Leotax Special D II
The Leotax Special D II is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1947. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1947
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Special D II
- Serial Range
- Approximately 352x to 383x and 501x to 503x, observed non-contiguous collector ranges
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and conventionally arranged 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 D II
The Leotax Special D II is a 1947 LTM rangefinder that replaced the earlier patent-avoiding finder layout with a more conventional Leica-style coupled rangefinder arrangement.
It is the no-slow-speed member of the Special D pair. Its cloth focal-plane shutter provides Z and speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 second, while flash synchronization and a self timer are absent.
History
Development and Launch
The Allied cancellation of Leica patents in postwar Japan allowed Showa Kogaku to redesign its rangefinder along conventional lines. The Special D II and D III were released in 1947.
Production Evolution
The D II retained the simplified shutter specification of the Special A and Special. Internal finish is reported to have improved, although the rangefinder remained less refined than contemporary Leica construction.
Special Variants
Special forms part of the official model name and does not indicate a commemorative edition. Early Letana lenses and later Simlar combinations may occur.
Collector Notes
Verify the absence of a front slow-speed dial, conventional front-window layout, lack of strap lugs and Showa Kogaku engraving. Reported serials occur in two separated blocks.
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