Leica screw mount 2 and 3 series?

[leica M2 fan]

Does any one know when the Leica 2 and 3 series cameras changed from 2 to one viewfinder and which model was it? TIA.

 

[StaaleS]

"Never" sums it up quite nicely I think, even the final IIIg variant had separate windows. The M-series were the first with one combined rangefinder/viewfinder window.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Thanks StaaleS, I felt that it was as you say but I got that misinformation from a fellow photog. friend. Thanks again.

 

[John Shriver]

Canon made the transition to one window. They also added variable magnification for accurate focusing.

It was the Leica IIIb where the rear windows got so close that they are in one bezel, and might be mistaken for one window.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Thanks so much, John, this makes it so much clearer.

 

[Dralowid]

Unless someone got things mixed up with a Zorki 3m...which from certain perspectives is almost Leicaish until you pick it up!

Michael

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Leica IV combined the RF/VF. It existed as a prototype, circa 1934. I suspect that patents held by Zeiss prevented it from going to market. The Fed 2 looks a lot like it.