Camera model
Leica II |
Overview |
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Type | 35 mm rangefinder camera |
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Lens |
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Lens mount | M39 lens mount |
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Focusing |
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Focus | manual |
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Exposure/metering |
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Exposure | manual |
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Flash |
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Flash | cold shoe |
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The Leica II is a Barnack rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in 1932. They were the first Leica cameras with a built-in rangefinder. Several models were produced over the years, in parallel with the Leica III series from 1933.
The Leica II uses a coupled rangefinder distinct from the viewfinder. The viewfinder is set for a 50 mm lens; use of shorter or longer lenses requires installing an alternate viewfinder on the accessory socket.[n 1]
A mere four copies of the gold-plated Leica Luxus II were made. In 2013, one sold at auction in Hong Kong for $HK4 million, after featuring on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow programme.[1][2] The whereabouts of the other three models are not recorded.[2]
The popular Soviet camera, the FED 1, was a clone of the Leica II.
Leica II models Model name | Manufacturing dates | Features or improvements |
Leica D (Leica II) | 1932–1948 | like III but without slow speeds on frontal dial | |
Leica IIc | 1948–1951 | Die-cast body like the IIIc | |
Leica 250 DD | – | Leica II-based Leica 250 Reporter | |
Leica IIf | 1951–1956 | Similar to the IIIf, without the slow speed dial | |
Notes
- ^ Unification of the rangefinder and the viewfinder occurred with the introduction of the Leica M3, allowing quick framing and focusing in a single operation. The M3 viewfinder is also able to display viewlines for 50, 90 and 135 mm lenses
References
- ^ Antiques Roadshow, BBC One, 29 December 2013
- ^ a b "Rare Leica camera fails to set record at Hong Kong auction". BBC Online. 2013-11-22. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Leica II.