Leica CL Prototype

The famous Leica CL prototype shows the camera in the early stage of development, already in the general shape of the serial production Leica CL, but all the parts are actually exclusive to this prototype. A closer inspection reveals many unique design solutions, like the rangefinder window integrated with the viewfinder, unique back door with a special closing mechanism and opening for the tripod mount (screwed directly into the chassis). With 73.5mm height and 117mm wide the body is also more compact than the production camera (76mm and 120mm accordingly). This experimental Leica CL (marked with blue stickers “2” on the top plate and inside of the back door) is also the only prototype finished in black paint.

Included with this special Leica CL is a prototype Summicron 2/50 engraved with optical formula C241 - a unique construction without a counterpart in the Leica lineup.

This Leica CL prototype outfit was shown in Lager I “Cameras” on page 249 and in Vidom no.118 on the cover and pages 48-52.

Photo credit: © Leitz Photographica Auction