Considering "new" Leica II (or III?)

[zeitoun]

I am considering a 1932 Leica II but I was wondering whether I should rather look for a III for its 1.5X rangefinder. Any one has any direct experience with these two models? Is the II rangefinder usable? How much better is the III's rangefinder? I do intend to use the camera, not put it on a shelf.
Thanks in advance,

Paul 🙂confused🙂

 

[xayraa33]

if both models are of equal mechanical and optical condition and you do not use slow shutter speeds the II is a great camera.
I do not find the 1x rf of the Leica II to be inferior to the 1.5x rf.
in fact the 1x rf is really great for two eyed use.
I would be more concerned with the lack of strap lugs on most Leica II's.

 

[zeitoun]

Thanks, Xayraa33(!). I was aware of the lack of strap lugs, but loved the "historical" place of the II in the Leica mystique. I'll keep on ruminating!
Paul

 

[shadowfox]

What's the "historical" significance of II ?

I didn't know that the rf is only 1x in II and 1.5 in III.

You guys can tell that I'm scouting for one myself 🙂

 

[xayraa33]

the Leica II was the first Leica with a built in rangefinder.

 

[Vince Lupo]

I'd go for a III, partly due to the strap lugs, and also for the slow shutter speeds (in other words, a little more useful than a II). And hey, if you want historic (or at least a little more unique), go for a black III. I've been using III's since I was 15 (almost 30 years), and even though I have other Leica's (IIIf, IIIa, IIIb, M2, M5, and have owned M3 and M6), I always go back to the III's. Good Luck!

 

[Virgil]

My 2 cents.........I have a IIIA (1938) CLA by Oleg. I never use the finder but have the 50mm Voightlander Finder with 3.5 Elmar. I just love it!!!

 

[zeitoun]

Thank you all. The info you provided was quite helpful. I was worried about the II's rf, and you answered that. The fact is that I am looking at what seems to be a nice II, black and all nickel hardware and that I don't seem to see for the moment an equivalent III. So, I'll have to decide whether I'll go for the II or wait until a nice III shows up. This is quite a tough life!

 

[Keith]

I'd go for the Leica II ... I have a 1936 model and it's my favourite screwmount, it's just such a nice camera to use. With a collapsable Elmar who needs strap lugs ... it fits in your pocket.🙂

 

[xayraa33]

the Leica II is not as common as the III or IIIa.
and with a collapsable 50mm Elmar, the II makes for a handy pocketable camera.
I think this is the reason these hand no strap lugs as to easier fit a gentlemans jacket pocket.

 

[zeitoun]

Well, I took the plunge and ordered my "new" Leica II. As usual with an ebay purchase, there is the "anxiety" of waiting to see what one has really ordered!
Thanks a lot to you all for the input. It helped a lot in getting me to make up my mind. I may have now to learn how to load film into an LTM Leica! This should be fun as should using it.
Paul

 

[Luddite Frank]

My first Leicii were a "pair" from Ritz Collectibles: a III-f in the 600,000 range, and a D (II), in the 72,000 range, with nickel Elmar.

I got Every-ready cases for each (snub-nose for the D),

I planned on the III-f being the "user" and the "D" being a shelf-queen.


Turns-out that the "D" is in better repair... it's nice enough (excellent paint and minimal brassing) that I don't want to put too much wear on it, but it's a fine user, and I really didn't notice any difference between the two two cameras as far as the RF/VF's go...

It would seem that the early III-f cameras might be victims of post-WWII material quality issues, so things like shutter curtains don't age so well... mine needs curtains and a general CLA.

The old "D" seems to work pretty darn well... have to be concious of where the sun is, with the un-coated optics, but that 's part of its charm.


I really like the "D" because it is the first Leica w/ integrated RF, and it looks very much like the Standard and "A"...


That's my thoughts on them... the only other possible down-side to the "D". aside from it's possible "preciousness", would be the lack of flash sync, but then you could always scrounge a VACU or Hakosyn bolt-on sync or find the flash baseplate...😀


Enjoy your black Barnack when it arrives !

Luddite Frank

 

[john neal]

I had both, and sold the III. I never use the slow speeds so it was not an issue. I prefer the RF on the II as I can see more of the scene I am shooting.

Actually I sold the III and a IIIa to keep the II - that's how much I prefer it.

Just a personal opinion 😉

 

[Sanders McNew]

I went through the same gyrations and
ended up with a II and a IIIa both. So
much for restraint.

The finders are not so different in use.
It's more important to find one that is
bright and sharp -- I've not found the
magnification to be an issue, or the
adjustable diopter on the IIIa to be a
plus.

I tend to shoot the IIIa only because it
has a new shutter curtain and the II's
shutter started to misbehave the last time
I used it. The II's body is a touch smaller
and you wouldn't think it matters ... but
it does. I prefer the II's size.

Your next stop, I predict, will be a Fed-2
from Russia. It bears a resemblande to
the Leica screwmounts but combines the
rangefinder and viewfinder quite nicely.

Have fun with your II -- it's a fine camera.

Sanders

 

[vickersdc]

I've got a 1937 Leica II and a FED-2 (except the FED came first, so Sanders may well have a point!). I've just bought a f3.5 50mm Elmar Red Scale to go with the II body.

It's surprising the difference in weight and size between the FED and Leica II - the II is much smaller and lighter - and feels great. The FED is cold to touch and feels 'hard', the Leica is, well, super.

I'd waited years and years to get a Leica, then when I did I went for the II as it was within (my somewhat limited) price range; but it had been serviced and had new shutter curtains fitted and the rangefinder alignment done. The VF/RF is clear and bright.

In use, well, I'm thrilled to bits. It turns out that I generally don't bother with the RF window for focussing (just set the dial), but do use the VF window for composition.

I can't tell you how pleased I am with my little Leica 🙂

PS: Have to say though, the FED is a much under-rated camera, I used it as my daily shooter for several months before the Leica and I liked it.

David
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