In 1979, Leica produced two very special cameras, an M4-2 with a 50mm f1.4 Summilux and an R3 Electronic with the 50mm f1.4 Summilux-R. What made these cameras special was the fact that there were only 1,000 of each and that they were gold plated. The cameras were to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Oscar Barnack’s birth. Each camera had the dates and a facsimile of Barnack’s signature engraved on the back. The cameras are also individually engraved with the number from the series. My M4-2 is number 100-0535 and the R3 is 100-581. In addition to the gold plating the cameras are covered in a snakeskin covering.
Perhaps a little flashy for some people but I smile every time I see them. Here’s why; they were a gift. Many years ago, on my birthday, I came home from work and walked past the wall unit that covers one side of our living room. The wall unit has high intensity lamps mounted in the top. They were on and the cameras were sparkling in the light. My boss, who had bought the cameras new, had smuggled them into my house and into the wall unit. Thanks Denny.
This Old Camera 