Military Leicas have been a source of fascination
from the beginning of collecting interest in the cameras. There has been much
misunderstanding and, since military cameras command a premium, much
misrepresentation. The majority of cameras manufactured at Wetzlar during the
war were not intend for any particular branch of the armed forces. Civilian
production did not cease in Germany until the war was halfway through, unlike
Britain where it generally ended in 1940. After 1942 the whole output went to
government agencies. It was about this time too that, due to shortages of
chromium, cameras were finished in grey paint instead. The paint had no military
significance whatever.
It seems that most cameras intended for official use were sent to a government
purchasing agency in Berlin. Any additional engraving was done after the cameras
were handed over, probably by the service concerned. The exception was the
Luftwafe who were major users of Leicas cameras and bought at least a proportion
of them direct from the factory.
Army Leicas might be marked "HEER" (Army), or "W.H."
for Wermacht Heer.
Camera is in fully working order. COMPLETE SET:
○ Camera body
○
Elmar 50mm f3,5
○
Take up spool
○
Case
○ Front lens cap Accessories for Leica Cameras
