Leitz Wetzlar Mirror Reflex Housing | PROON (Visoflex System)

Leitz Wetzlar Mirror Reflex Housing | PROON (Visoflex System)

Good Condition | Precision Mirror Box | The Pre-War Bridge to Macro & Telephoto Photography

The Leitz PROON (the telegraphic code for the early Visoflex/PLOOT system) is a masterfully engineered mirror reflex housing, designed to transform a standard Leica rangefinder into a highly capable single-lens reflex (SLR) system. Originally introduced as part of the PLOOT assembly, it is celebrated for its ability to allow through-the-lens (TTL) viewing, which is essential for accurate focusing with telephoto lenses (like the 135mm or 200mm Telyt) and for high-magnification macro work. This all-metal industrial unit features a precision flip-mirror mechanism and a dual cable release system, providing the mechanical soul and optical brilliance required to overcome the parallax limitations of the traditional rangefinder.

Key Features

• Precision-aligned internal flip-mirror for true through-the-lens viewing

• Seamlessly converts Leica screw-mount (LTM) bodies into a reflex-viewing system

• Dual-cable release compatibility to synchronize the mirror lift with the camera shutter

• Compatible with legendary Leitz Wetzlar magnifiers (like the 5x POOIM or 30x)

• Robust all-metal industrial chassis with a classic black enamel finish

• Essential for precision focusing with long-focal-length Telyt lenses

• Modular design, serving as the foundational predecessor to the iconic Visoflex I, II, and III

Introductory Paragraph The Leitz PROON mirror box is the definitive choice for the enthusiast who values the absolute peak of pre-war and early post-war Leica versatility. This specific unit is a standout because it represents a time when Leitz was pioneering the transition from the rangefinder to the reflex world, offering a solution that was decades ahead of its competitors. The PROON system is famous for its mechanical reliability and its ability to turn a simple IIIc or IIIf into a surgical macro tool. Because it was built to the same exacting standards as the Leica cameras themselves, it serves as an incredibly stable platform for high-magnification work where even a fraction of a millimeter in focus makes the difference. Whether you are a scientist documenting specimens or a collector of the rarest Wetzlar accessories, this PROON provides the optical brilliance and historical heritage that defined the expansion of the Leica system.

Condition Report Good condition. The Leitz mirror box shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its age. The internal reflex mirror is clear with minimal dust and provides a bright image. The mirror-flip mechanism is snappy and correctly synchronized. The external finish is well-preserved, and the mounting threads (camera side and lens side) are in excellent condition.

Specialist Note "The PROON is a fascinating piece of Leica history. What I love about this model is how it changes the personality of your Leica rangefinder; suddenly, you aren't guessing with an external viewfinder—you're looking through the glass. It’s a rugged, honest piece of German engineering that feels indestructible. For anyone who wants to use a 135mm or 200mm Telyt lens properly, or for those who want to see what 'Leitz macro' really looks like, the PROON mirror box is the essential 'missing link' in your collection."

What's Included

• Leitz Wetzlar PROON Mirror Reflex Housing

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Leitz (Wetzlar)

• Model: PROON (Visoflex/PLOOT series)

• Accessory Type: Mirror Reflex Housing (Mirror Box)

• Mount: Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39)

• Category: 5. Accessories & Support ▸ Specialty / Support

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical)