Page 34 - Demo

3273Leica If Spy Leica This extraordinary prototype Leica camera, based on the Leica If, was designed for discreet, undercover photography %u2014 most likely developed for the West German secret service during the Cold War era. Ingeniously modified, the camera features an imitationElmar%u00a09%u2009cm lens mounted on the front, while the actual functioninglens is cleverly concealed on the top plate, pointing upward. This innovative design allowed the photographer to simulate conventional shooting, while secretly capturing images either straight ahead or to the side, depending on how the camera was held. A precisely engineered internal mirror redirects the image to the film plane, enabling covert operation withoutattracting attention.This unique camera is extensively illustrated in Lars Netopil%u2019s Prototype Leica (pages 262%u2013265), and is believed to be the only known example of its kind. A rare and historicallysignificant piece for any serious Leica or espionageequipment collector.Start price %u20ac 80.000*est. %u20ac 150.000%u2013 200.000Year of production: c.1955condition: A%u2013