Leotax Elite Rangefinder (c.1959) | Analogue camera
02
days
14
hours
59
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49
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Current bid
€ 3
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Thorsten Pöllath
Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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 Bidder 2429 | €3 | |
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 Bidder 6559 | €2 | |
| Bidder 6559 | €1 |
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Leotax Elite Rangefinder (c.1959), M39 screw-mount for 35mm film, in good physical condition and tested and working, body only.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A beautifully minimalist Japanese rangefinder from the late 1950s—an era when small makers in Japan were building precision cameras with a distinctly “engineered” feel.
The Leotax Elite is appreciated for its clean lines, solid metal construction, and classic Leica-style handling. Even as a body-only lot, it makes a striking collector’s piece and a strong base for a period-correct screw-mount setup.
The shutter is operational and the speed range shows clear variation across all settings. The rangefinder double image aligns (coincides), indicating the core mechanism is still responsive.
Condition
Vintage body with normal signs of age and use (see photos).
Viewfinder: dust / fungus / haze present.
Film advance: works, but the advance lever feels stiff / not smooth.
Functionality (tested)
Shutter: fires
Shutter speeds: change across all speeds
Film advance / rewind: operate (advance lever not smooth)
Rangefinder: double image aligns
No film test performed (no test shots).
Included
Body only. Everything shown in the photos is included; nothing else.
Notes for collectors
Please note that while we performed a basic functional check, this is a vintage camera that is nearly 70 years old. It is therefore sold in vintage/used condition, and age-related wear or intermittent behavior may occur. Kindly bid with this understanding and acceptance of its vintage nature.
Due to age, this camera is sold as a vintage item; a professional service/cleaning may improve performance and viewfinder clarity.
A beautifully minimalist Japanese rangefinder from the late 1950s—an era when small makers in Japan were building precision cameras with a distinctly “engineered” feel.
The Leotax Elite is appreciated for its clean lines, solid metal construction, and classic Leica-style handling. Even as a body-only lot, it makes a striking collector’s piece and a strong base for a period-correct screw-mount setup.
The shutter is operational and the speed range shows clear variation across all settings. The rangefinder double image aligns (coincides), indicating the core mechanism is still responsive.
Condition
Vintage body with normal signs of age and use (see photos).
Viewfinder: dust / fungus / haze present.
Film advance: works, but the advance lever feels stiff / not smooth.
Functionality (tested)
Shutter: fires
Shutter speeds: change across all speeds
Film advance / rewind: operate (advance lever not smooth)
Rangefinder: double image aligns
No film test performed (no test shots).
Included
Body only. Everything shown in the photos is included; nothing else.
Notes for collectors
Please note that while we performed a basic functional check, this is a vintage camera that is nearly 70 years old. It is therefore sold in vintage/used condition, and age-related wear or intermittent behavior may occur. Kindly bid with this understanding and acceptance of its vintage nature.
Due to age, this camera is sold as a vintage item; a professional service/cleaning may improve performance and viewfinder clarity.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Leotax
Model/ type nr
Elite Rangefinder (c.1959) |
Physical condition
Good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Lens Mount Type
M39
Film type
35mm
Estimated Period
1950-1960
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