My Grandfather's Leica

When my Grandfather passed away in 1982, he left his Leica camera to my father. Unfortunately it sat in a draw and was forgotten for 33 years until recently when they moved house.  However just two weeks ago I was in New Zealand and finally the camera was given to me. You can understand my excitement, especially being a Leica fan. In the past I  have owned an M4, M6 an R4, R4s R 7 and an R8 so this camera became a new member of the family. Without boring you with camera nerd details, I tracked the serial number to between 1952 and 1953 when it was made so it is about 63 years old. The model is likely a IIIF.

​ The real thrill was feeling 14 years old again when I bought my first camera. All I did was load a film and shoot. The camera has no light meter so I guessed the exposure. I had this deep anticipation as if Christmas was coming when I went to the lab and looked at the developed images.     But the most amazing thing in the end were the pictures that came out. They  were fantastic. It was as if Monday last week had gone back 63 years in time.

​ I would love to hear your thoughts and if you similar stories please share them.

Leica UK