Leica Cutaways: Functional Works of Art They can’t take pictures, but they embody the image of Leica precision
By Jason Schneider
A cutaway camera (Schnittmodel auf Deutsch) is created by disassembling the camera, cutting away sections of the outer body to reveal its inner workings, then reassembling the mechanical components in their original places so their functions can be observed. Leica made far more cutaway models than any other camera company, and creating them to a high standard undoubtedly required more time and work by master machinists than manufacturing a brand-new camera from scratch. Their primary object was to showcase Leica precision in a compelling way to potential customers, and in so doing to reinforce the image of Leica as the standard of excellence.
To give you a better idea of why Leitz embarked upon this project, here’s a charmingly emphatic quote from a mid ‘30s flyer promoting the idea to dealers under the heading “CUT MODELS OF THE LEICA.”
“Here is an item which every dealer should have without fail---a sectional model of the LEICA showing its interior in detail. Let the prospective customer actually SEE what he is buying. Let him be convinced of the precision and superiority of the LEICA. Prove it to him. This cut model is complete in every detail; it works, and by means of it, a thorough study of the mechanical features can be closely studied. The Cut Model usually cinches the purchase. Have one without fail in your showcase---you will have many requests for closer examination. Cut Model of Leica…………………………………………………… $25.00 NET NOW IS THE TIME TO START IN ON THE SUMMER TRADE. SECURE THIS MATERIAL FROM US RIGHT AWAY. You will later on agree that you were wise in heeding this last call before the high season.”
This impassioned pitch is hardly a masterpiece of English prose and it’s replete with the casual sexism of the day, but it presents a clear picture of why Leica was committed to offering a wide variety of cutaway cameras and making sure they were prominently displayed by Leica dealers. The going net price for the cutaway Leica IIIa referenced above was $25.00 net, not an insubstantial sum for a promotional display item in the depth of the Great Depression, and far more expensive than a comparable dummy version, which was only $7.50. An earlier dealer brochure lists the price of a Cut Leica Model D (aka model II) at $30.00 net, and a Model F (aka model III) at a whopping $40.00. We were unable to find a reference for the price Leitz charged for a less audacious Leica I (Model A) cutaway a few years earlier but we suspect it was around $25. To incentivize the purchase of cutaway Leicas (and dummies) by dealers, Leitz offered generous buyback and upgrade programs. Here’s an official policy statement excerpted from a ’30s dealer catalog:
“NOTE…THE PHANTOM (Dummy) AND CUT MODEL LEICAS CAN BE RETURNED FOR FULL CREDIT AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE.”
Leica offered a wide variety of cutaway models to dealers well into the ‘80s and we’ve included enticing photos of cutaway Leica IIIf, IIIg, M2, M3, M4, M5 and analog CL cameras as exquisite examples—all timeless works of art created by master machinists. We’ve also included a picture of an amazing “stacked exploded view,” model of a semi-disassembled non-working Leica R3 MOT of circa 1978 to give you an idea of how the cutaway concept could evolve. We’re confident that the prices Leica charged dealers for cutaway models steadily increased over the years, but alas we’ve been unable to unearth any hard data.
Theoretically, cutaway cameras are dealer display artifacts that were never intended to be sold on the open market, but given the proclivities of dealers and collectors alike, such things do happen. However, if you’re planning to acquire a Leica cutaway, you’d better have deep pockets. Here are some asking prices for Leica cutaways currently posted on a leading online auction site: Leica M4, $6,999.00; Leica M6, $5,857.09, Leica M3 Null Series prototype, $10,750.00; Leica III black, $15,026; and Leica M3, $3,895.87. Looking for a bargain? How about a Leica R5 cutaway for a paltry 750 bucks. With prices like these one wonders, are there any fake Leica cutaways out there? Our succinct advice to prospective purchasers: caveat emptor.
A tip of the lens cap to the incomparable James Lager for providing all the photos accompanying this article.