Vintage legendary Leica Ia film camera w. Elmar 3.5/50mm lens, produced 1925-1935, in fine full working order.
The Leica IA is a classic 35mm rangefinder-less camera introduced by Leitz in 1926, representing one of the earliest milestones in the history of miniature photography. Built on the foundation of Oskar Barnack’s pioneering design, the Leica IA established the 24×36mm film format on standard 35mm cinema stock, setting the standard for modern photography.
This particular example is fitted with the Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens, a collapsible optic designed by Max Berek and introduced in 1926 alongside the camera. Known for its sharpness, contrast, and compactness, the Elmar 50mm became synonymous with Leica’s reputation for optical excellence. The collapsible design allows the camera to remain pocketable, a revolutionary concept at the time.
The Leica IA features:
A solid brass body covered in vulcanite for durability and grip
A top-mounted optical viewfinder for accurate framing
Knob wind film advance and manual rewind system
Horizontally running cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 sec plus “Z” (time exposure)
The iconic “Leitz Elmar 1:3.5 F=50mm” lens, collapsible into the body for portability
Collectible and historically significant, the Leica IA with Elmar 3.5/50mm lens represents the birth of modern 35mm photography. Its engineering precision, compact form, and optical performance set the standard that would influence camera design for decades to come.
