Fed 1a modified

Hi Luiz! (and all friends...)

I have taken some more pictures to enlighten the discussion (if possible!).
First, the rectangular window, the "scale" window.









From the top: 1933 Leica F (IIIa), 1932 Leica D (II), 1935 Fed 1a # 5330, 1935 Fed 1a # 4642 (the one in question).

We can see that the metallurgy of the Leicas is different: the corners are neater and more square.
As for the measurements, in millimeters (glass only):
- 10x6,5 (Leica IIIa),
- 9,5x6 (Leica II),
- 9x6 (the two 1a-s).

By the metallurgy and these measurements, I think that the cover of this 1a # 4642 is really a Fed one.

Now, about that famous speed dial.



On this first picture, the dials of the IIIa and of the Fed 1a (#4642) with its screw. The diameters are exactly the same (13mm).



Here, you have the dials of the 1a # 5330 with the 1a # 4642. That time, the diameters are different: 15mm for the 1a (like any original 1932 Leica II). But later Leicas II will have a 13mm dial too, because of standardization of the production with the IIIa.

So, I think that the speed dial comes from a Leica model F (or IIIa), or a later Leica II (from 1934, if I remember).

If I sum up: speed dial, tip of rangefinder, shutter box coming from early Leicas; cover, two plates and belt from the original Fed 1a.
The question of the lens is unsolved.
As for the inside of the cover, I agree with Luiz: there must be Leica parts for the rangefinder. But I don't want to dismount: I fear scratches on the beautiful chrome as I don't have the correct tools.

Always about the rangefinder, the contrast is very dim. But it seems correctly regulated. I will say more after some photos!

Amitiйs. Jacques.

No revolution about this camera...
But I have just weighed the different parts and some results are curious:

For this 1a # 4642:
Baseplate only: 43g, lens only: 106g; body without baseplate: 350g.

For the 1a # 5330:
Baseplate only: 48g, lens only: 106g; body without baseplate: 366g.

I don't understand why there are such differences for the bodies...

Something else: when looking closely, the chrome appears much finer than on the other "chromed" 1a (at least those I know). So perhaps it was made at the factory, as Luiz suggests, for a special order?

I shoot some photos with it...

Amitiйs. Jacques.