Leica with a Canon lens? Occupied Japan Case

**Antique Hoosier** · 06-06-2012, 04:40 PM

Came across this old camera and purchased it for $100 on a whim. It is a Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetlar? No.201942
It is in a very vintage leather wrap marked Canon and Made in Occupied Japan.
The lens is a Canon camera Co No 23695 Serenar 50mm and appears to fit well as if made for the Leica body.

Any ideas on this one? Figured I might give it a try at that price. not sure if it is really collectible or not.

**Compaq** · 06-06-2012, 04:47 PM

If I'm not much mistaken, Leica utilises the "M mount". Canon has several lenses with M mount that can be fitted on some Leica rangefinders. In the same way, leica optics can be placed on some Canon interchangeable lens rangefinder, such as Canon 7.

Maybe I'm wrong, but that is my bests guess. I'm no expert :)

**Legion** · 06-06-2012, 07:00 PM

That is a Leica IIIa made in 1936, from that serial number.

The canon lens substitution is common. In the early days Canon began making cheap Leica "copies", and of course the Japanese lens was much less expensive than a German one. (Nikon made Contax copies). The funny part is, these days the Canon Lens is probably rarer and more valuable than the Leica lens. If it works I think $100 is a good price. They are fun cameras to play with.

**Legion** · 06-06-2012, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Compaq

If I'm not much mistaken, Leica utilises the "M mount". Canon has several lenses with M mount that can be fitted on some Leica rangefinders. In the same way, leica optics can be placed on some Canon interchangeable lens rangefinder, such as Canon 7.

Maybe I'm wrong, but that is my bests guess. I'm no expert :)

That Camera does not have the M mount, it is a screw in one. But yes, they were interchangeable as you say.

I have had several of those old Leica III, in different forms. This picture was taken with one very similar to yours.

**Compaq** · 06-07-2012, 01:54 AM

Interesting shot!

Thanks for the clarification, legion. Rangefinders sure are pretty, and old Leicias are just beautiful.

**Legion** · 06-07-2012, 02:33 AM

Originally Posted by Compaq

Interesting shot!

Thanks for the clarification, legion. Rangefinders sure are pretty, and old Leicias are just beautiful.

They sure are well made.

This thread inspired me to go hunting through some boxes and I have a IIIc sitting on my desk next to me now. The fit and finish of these machines, which are now well over 60 years old... Modern stuff just doesn't compare.

When I was a student my camera was a Leica M3, and that was even better, then I got an M6. I've not been lucky enough to play with a M9, but I could never justify dropping that sort of money on anything digital. That is going to be worthless in five years! A film Leica could be justified as a lifetime investment.

**Edcculus** · 06-07-2012, 05:15 AM

Looks like a pretty sweet find. I'd dust it off, make sure everything is working properly and run some film through it. Ive never owned a Leica, but I just picked up a Voigtlander Vitomatic IIa rangefinder which dates back to the 60's. The thing is a tank, and I suspect it will be around for another 50 years.