Leica II - back in the fold

[Jerevan]

Hello,

I don't post much here, having been mostly in lurking mode since I sold off my Leica IIIf. On and off, I have missed that camera, but I have put it off as sellers' remorse and nostalgia.

The other day, I found myself "just putting a bid to see" on a Leica again. Well, only bidder and now I sit here looking at the little Leica II. 🙂

It is a "wartime" specimen. As far as I can understand it, the II cameras went to civilians, while the IIIcK models mostly went off to military duty.

I wonder why the II was still in production? And who bought them during wartime? People with a lot of money, but not enough to buy a III?

Is there any way to see if the camera is an "export" model or if it came here as a "private import"?

 

[-Nash-]

I have seen some Leica II bodies with "Germany" engraved on the accessory shoe and where the base release lock is. I've been told that these particular cameras were destined for overseas markets.

A bit off subject but I have seen Contax I units with "Germany" and "Alemania" (Spanish for Germany) engraved on the back. Again - for export?

 

[Jerevan]

Yes, I also think those cameras that are marked Germany is for export, but this one does not have any "Germany", except in one place: on the bottom of the removable film spool. 🙂

And the bottom plate only says auf/zu, if that is any indication.

 

[Erik van Straten]

now I sit here looking at the little Leica II. 🙂

It is a "wartime" specimen.

It would be nice to see your camera. Can you show us a picture?

Erik.

 

[Jerevan]

Erik,

I'll see if I can get some pictures up during the day.

 

[Jerevan]

So, here is a set: Leica II

It shows anything you'd ever want to know about this camera. 🙂 Any comments and/or technical insights are most welcome.

I have no lens for the camera yet, so I am looking for something that is reasonably period and preferably uncoated at the moment.

 

[Simon Bruxelles]

Apart from the vulcanite damage the camera looks pristine. You have set yourself a challenge finding a lens in equally beautiful condition but it will undoubtedly be worth it. Good luck!

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Nothing really special, the last batch of the Leica II was made in 1948:
358501 358650 Leica II 1948
Even when new types were made, Leica still put the old style camera's on the market, although that doesn't mean they were produced in the year they got there serial number and were put on the market. I suspect Leica had old stock camera's that sometimes were put on the market years after their actual production...however this is just a guess.
Further original factory upgrades were possible for nearly every old style camera.
Btw it looks like your camera has been opened before, anyway it has some marred screws. Overall it looks very nice.

Most importantly with these camera's is to ascertain how the condition is of the shuttercurtains. The Leica II's and III's I had in my hand (quite a few) had always one or more pinholes in their curtains and needed replacement.

 

[Keith]

I've had numerous Leica screwmounts and for some reason the ll is the one I kept and is now my only LTM. I like the cleanliness of the camera's lack of a slow speed mechanism.

That's a really pretty camera.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Very pretty camera! I have never owned a II but I do see the points that Keith made.

 

[Jerevan]

Thanks , gentlemen!

Simon: I think it will it take a bit of effort to find a nice lens to go with it. But well worth it. 🙂

Ron: as you say, nothing special about it. But it would be nice to know some of its history. The former owner used it a bit last year, so I hope the curtains are fine, but not going to bet the farm on it!

Keith: I also like it for the clean lines and basic operation. It's limited, but what it does, it does well. Your black one is also a beaut, one of those "I'd like to have one of these one day" cameras.

 

[Dralowid]

I've always found it odd that Leica continued to fit speed dials that say 20-1 on Leica IIs.

Nice camera!

Michael

 

[Jerevan]

I wonder if the 20-1 was a cost-cutting measure? But then again... someone had to sit and make the engraving on the speed dials, so I don't know if that argument holds up. 🙂

 

[HuubL]

It's a beauty indeed. IIs are lovely cameras indeed. Now go find one in black laquer and you'll have one for shooting B&W and one for shooting color ;-). Happy shooting!

 

[Jerevan]

As if I wasn't already thinking about the next Leica II... 😉

 

[Joakim Målare]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerevan/8014879272/in/set-72157631601865735/

Regarding the take up spool being spring loaded... isn't that to allow for the spool holder cone on the bottom cover to slide into the spool end when the cover is locked at the side of the body? If the cover is anything like the one on my M3... ( too lazy to find out )

By the way, nice camera! 🙂

 

[Jerevan]

Joakim,

I seemed to remember that the take-up spool for the IIIf I had was not being spring-loaded, but memories can (and often will) mislead you. So I think it is like you say. 🙂

 

[Erik van Straten]

A very lovely camera.

The II has a charm all it's own. There are so many versions. It would take years to collect them all.

Erik.

 

[Dralowid]

A very lovely camera.

The II has a charm all it's own. There are so many versions. It would take years to collect them all.

Erik.

I'm doing my best...but only in black!

 

[Erik van Straten]

only in black

Did you ever see one of this series in black? I've never seen one in chrome (that is, in reality, not in pictures), let alone in black.

Erik.