Leotax Special A
The Leotax Special A is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1942. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1942
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Special A
- Serial Range
- Approximately 2078 to 247x, reported collector range
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- Z, 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 Special A
The Leotax Special A is a rare 1942 LTM camera that introduced a coupled rangefinder to Showa Kogaku's Leica II-inspired body. It has no slow-speed dial and uses a cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 second [1].
Patent concerns led to an unusual three-window finder arrangement and a scissor-strut mechanism for the rangefinder sensor arm. The fixed viewfinder and rangefinder remain optically separate [1].
History
Development and Launch
The Special A and Special B were introduced around 1942. The A followed the Leica II feature pattern, while the B added the slow-speed mechanism associated with the Leica III [1].
Production Evolution
Postwar Leotax development eventually replaced the unconventional rangefinder layout with a more conventional Leica-style system in the Special D series [1].
Special Variants
Special is part of the official model name. The camera is a standard production model for database classification, not a special edition.
Collector Notes
Distinguish the A by its absence of a front slow-speed dial. Verify the coupled rangefinder arrangement, top engraving, strap-lug configuration, shutter markings and serial-era components.
Comments