Leotax D IV
The Leotax D IV is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1950. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1950
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- D IV
- Serial Range
- Approximately 909x to 1497x, observed collector range with gaps; other references begin near 12xxx
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Magnification
- 1.5x
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, B, 1/20 s, 1/30 s, 1/40 s, 1/60 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- None
Leotax D IV
The Leotax D IV is a 1950 LTM rangefinder that substantially refined the earlier Special D III layout. It retains a separate finder and coupled rangefinder, slow speeds and a cloth focal-plane shutter reaching 1/500 second.
The D IV restored strap lugs, introduced a revised rectangular finder window with one curved corner and added a threaded cable-release socket to the shutter button. Factory flash synchronization was not fitted.
History
Development and Launch
Showa Optical Works introduced the D IV in 1950. It marked a change in maker engraving and Leotax logo style while improving the body internally and externally.
Production Evolution
Early bodies may carry a 1.5x engraving between the eyepieces, apparently referring to rangefinder magnification. The marking disappears during production. The slow-speed dial omits T, providing 1 to 1/8 second.
Special Variants
Surviving factory outfits include collapsible 5 cm f/3.5 Simlar, rigid 5 cm f/1.5 Simlar and rare 4 cm f/2.8 Zuiko combinations. These are outfit variants, not separate camera editions.
Collector Notes
Verify the revised finder window, mushroom-shaped cable-release collar, strap lugs, maker engraving and absence of factory sync terminals. Some bodies have aftermarket synchronization modifications. The serial range is based on observed examples and contains substantial gaps.
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