Rangefinder Camera Prototype

Prototype of a 35 mm rangefinder camera from unknown manufacturer, with metal focal plane shutter. With retractable Meyer Görlitz Primotar 5,4 cm f/3.5 Nr. 753897, in originally coupled Leica M39 screw mount. The camera is equipped with a Leitz M39 thread lens flange, over which another ring with a pitch is placed, which operates an external range finder coupling. The distance scale of the lens, as well as the slide with the setting scale for the exposure times on the camera body were obviously hand-engraved. Internal frame counter with viewing window on topplate top. Coupled shutter winding and film transport, by means of a slide on the back. Top- and baseplate made of light metal. The original body cover made of genuine leather is largely missing. We are not aware of any other examples of such a camera or a retractable Meyer Primotar 5,4 cm lens. Unusual, interesting design! Included: Meyer lens cap made of leather. Literature: Hartmut Thiele, "Großes Fabrikationsbuch Meyer-Optik", 2. Auflage, p. 114 (The serial number range of the lens is indicated there with year 1936).