Name/Title
Leitz Leica Film Cassette (FILCA / IXMOO Style)Entry/Object ID
624Tags
IconicDescription
This is an original, all-metal Leica film cassette, designed for use in early screw-mount Leica cameras (such as your Leica IIIf). Unlike modern film canisters that rely on a velvet light trap (which can scratch negatives and accumulate dust), these cassettes are two-piece, light-tight metal shells. When inserted into the camera and the base is twisted, the cassette mechanically opens to allow the film to pass freely through the camera without touching any velvet or felt. This design provided the ultimate archival protection for film, ensuring dust-free negatives and reducing friction during film advance.
The "FILCA/IXMOO" Legacy: These are the gold standard for Leica purists. They represent a time when every part of the photographic process was designed to be handled with mechanical precision. Using these is a tactile experience that modern plastic cartridges simply cannot replicate.
These are designed specifically for the "bottom-loading" Leica bodies. When you load your IIIf, you place the film inside this cassette, slide it into the camera, and the camera’s internal mechanism opens the cassette upon closing the base plate.
The brassing and wear on the finish show that these have been in active service for decades. Because they are all-metal, they are virtually indestructible. If they feel stiff to twist open or shut, a microscopic drop of light clock oil on the threading will make them glide like new.
Pro-Tip for Testing: Since you are using these for your test rolls, remember that these cassettes do not have a DX code. You must set your light meter manually. Also, always ensure the inner and outer shells are aligned correctly before inserting them into your Leica; if they are not fully "locked" in the closed position, you risk light leaks.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Leitz Wetzlar (Leica)Date made
circa 1930 - circa 1950