The Leica collectors guide, 1925-1960

the long version

For many years we have been publishing individual Leitz General Catalogues dated from 1931 to 1958. However, it was not until we actually published a complete Code Word List, as in "Leica - The First 50 years" that we appreciated the demand for an illustrated index. After considerable preparation we condensed the 2000 word index down to an effective approximate 400 code words that could be illustrated satisfactorily; it was pointless for instance, showing the multiplicity of filters and projection sundries. We then sub-divided the illustrations into groups: Cameras Lenses Close-Up & Copy Equipment Viewfinders & Rangefinders Small Accessories Processing & Printing Equipment Stereo Equipment Flash Guns & Exposure Meters The groups were then split alphabetically and have proved to form a very handy Leica Compendium. The Copy Closeup section in its own right, is just under 180 illustrations. This guide now makes it practicable to identify a piece of equipment to a code or to fit an illustration to a known code.