LEICA II MODEL D

The nomenclature for early Leica models differed markedly between Europe and the USA, with European iterations designated as "II" and American versions labeled as "D"³¹³. In France, these cameras were called "Couplex Leica"³⁶⁰. Following five years of development, Leica II Model D was launched in February of 1932²² at the Leipzig Spring Fair³⁶⁰. The mass production of the Leica II Model D began under the direction of August Bauer, with the first serial number being 71200³⁶⁰.

Finishes

Black and nickel Leica II Model D variations are classified under the code LYKAN, whereas chromium-plated variants are characterized by nickel-finished and black-enameled metal components with the designation LYKUPCHROM¹⁸⁷. Chrome finish was introduced as optional with this model³⁵⁸ with cameras with serial number from 99153³⁶⁰ with the early cameras having the brighter finish. The production ratio of black to chrome bodies for the Leica II Model D is approximately 2:1, with chrome finishes gaining traction among affluent consumers in the early 1930s. The trend was reversed for the Leica III Model F, making chrome Leica II Model D cameras relatively rare¹⁸⁷.

Between 1935³⁶⁰ and 1939, Leitz Wetzlar also introduced models of the Leica in a "black lacquer and silver chrome" finish. The authoritative compilation by Willi Hahne, Band I, cataloged these Leica II Model D variants, revealing that the production was limited to only 1050 units overall²⁶⁸.

Leica II Model D in Black and Chrome finish²⁶⁸
Year of Manufacture²⁶⁸	Serial Number Range²⁶⁸	Units Made²⁶⁸
1937	247501-247600	100
1937	251201-251300	100
1937	252001-252200	200
1937	259501-259600	100
1937	263801-263900	100
1938	293401-293500	100
1938	300201-300300	100
1938	303701-303800	100
1939	315001-315100	100
1939	318201-318250	50

The Leica II Model D, notable for being the first model produced in chrome, had a long production run that continued until 1948. The last batch produced was numbered from 38,5501 to 38,6850. Most of the Leica II Model D cameras were manufactured between 1932 and 1939, during which time 36,936 black and 15,573 chrome versions were made. Despite its lengthy production period, the total number of Leica II Model D cameras produced—52,509—does not compare favorably with the production numbers of other models³⁶⁰.

Technical Specifications

This model represented a significant advancement over its predecessors, being the first Leica to incorporate a built-in rangefinder²¹ and devoid of slow shutter speeds²⁰. The Leica II Model D also heralded the introduction of the prism viewfinder, a notable innovation in its lineage¹⁰⁰. The Leica II Model D was designed to work seamlessly with a range of standardized interchangeable lenses²⁷, establishing a new hallmark for the brand. Notably, it was the inaugural model to feature the engraved name "Leica"²⁹. The camera had shutter speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 of second and Z (bulb). The camera's rewind knob could be lifted up for greater convenience in rewinding³⁵⁸.

Post-war variations of the Leica II Model D are notably scarce, with only 200 units produced across two serial number batches: 356651 to 356700 (1947-1948) and 358501 to 358650 (1948). A mere 50 units were made in the first batch, while 150 units constituted the second²¹⁰.

Variants

During its relatively long production run, the Leica II Model D underwent various small mechanical changes. One notable alteration was the reduction in the size of the speed dial, which decreased from an initial diameter of 15.5mm to 13.5mm. This size reduction applied to both the chrome and black models, though the exact point in the serial numbering at which this change occurred has not yet been established³⁶⁰.

Early Leica II Model D cameras feature what collectors refer to as a "lavatory seat" top plate rangefinder housing, named for the slight recess that surrounds the speed dial. In later models, this circular recess is absent, and the sides of the rangefinder housing become more angular. This modification was necessary to accommodate the cams of the slow-speed mechanism, allowing for easier conversion to a Leica III or IIIa if desired³⁶⁰.

Some of the early black Leica II Model D cameras include a built-in yellow rangefinder filter, designed to enhance contrast and facilitate focusing in low-light conditions³⁶⁰.

