[Leica] IMG: Early Flash Adaptation by E. Leitz N.Y.

[jhnichols at lighttube.net (Jim Nichols)]

My first Leica was bought, used, from Salem Camera Shop in Dayton, OH, in 
1952.  It was unusual, because it had been adapted for flashbulb 
synchronization by E. Leitz N.Y.  Though I sold the flashgun to another list 
member, I still have the camera and synchronizer.

The synchronizer is built into a special baseplate.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Leica+IIIa+with+Flash+Synchronizer.jpg.html

The wheel on the bottom of the shutter shaft was modified by the addition of 
a milled slot.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Slot+in+Shutter+Post+Wheel.jpg.html

The two parts were synchronized by a pin on the rotating part of the 
synchronizer.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Connecting+Pin+to+Synchronizer.jpg.html
This pin fit into the milled slot, and the two parts could only be joined 
with the shutter released.

The synchronizer had a slide adjustment that was used to match the sync to 
the shutter speed in use.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Slide+Adjustment+for+Shutter+Speed.jpg.html
The red line corresponded to 1/200 of a second.

Each unit was customized for the camera, and the camera serial number was 
inscribed on the unit.

I used this system for a number of years, and it never failed to deliver.  
Here is a Kodachrome shot with fill flash, from 1953.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Cigar+Box/Donna02sm+53.jpg.html

The Christmas Season always brings on nostalgia. ;~)

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA