Leotax TV2 / Merite
The Leotax TV2 / Merite is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1958. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1958
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- TV2, later marketed as Merite
- Serial Range
- Approximately 30049x to 31387x, observed collector range
Dimensions
- Weight
- 493g
- Length
- 32mm
- Width
- 140mm
- Height
- 72mm
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- Reflected 50 mm bright-line frame with close-focus parallax marks, plus a limited outer field for approximate 35 mm composition
- 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 TV2 / Merite
The Leotax TV2 is a 1958 lever-wind LTM rangefinder derived from the FV. It retains the self timer, reflected 50 mm bright-line finder with parallax marks and automatic FP/X synchronization, but reduces the maximum shutter speed from 1/1000 to 1/500 second [1].
The same body was later marketed as the Merite, with Merit appearing as a common translated spelling. LeicaLensList should treat these as one base profile with alternative names [1].
History
Development and Launch
Leotax released the camera as the TV2 in 1958. Evidence from period boxes and brochures indicates that Merite became the later sales name, probably around the introduction of the Elite in 1959 [1].
Production Evolution
TV2 and Merite packaging occurs in several forms, including Roman-letter Merite and Japanese labels. The body specification remained that of an FV without the 1/1000 speed [1].
Special Variants
The usual outfit carries a black aluminium 5 cm f/2 Topcor-S, while the manual also lists Fujinon alternatives. TV2, Merite and Merit are naming variants, not special editions.
Collector Notes
Confirm the self timer, lever wind, 1/500 maximum speed, parallax-marked 50 mm frame and packaging when available. Later related bodies share overlapping serial blocks, so an absent or replaced lens can complicate exact retail-name identification.
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