Leotax TV
The Leotax TV is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1957. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1957
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- TV
- Serial Range
- Approximately 57009x to 57767x, observed collector range
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- Reflected bright-line frame for 50 mm, with a limited outer field usable as an approximate 35 mm view
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, 1/15 s, B, 1/30 s, 1/60 s, 1/125 s, 1/250 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- Yes
- Flash Sync
- 1/30 s
Leotax TV
The Leotax TV is a 1957 LTM rangefinder that introduced a revised finder generation. It adds a self timer, a larger finder with a reflected 50 mm bright-line frame and automatic selection between FP and X flash synchronization [1].
Its cloth focal-plane shutter uses a modern geometric progression from 1/30 to 1/500 second, supplemented by T and slow speeds from 1 to 1/15 second. Electronic X synchronization is available at 1/30 second [1].
History
Development and Launch
Leotax released the TV in 1957 as the lead model of a new generation. Its finder housing wraps around the rewind side and departs visibly from the earlier Barnack Leica-style top profile [1].
Production Evolution
The frame counter moved beneath the top plate and the film-speed reminder became a window in the winding knob. The manual F/X selector disappeared because the single rear socket switches synchronization automatically [1].
Special Variants
The TV is most often found with a chrome 5 cm f/2 Topcor-S. A black-and-chrome panda version appeared in 1958. Lens finish is outfit metadata and does not create a separate camera edition.
Collector Notes
Confirm the self-timer, larger rectangular eyepiece, reflected 50 mm frame, revised housing, rear sync socket and serial number. The area outside the 50 mm frame is useful for rough 35 mm composition but is not a separate calibrated frameline.
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