LENS-DB.COM

Specification

Manufacturer description #1

From the LEICA photography magazine (1965, No. 3):

A new model of the Leica - the Leica MD - has recently been announced. Specifically designed with the needs of science and industry in mind, it is primarily for use with the Focoslide, Visoflex Reflex Housing and the Micro-Ibso attachment for micro scopes. It will replace the Leica M1.

The MD provides for in-camera frame identification of each negative when desired. This is done by means of an accessory special baseplate and thin, transparent plastic strips on which information can be written. A light-tight slot in the special baseplate permits the plastic strip to be inserted so that it covers one end of the film gate, across the short dimension and between the lens and the film. Thus, anything written on the plastic is imaged directly on the negative at the time of exposure.

The new Leica model, like the M1 it replaces, has shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th with built-in flash synchronization, manually set exposure counter dial and other features. Since it has an accessory shoe, the camera can also be used for general photography with Optical Bright-Line Finders and any bayonet-mounting Leica lens designed for rangefinder use. Lenses however, must be focused by scale.

The MD has no viewfinder, since viewing with the Focoslide, Visoflex and Micro-Ibso is done on a ground-glass screen.

Price of the Leica MD, with standard baseplate and without lens, (Catalog No. 10,101) is $176.00. The Special Base Plate (Catalog No. 14,131) for use with plastic identification strips is $17.00. The plastic negative marking strips (Catalog No. 14,132) are $7.00 per package of 100 strips.

Manufacturer description #2

Compact all-metal body with hinged back and carrying eyelets on each side, top- and base plates chromium plated, tripod thread 1/4".

Quick-change bayonet lens mount.

Shutter speed knob engages at each setting.

Focal plane shutter with speeds of 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. and time exposures of any length.

Rapid-winding lever with double exposure lock for the transport coupled with the shutter winding mechanism.

Film counter disc.

Film indicator.

Extending rewind knob.

Accessory shoe for special finders and other devices.

Separate contact bushes for flashbulbs and electronic flash.

Take-up spool.

Film marking device as accessory, consisting of special base-plate with carrier for marking tapes.

Manufacturer description #3

As LEICA M1, but without viewfinder, equipped for the use of the marking device.

Serial Nos. from 1 102 501 onwards.

Leica MD special editions (1)

• Leica MD Grey Hammertone (10 units) - 1964

Similar cameras (1)