Leotax Special B
The Leotax Special B 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 B
- Serial Range
- Approximately 204x to 252x, reported collector range
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, 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 B
The Leotax Special B is the slow-speed companion to the 1942 Special A. It uses the same coupled rangefinder and unusual three-window arrangement but adds a front slow-speed dial with settings from 1 second to 1/8 second [1].
The LTM body has no flash synchronization or self timer. Its high-speed cloth shutter provides Z and settings from 1/20 to 1/500 second [1].
History
Development and Launch
Special A and B appeared around 1942 as Showa Kogaku's first coupled-rangefinder Leotax cameras. The B followed the Leica III feature pattern by adding slow shutter speeds [1].
Production Evolution
Production was limited and interrupted by wartime conditions. Later Special D models introduced a more conventional Leica-style rangefinder construction [1].
Special Variants
Documented examples vary in strap-lug configuration and top engraving. These are production details within the Special B identity, not separate editions.
Collector Notes
The front slow-speed dial is the primary distinction from Special A. Check the coupled rangefinder, window layout, shutter markings, engraving and serial range. Mixed or replacement components are possible.
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