Can you identify this camera?

c.poulton · 08-31-2006

I can across this shot when doing some research on an old archaeological dig that had taken place in Greece in the 60s + 70s.

The picture was taken in 1972. I believe the camera is a Leica, but which one - a black M3? Any ideas on this one?

For all you excavation lovers out there, this is the link to the site where I found the image: http://www.geocities.com/btse1/halieis.html

payasam · 08-31-2006

Does seem to be a Leica, but the image is not clear when magnified. Is there a Leicameter attached on top? Is there something sticking out of the shutter release? The tee shirt, though, takes me back to those days.

c.poulton · 09-01-2006

It's very difficult to tell but you could be right about the light meter.

What surprised me was that usually on archaeological digs you would use a large format technical camera, which they did have - see attachement?

Anyway, it's only a bit of 'fun' research on my part, although I hope to visit the old site in a few weeks if I can get a flight to Greece.

c.poulton · 09-01-2006

If you like the tee shirt, this is a better shot of it...

captainslack · 09-01-2006

An M4, perhaps?

Andrew3511 · 09-01-2006

Probably either M2 or M3 because it looks like a rewind knob not a crank on the end but that will make it a rare beast. The lens has to be a 50mm Summicron with the 12685(?) vented hood

Ben Z · 09-01-2006

Looks to me like a black chrome M4, which was available from 1972. I think I see the white-paint-filled insert on the selftimer lever. No, wait, it might be the lens release lock button I'm seeing. Hmm, in the enlargement it does look like a M2-type rewind knob, but it looks to be a silver one.

Silva Lining · 09-01-2006

Me thinks it is an M4 - the photographer will likely be in her mid 50's - 60s now..

Xmas · 09-01-2006

Black M2 early without self timer.

Noel

c.poulton · 09-01-2006

Looks more like a black M2 to me due to the rewind knob, but a silver one?

Unfortunately the photographer is "unknown" so no chance of asking her...

Gabriel M.A. · 09-01-2006

It certainly is a Leica M; whether it's an M3, M2, M4, can't see any details. I first thought it could be an M5, but I can see it's rounded on one corner.