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 [1].
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 [1].
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 [1].
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 [1].
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 [1].
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