Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Leica M1

The M1 was introduced as a camera primarily for use with the Visoflex reflex housing, or on a microscope. It lacked the rangefinder of all previous M models, and had framelines for the 35 and 50 mm lenses only. Early cameras have button rewind release, later cameras have lever. All M1's were finished in chrome, except for small batches finished in olive green for the military.

A Leica M2 body with lever rewind.

Production figures by year and camera finish:

Year	Chrome	Olive
1959	3235	-0-
1960	-0-	50
1961	2145	75
1962	1566	-0-
1963	1370	-0-
1964	1117	83
Total	9442	208