The Leica II is a Barnack rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in 1932. They were the first Leica cameras with a built-in rangefinder. Several models were produced over the years, in parallel with the Leica III series from 1933.
The Leica II uses a coupled rangefinder distinct from the viewfinder. The viewfinder is set for a 50 mm lens; using shorter or longer lenses requires installing an alternate viewfinder on the accessory socket.Unification of the rangefinder and the viewfinder occurred with the introduction of the Leica M3, allowing quick framing and focusing in a single operation. The M3 viewfinder is also able to display viewlines for 50, 90 and 135 mm lenses
A mere four copies of the gold-plated Leica Luxus II were made. In 2013, one sold at auction in Hong Kong for HK$4 million, after featuring on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow programme.Antiques Roadshow, BBC One, 29 December 2013 The whereabouts of the other three models are not recorded.
The popular Soviet camera, the FED 1, was a clone of the Leica II.
+ Leica II models Model name Manufacturing dates Features or improvementsLeica D (Leica II) 1932–1948 like III but without slow speeds on frontal dial Leica IIc 1948–1951 Die-cast body like the IIIc Leica 250 DD – Leica II-based Leica 250 Reporter Leica IIf 1951–1956 Similar to the IIIf, without the slow speed dial
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