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Specification

Manufacturer description #1

Model I Leica (also known as the Model C) is similar to Standard Model, but rewind knob does not lift up. No rangefinder. Some cameras have the letter "O" engraved on the lens flange (visible when the lens is removed from the camera). This indicates that the lens flange is standardized and any of the interchangeable lenses can be used. Leica cameras Model I that do not have the "O" mark on the lens flange have to be sent to the Leica Service Department if it is intended to use additional interchangeable lenses.

Manufacturer description #2

Available from 1930: Camera with screw mount for interchangeable lenses. Lens flange and lens screw mount not yet standardized.

Available from 1931: Lens flange and lens mount standardized in models from Serial No. 60500 onward.

From the editor

The Leica I (Model C) - Leica's first interchangeable-lenses camera - was released in 1930 but its great disadvantage was that each interchangeable lens had to be individually adapted to a specific camera at the factory and identified by having the camera's serial number (or the last three digits) engraved on each lens. Starting with the 1931 models, the Leica I (Model C) had a standardized flange focal distance of 28.8mm, which enabled all lenses to be used on all cameras. Standardized bodies had an "O" engraved at the twelve o'clock position on the lens flange.

About 10,226 units were made from 1930 to 1933. Early bodies (1930-1931 to serial No. 60500, total 2,995) had non-standard flange focal distance, later bodies (total 7,231) were standardized.

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