Leica half–frame prototype

Uniquely small size half-frame 35mm film camera made by the Leitz engineers with internally mounted Compur-type leaf shutter, 80-exposure counter dial, front mounted shutter speed dial, half-frame viewfinder, red painted vulcanite, baseplate engraved 'Helmut Schäfer Wetzlar', modified Elmar 3.5/3.5cm no.643423

ex Christie's auction July 1989 (the catalogue shows a photographer using this camera c.1948)
this camera is also on the cover of the LHSA Viewfinder magazine Vol. 22 No.4 1989

Photo credit: © WestLicht Photographica Auction