Additionally, the very early black Leica II Model D cameras sometimes feature an "O" on the flange. Later models (starting from serial number 111151) also have a larger pin baseplate. Some later Leica II Model D cameras, particularly those produced in the post-war period, may have a small metal cover instead of a speed dial. This change could have been due to a shortage of Leica II Model D body shells, necessitating the use of shells from Leica III or IIIa models³⁶⁰. Later models of the Leica II Model D cameras, excluding those of the 'lavatory seat' type, featured an angled rangefinder housing. This design enabled the subsequent upgrade to Leica III Model F cameras³⁶⁰.

Conversions

Whenever new features were introduced in existing models or when new models were released, Leitz provided the option to update existing cameras or convert them to the latest model. Conversions for screwmount Leicas remained available until the late 1950s³¹³.

It was possible to convert the Leica models with serial number 360000 (and installing full synchronization from the camera with serial number 160000). The following conversions were possible³¹³:

One could convert from “Leica I without interchangeable mount (Leica I Model A)” to “Leica II Model D”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica I with interchangeable mount (Leica I Model C)” to “Leica II Model D”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica Standard Model E” to “Leica II Model D”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica II Model D” to “Leica II Model D syn”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica II Model D” to “Leica III Model F”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica II Model D” to “Leica IIIa Model G”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica II Model D” to “Leica IIIa Model G syn”³¹³

Repairs for the old Leica I Model A and Leica I Model C were no longer covered under warranty due to the lack of available spare parts. Leitz recommended converting these models to the Leica II Model D. Conversions to the Leica Standard Model E were only performed in special circumstances³¹³
Cameras with serial numbers below 360000 couldn’t be converted into the Leica IIIc and Leica IIIf cameras for technical reasons³¹³
Cameras with serial numbers below 160000 required separate price quotation for the addition of the synchronization³¹³

Compared to Other Models

In construction, the Leica II Model D is similar to the Leica I Model C, with the primary distinction being the rangefinder housing. The only difference on the top plate is the increased height of the rewind knob, which was designed to be extendable for easier rewinding. It is said that Barnack placed a ruler across the wind knob and determined that this would be the maximum height for the rangefinder housing. Consequently, it was logical to extend the rewind knob to match the height of the wind knob, necessitating its extendable design for practical use³⁶⁰.

The rangefinder of the Leica II Model D resembles the accessory rangefinder but features a much shorter optical base. It operates through a coupled cam, rather than transferring readings from the rangefinder scale to the lens scale. This reduction in base length allows for sufficient accuracy with lenses up to 135mm in focal length. The movement of the cam is what determines the range. However, early models of the Leica II exhibited some issues with the coupling cam, which meant that not all lenses would couple perfectly with the earliest Leica IIs³⁶⁰.

Early production models sported large speed dials reminiscent of those found on Leica I Model A cameras, while later versions adopted speed dials that aligned more with the Leica III Model F. Earlier units had a rear body housing cover screw akin to the non-interchangeable lens Leica I Model A, which was essential for calibrating the lens-film plane distance³⁹.

The reverse lever design transitioned from those seen in early Leica III models to a style more akin to the IIIa Model G and IIIb cameras in later versions. The rangefinder cover also evolved; early versions exhibited an additional vertical crease, adding a distinctive visual element, while the front viewfinder casing of late models mirrored that of the IIIa and IIIb³⁹.

In terms of finishing, the early model featured nickel fittings reminiscent of the Leica I, while the later iterations utilized chrome-plated fittings. The "leather" (Vulcan) covering on earlier models showcased a finer, smooth-grained texture, and the engraving layout of "D.R.P." (Deutsches Reichtspatent) was noticeably different³⁹.

Gifts and Special Editions

The camera with serial number 75000 was awarded to Professor Auguste Piccard in 1932 for his stratospheric explorations, while the one marked 100000 was bestowed upon Prof. Dr. Leo Frobenius in 1933, recognizing his contributions to Central African exploration⁴⁸.