Leica MS

On the occasion of the so-called Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962), the U.S. Military wanted a 35mm camera that could be operated with one hand for aerial reconnaissance. The camera subsequently developed by Leitz Canada consisted of a camera body with attached large see-through viewfinder frame lines for 90 and 135 mm focal lengths. Fixed focus versions of the Summicron 90 mm and Elmarit 135 mm lenses were developed in special mounts. A mechanical or electric winder was also part of the system, the operation of which also served to release the camera. This system enabled single-handed operation with gloves and a helmet from the cockpit. The cameras were equipped with three short exposure times of 1/250, 1/500 and 1/1000 sec. only and were finished in a hammertone gray paint. In total, only ten specimens of the Leica MS were made, five of which were initially sent to the U.S. NAVY for testing purposes in 1964. The surviving “Technical Report” from the U.S. Naval Photographic Centre, Research and Development Department, dated May 23rd 1966, contains a summary report on the tests with the Leica MS in use. As a result, the decision was made against procurement of this camera model. The camera offered here with Leitz New York electric motordrive No. 02523 with a special hand grip, see-through viewfinder and Fixfocus Summicron 90 mm f/2 Nr. 2068797. An extreme rarity and never before offered at auction as such a complete outfit.

Included: Technical Report (copy).

Literature: James L. Lager, „Leica, an illustrated History“, Vol. I (cameras), p. 222ff.; Lars Netopil, "Rare Leica", p. 388ff.