Leica I
What was the standard before the standard really became standard? For film photography, it's hard to argue that 35mm film, with its 3:2 aspect ratio, isn't the standard. Even in the 21st century, "full frame" digital camera sensors replicate the image size of a 36mm x 24mm film negative. Although Oskar Barnack didn't create the first 35mm still film camera, he is credited with making it popular with the Leica I.
Released in 1925, the Leica I was about as simple as a camera could get. A small, pocket-sized camera body with a 50mm f/3.5 lens fixed to the front and using only zone focusing, the Leica I offered no frills or distractions to get in the way of the photography. What the Leica I offered its users was a small, purpose-built machine for getting the most out of Leitz's superb 50mm lens.
The Leica I remained in production until 1931 before it was replaced with the Leica II, which had a coupled rangefinder window in addition to the viewfinder window. Before it gave way to its successor, a version of the Leica I was fitted with a screw mount lens fitting. This allowed different focal length Leitz lenses to be mounted and ushered in the era of the camera system.
While these little cameras weren't quite the first 35mm film cameras available, the Leica I remains desirable and, with service, extremely capable even a century after they first hit the shelves. Although they may be difficult to find, the Leica I is a camera worthy of searching for. Using one is like stepping back in time and discovering the beginnings of a standard.
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