlargers. Exact numbers are 1944, a “Leica Anastigmat 127/4.5” (a 5-inch unknown but we can estimate a total number lens that closed down to f/45) and a today of 121.800 Wollensak lenses. A special version pretty rare “Hektor 50/2.8”. A wide-angle lens of the VIOOH viewfinder was sold which also was rejected by Leitz New York. In 1945, a offered a 12,7cm setting (IMFIN). All “Wollensak Velostigmat 90/4.5” was Wollensak lenses use A36 filters. On most suggested and a coated 127mm lens version lenses distance scales use feet, only some use as well as a modified 50/2.8 were called meters which indicates that those few lenses “Velostigmat”, but the 50mm later was were sold outside the US. After Leitz in replaced by a 50/3.5 which used an anti- Wetzlar had re-installed full production, the clockwise aperture control. The body-shells of American lenses were no longer made.

The “Ur-Leica” Retouch (p. 71ff) This early image (p. 71) of the “Ur-Leica” even might detect some kind of social shows the camera in an unsual ¾ view and is message in those lines, in which “remaining probably the first “Ur-Leica” picture of the values” are mentioned, something that was Ernst Leitz advertisement department. considered highly important in that era. The entire background is painted; shadows The angle the camera is depicted in (falling and light support the depiction of the shape. from left to right) is the opposite to the usual The camera itself is photographed rather way of showing cameras in Leitz literature. simple and even soft. In a 1950 brochure, in Since there is no date given but several which this image was used, we find a numbers are on the back. Perhaps, a LH marketing statement referring to the UR-Leica member could try start further research on in the sense that it was used for ten years, that topic. before the Leica was finally launched. We

The upcoming Leica Historica Fall Meeting 2017 will take place on 14. and 15. October, this time in Wetzlar. You are warmly welcome!

Hotel Wetzlarer Hof | Gastro GmbH & Co. KG Obertorstr. 3 | D-35578 Wetzlar Tel.: +49 (0) 6441 9080 | [email protected]

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