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Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Leica

D

Leica II, chrome finish , with 50/2 Summitar

Introduced at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1932, the Leica D (also known as the Leica II) was the first Leica to incorporate a rangefinder coupled to the lens. It was also the first camera to have the word "Leica" engraved on it. In 1932 it was only available in black paint with nickel trim. The following year it was available in chrome finish as well. The camera was an immediate success, with almost 22,000 produced the first year alone. To put this into perspective, a little more than 70,000 Leicas had been produced in the six years since Leitz introduced the Leica.

Although the camera was produced until 1948, it was quickly eclipsed as the flagship of the Leica line by the Leica F (also known as the Leica III) in 1933, it's second year of production. It still filled a niche, with 36,936 produced in black finish, and 15,573 in chrome.

Production figures by year and camera finish:

Year

BlackChrome

1932

21970-0-

1933

80701321

1934

2256705

1935

18402250

1936

17502300

1937

6002350

1938

3002900

1939

1502750

1940

-0-650

1941

-0--0-

1942

-0-128

1943/45

-0-19

1946

-0--0-

1947/48

-0-200

Total

3693615573

The Leica II body in black. Notice the word "Germany" in the accessory shoe, which indicates it was for export.

The Leica II with 50/3.5 Nickel Elmar, and an early style box

The bottom of the box, showing it was sold with lens, markings in feet and without cassette.

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