Three Interchangeable Lens Leaf Shutter Cameras

     Although most 35mm cameras that have leaf shutters also have fixed lenses that can't be removed, there are exceptions. Among these are the Braun Super Paxette; the Argus C44; the Diax !a and IIa; the Werra III; the Kodak Retina, and others I'm not aware of. In my collection I have three similar cameras: the Minolta Super A; the Leidolf Lordomat; and the Olympus Ace.

Minolta Super A with 2/50 Super Rokkor

     Introduced in 1957, the Minolta Super A is a rather bulky camera that featured seven interchangeable lenses ranging from 35mm to 100mm. The large bright viewfinder shows the fields of view for the 35mm and 50mm lenses, but you'd need accessory viewfinders for the 85mm and 100mm lenses.
     On the back of the unit there's a metal chart that shows the depth of field for the 35mm, 85mm, and 100mm lenses. The depth of field for the 50mm lens is engraved on the front of the camera.
    The camera's shutter speed control is a small black wheel that pokes up through its top plate. Quite unusual. For more information about the Minolta Super A see this blog, 12/15/18.

Leidolf Lordomat with 2.8/50 Lordon

      The Leidolf Lordomat is one of the most elegant cameras in my collection. Introduced in 1953, it featured 35, 50, 90, and 135mm lenses. The bright viewfinder shows the field of view for the 50mm lens, but you'd need an accessory finder for the other three lenses.

       On this camera the distance between the viewfinder window and the rangefinder window is greater than it is on  most other 35mm cameras. For more information about the Lordomat see this blog 12/2/18.

Olympus Ace with 2.8/45 Zuiko

      Said to be rare and hard to find in decent shape, the Olympus Ace was introduced in 1958. It features just three supplementary lenses: the 2.8/35; the 2.8/45; and the 5.6/80.      

     Because all three frame lines are visible in its combined viewfinder/rangefinder window, no accessory finders are necessary. 

     Like the Minolta Super A, the Olympus Ace is blessed with a swing open back for easy film loading. Viewed from the front, it bears some resemblance to the Leica M3.

    For more information on the Olympus Ace see this blog 02/06/19.