Leotax F
The Leotax F is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1954. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1954
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- F
- Serial Range
- Approximately 540054 to 55615x and 25000x to 26113x, observed non-contiguous collector ranges
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/5 s, 1/10 s, 1/15 s, B, 1/25 s, 1/35 s, 1/50 s, 1/75 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s, 1/500 s and 1/1000 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- 1/25 s
Leotax F
The Leotax F is a 1954 LTM rangefinder built around a new die-cast chassis and one-piece top housing. Inspired by the Leica IIIc and IIIf body form, it introduced a 1/1000 second top speed and became the basis for several later Leotax models [1].
The camera has a coupled rangefinder, separate fixed finder, locking slow-speed dial and a rear PC socket. A front selector switches between FP flashbulb synchronization and electronic X synchronization at 1/25 second. This selector is not a self timer [1].
History
Development and Launch
The F represented Leotax's major 1954 redesign. The stamped early body was replaced by a die-cast construction, while the shutter gained revised speeds, restored T operation and a 1/1000 second setting [1].
Production Evolution
Early Showa Optical Works bodies use either a film-speed reminder window or a black, white and red reminder. After the maker name changed to Leotax Camera Co., Ltd. in 1956, most bodies use a black and white reminder and a separate serial block [1].
Special Variants
Factory outfits included several Simlar, Topcor and Hexanon lenses. Zunow also reportedly sold Leotax F bodies combined with 5 cm f/1.3 or f/1.1 lenses. These combinations are outfit history, not separate camera editions [1].
Collector Notes
Check the die-cast body, 1/1000 setting, locked slow-speed dial, F/X selector, rear sync socket, maker engraving and correct reminder type for the serial era. Later Leotax film cassettes differ from those used by the S and earlier models.
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