“Today is worth two tomorrows” is a philosophy that resonates with those of us who work with film. When playing with the Leica 0-series replica, the anticipation of what the photos will look like adds to the excitement of tomorrow. The Leica 0 series camera takes Leica’s slow and portable philosophy to the extreme, allowing us to use simple equipment to capture the complexities of life.
Recently, I found myself reaching for the smallest Leica camera to give my neck a rest from the weight of my Leica 50/0.95. The compact size of the Leica 0-series replica makes it even smaller than today’s smartphones, but it still delivers a sturdy outer shell and a pure Leica lens.
From the moment I first held the Leica 0-series replica, I was captivated. This camera is a replica of Leica’s 0-series prototype, which sold for a record-breaking $2.16 million at the WestLicht Photographica auction in Vienna, making it the world’s most expensive camera.
Although the limited edition Leica Correspondent camera with black lacquer and a brass top is beautiful, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss because the leather still looks new. I believe that just like film, cameras should have a life, and their leather should show a sense of age. That’s why I prefer to use cameras that naturally age, even if it’s difficult to find them. Let’s start with the Leica 0-series replica and let it age gracefully.
Slow Philosophy
The concept of “slow” is relative and depends on the context. During the era when the Leica 0 was introduced, it was considered a fast photography tool. However, when compared to the later screw-mount and M-series cameras, it may seem slow in some aspects.
For instance, after taking a shot with the Leica 0, you need to put the lens cap back on. Additionally, changing the shutter speed requires a small action, as explained in detail later in this article. Also, you must hold down the shutter while winding the film back. Other than these three points, the Leica 0 is used similarly to screw-mount cameras like the Leica IIIG.
It’s worth noting that once you advance the film on the Leica 0, you should take a shot right away, or you may not be able to change the shutter speed to suit the next environment. This sense of urgency can be challenging in situations like the subway, where you may need to force yourself to release the slow shutter. This urgency is similar to Haruki Murakami’s approach of using a big stick to beat the bushes and force inspiration to fly like a bird.
The Leica 0 replica’s folding viewfinder with a rangefinder is impressive, while the Banack version features a long Galilean viewfinder. The Leica 0-series uses a 50mm f3.5 lens, which requires some experience for blind shooting, as the 50mm angle of view is not very wide.
- To fully maximize the potential of this vintage camera, it is important to develop good operating habits, such as:
- After winding the film, avoid leaving the camera on standby as the shutter speed cannot be changed. In case of changes in lighting conditions, this may result in photos that are not desirable, which is different from other cameras.
- Trim the spare film in advance before using it.
- When installing a new roll of film, ensure that the protrusion on the film aligns with the notch on the spindle to ensure proper installation. Instead of using the spindle to locate the notch, you can use the notch to locate the protrusion on the spindle.
- Always remember to open the lens cover before taking a photo, and cover it after winding the film. This simple mantra is worth remembering.
- It may take some practice and skill to use a 0-type camera effectively, but the stunning results make it all worthwhile.
The Leica 0-series camera utilized the Anastigmat 50 3.5 lens, which was originally designed by Berek in 1920. Despite rumors of it containing 5 elements in 4 groups, the lens actually consisted of 4 elements in 3 groups, similar to the Elmar lens. The reissued version of this lens also features 4 elements in 3 groups, but boasts a new design and coated glass. Compared to the original, it is said to offer improved contrast and sharpness when used at full aperture, and can be favorably compared to the Summicron 50 f2.
Following the Anastigmat 50 3.5 lens, designer Berek created the Elmax 50 3.5 lens, which featured an additional lens element, resulting in a total of 5 elements in 3 groups. However, due to legal issues, the name was eventually changed to Elmar 50 3.5. Early versions of the Elmar lens utilized the Elmax design with 5 elements, but later iterations switched to a 4-element, 3-group design.
The Leica special edition Oskar Barnack 1879-2004 Jubilee Edition Set marks the 125th birthday of Oskar Barnack (1879-1936), the designer of the first 35mm Leica camera.
