Leotax FV
The Leotax FV is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1958. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1958
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- FV
- Serial Range
- FV-57814x and approximately FV-80004x to FV-80435x, observed non-contiguous collector records
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- Reflected 50 mm bright-line frame with close-focus parallax marks, plus a limited outer field for approximate 35 mm composition
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, 1/15 s, B, 1/30 s, 1/60 s, 1/125 s, 1/250 s, 1/500 s and 1/1000 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- Yes
- Flash Sync
- 1/30 s
Leotax FV
The Leotax FV is the lead model of the third die-cast Leotax generation. Released in 1958, it combines an LTM mount, single-stroke film advance lever, rewind crank, self timer and cloth focal-plane shutter reaching 1/1000 second [1].
Its larger finder carries a reflected 50 mm bright-line frame with close-focus parallax marks. The rear socket automatically switches between FP and X synchronization, with electronic X sync at 1/30 second [1].
History
Development and Launch
The FV advanced the TV concept with lever winding and revised top controls. The shutter release moved to the front edge of the top plate, while the frame counter received a separate window [1].
Production Evolution
The FV is the only Leotax die-cast model with its model name engraved, and normal serials carry an FV- prefix. One observed FV-57814x body precedes the principal FV-80004x to FV-80435x block [1].
Special Variants
The usual standard lens is the black aluminium 5 cm f/2 Topcor-S, although period material also lists Fujinon alternatives. Lens finish and supply combination remain outfit metadata.
Collector Notes
Verify the FV engraving, prefixed serial, lever wind, rewind crank, self timer, 1/1000 setting and parallax marks. The isolated lower serial is documented but should not be expanded into an assumed continuous range.
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