Leica II

The Leica II is a 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.

Leica II
Overview
Type35 mm rangefinder camera
Lens
Lens mountM39 lens mount
Focusing
Focusmanual
Exposure/metering
Exposuremanual
Flash
Flashcold shoe

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 nameManufacturing datesFeatures or improvements
Leica D (Leica II)1932–1948like III but without slow speeds on frontal dial
Leica IIc1948–1951Die-cast body like the IIIc
Leica 250 DD–Leica II-based Leica 250 Reporter
Leica IIf1951–1956Similar to the IIIf, without the slow speed dial

Notes
  1. 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
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References
  1. Antiques Roadshow, BBC One, 29 December 2013
  2. "Rare Leica camera fails to set record at Hong Kong auction". BBC Online. 2013-11-22. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
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