Leotax S
The Leotax S is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1952. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1952
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- S
- Serial Range
- Approximately 1305x to 1489x and 2800x to 3079x, observed non-contiguous collector ranges
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- 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
- Unknown
Leotax S
The Leotax S is a synchronized 1952 LTM rangefinder derived from the Leotax D IV. It retains the coupled rangefinder, separate fixed finder, slow speeds and cloth focal-plane shutter with a 1/500 second top speed [1].
Its principal addition is factory flash synchronization through two coaxial front sockets. Period descriptions and later interpretations disagree about the precise F, S, FP and electronic-flash behavior, so a single verified sync speed cannot be stated safely [1].
History
Development and Launch
Leotax introduced the S in 1952 as its first synchronized rangefinder. Mechanically it remains closely related to the D IV, but the synchronization system required a protective cover beneath the shutter mechanism [1].
Production Evolution
The redesigned base plate carries a rear body support and a 1/4-inch tripod socket. Observed serials fall into an early group overlapping the D IV era and a later group from approximately 2800x to 3079x [1].
Special Variants
Typical factory outfits use either a collapsible 5 cm f/3.5 Simlar or a 5 cm f/1.5 Simlar. Lens choice belongs in outfit metadata and does not create a separate camera edition.
Collector Notes
Confirm the two factory coaxial sync sockets, shutter-mechanism cover, revised base plate and serial range. Aftermarket synchronization added to a D IV should not be mistaken for an original Leotax S.
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