Serial no.N/A,1965,Condition A-
Leitz Wetzlar rare original factory prototype M-camera with built-in TTL light meter. This camera was projected around 1965 as M4. However, research and development took another six years, until the camera was finally launched as M5. Already giving the idea of the later M5 design, the camera shows many differences in individual technical details, such as the rewind-crank operated from the camera body side, instead from the top plate, through-the-lens metering.This particular camera is published in Paul Henry van Hasbroeck "Leica, an illustrated history, revised and updated edition", on plate XXXIV of the colour plates. Complete with Leitz Wetzlar prototype lens 1:2/50 Nr. 0000460. The lens head is of an early experimental state, with diaphragmindex hand-engraved. Most probably from optical bench testing. Optical formula B679. Leitz produced three such lens heads with serial numbers 0000459-0000461 between November 1960 and February 1961. The lens head here mounted in a later serial production helicoil from Summilux 50mm. This camera and lens have been authenticated by Lars Netopil.