Comparative table of Leica screw mount cameras

The Leica is one of the smallest and lightest cameras of its type. The camera body measures 136.5 x 57.2 x 31.8mm (early models are 3mm shorter). The standard lens projects 12.7mm from the body (when collapsed). The Leica weighs 425g, a loaded film chamber 55g. Its body is die-cast, and covered with hard vulcanized rubber.

The negative material employed is standard 35mm cine-film giving up to 36 exposures on a single load of film.

All models have a self-capping focal plane shutter made from rubberized cloth, which has proved its perfect durability under all conditions from tropical heat to arctic cold. Film- and shutter-winding mechanism are coupled, so that unintentional double exposures are impossible.

An optical direct vision viewfinder indicates the image. The rangefinder is (from Model II on) built in. One single operation measures the distances between camera and object and focuses the lens. A depth of field indicator is on each lens, giving immediately the depth of field with the lens set at any distance.

The standard 50mm Leica lens is interchangeable and a full range of special lenses is available affording the widest variation on focal length, aperture and scope.