Talk:Leica II (model D)
Cited from: Dennis Laney: Leica Collectors Guide. Hove Collectors Books, 1992
Leica II, Model D, 1932–1948
First Leica with coupled rangefinder. Initially only in black, a chrome version followed in 1933. This was the first camera to have its top-plate engraved “Leica Ernst Leitz Wetzkar DRP”. The Leica II was second only to the Standard as the longest lived Leica model, 17 years, although the majority were made between 1932 and 1939. Internal mechanical changes were made from time to time, but the main external changes occurred early on.
First Leica: 71,200 Last: 358,650
Characteristics
* Coupled Rangefinder, but without dioptre control * First Leica model to have an extensible rewind knob to that the fingers cleared the rangefinder housing * Rewind knob increased in height, compared to earlier models, to be level with the top of the rangefinder housing * Shutter speeds: 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, B * No strap eyelets, but often added later
Factory conversions To: II synch, with 1/1000 added; III, IIIa From: I (A); I-interchangeabl (C), Standard
Variations
* Early examples have the so-called “lavatory seat” rangefinder cover plate. The end of the coer plate under the speed dial is round, with a shallow recess under the dial – hence the name. After introduction of the Leica III it became more angular and without the recess. This was because the rangefinder cover hade to accomodate cams of the slow-speed mechanism on the III and it made sense to standardise the parts. * Some early ones also have a built-in yellow rangefinder filter. * Diameter of shutter speed dial initiylly 15.5mm, later 13.5mm. * Some post-war Leica II camaras were assembled by Leitz, New York from Leica III bodies. They have a small circular plate covering the hole where the slow speed dial would be on a III. * Four “Luxus” Leica IIs were made; Nos. 88,840, 94,573, 97,313, 98,248 (Van Hosbroeck, 1980, p66).
Codewords
Chrome versions had same codeword followed by “CHROM”. Codewords were changed in 1934, but not in U.S.A.
LYKAN (1932-1934) – Leica II in black, body only
LYKUP Leica II with 5cm, f/3.5 Elmar
LYHEK Leica II with 5cm, f2.5/ Hektor
AIROO (1934-1948) – Leica II in black, body only
ABOOT (1934-1948) – Leica II with 5cm Elmar
Production Black: 36,936 Chrome: 15,573
Hope this will help. One thought from my side. The serial numbers on your photos shows 391715. In Leica’s lists of serial numbers this number is associated as: model IIIc, 1943-1946. This is a contradiction to the above. My first thought was that it is one of the models been assembled in New York. However, it does not have the circular plate which would have been needed. But me there are mistakes in the sources I read from.
Here’s i link I found: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/...244bb2.jpg?v=0
And one last link: http://members.myactv.net/~je245/leica2nc.htm
Cheers Holger
