Introduction
The Leica II is a small-format rangefinder camera produced by the German company Ernst Leitz from 1932 to 1948. Developed based on the Leica Standard camera, it was the first to feature a built-in rangefinder mechanically linked to the lens focus. However, the rangefinder is not integrated with the viewfinder, requiring separate eyepieces for focusing and framing.
Leica II Camera Variants
The Leica II camera was produced in several modifications over its 24-year production period, with each new version replacing the previous one. Starting in 1948, simplified versions of various Leica III models were released under the same designation. Overall, the name “Leica II” was used for different cameras from 1932 to 1956.
Key Features
- Film Type: 35mm film
- Frame Size: 24×36 mm
- Body: Metal with a removable bottom cover
- Shutter: Cocking the shutter and advancing the film are combined actions
- Frame Counter: Automatic, with manual setting of the first frame
- Rewind Mechanism: A cylindrical disk located at the top left
- Viewfinder Magnification: 0.44x for the viewfinder eyepiece, 1.0x for the rangefinder eyepiece
Lens Mount and Lenses
- Mount Type: Screw mount M39 with a flange focal distance of 28.8 mm
- Included Lenses: Leitz Elmar 3.5/50 or Leitz Summar 2.0/50
- Lens Storage: The lenses retract into the camera body when not in use
Shutter Speeds
The camera features shutter speeds in a range from 1/20 to 1/500 seconds, which are controlled by a single dial located on the top.
Historical Impact
The popularity of the early Leica models was so high that their core design elements were adopted by most camera manufacturers. In Japan, similar cameras, named Kwanon, began production in 1934 by Seiki-Kogaku Kenkyusho, later renamed Canon.
In January 1934, the Kharkov Labor Commune named after F.E. Dzerzhinsky (Kharkov Machine-Building Plant “FED”) started mass production of the FED camera, which was almost an exact copy of the basic version of the Leica II. Production of the FED cameras continued until 1955, when the model was replaced by a new development based on it.
Conclusion
The Leica II camera remains a significant piece of photographic history. You can purchase a Leica II D on specialized websites starting from $300.
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