Leica II (Conversie van Ic) met Leitz Elmar 50mm 1:3.5 Nickel (met diafragmaschuif) Rangefinder camera

05
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€ 1
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Edwin Molenaar
Expert
Selected by Edwin Molenaar

Over 30 years experience in photography and camera building.

Estimate  € 800 - € 900
ES
€1

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Leica Leitz II (Conversion from Ic) from the 1930s, body serial 58597, with a nickel Leitz Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens (no lens serial) and front diaphragm tab; tested and working with a smooth mechanism, clear rangefinder, and patinated nickel finish, includes an authentic leather Leica accessory case.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Beautiful and unique Leica Leitz II (Conversion) with rare historical character – Serial number 58597
This specific specimen with the unique serial number 58597 is not just a camera; it is a beautiful example of an official, early Leica factory conversion.
Historical evolution (From Ic to II)

This camera began its life in the Wetzlar factory as a Leica Ic. In the early days of 35mm photography, Leitz offered photographers the unique option to send their camera in for an official factory upgrade. This unit was expertly modified by Leica to a Leica II, with the iconic coupled rangefinder built in.

What makes this particular collector’s piece extra unique and authentic is a rare detail on the top plate: the engraved letters show a slight, charming factory imperfection. This attests to the handmade character of these early modifications and gives the camera a distinctly own identity.
Rare Nickel Lens (No Serial Number)

The camera is equipped with the legendary Leitz Elmar 50mm (5cm) f/3.5 lens in the sought-after nickel finish (instead of the later chrome). The lens features the characteristic early diaphragm tab at the front.

Historically correct detail: This early nickel lens has no serial number. This is historically completely correct: Ernst Leitz only began serial-number engraving on lenses around 1932/1933. Early Elmar lenses from the early 1930s were supplied without serial numbers as standard, which further underscores the early, authentic status of this specific lens for collectors.

Condition and operation:
• Mechanical: The shutter fires smoothly and the shutter speeds sound accurate by ear (not electronically tested). The rangefinder is clear and the images seem to flow well.
• Optical: The lens is in neat, vintage condition. No scratches, haze, or fungus.
• Cosmetic: The nickel finish has developed a beautiful patina. The covering (veneer) is largely intact with minimal age-related signs.

Included accessories:
• Authentic leather Leica accessory case.

Don’t miss this opportunity to add a uniquely documented piece (serial number 58597) to your collection. An absolute showpiece for the display case!
Please view the photos carefully to get a good impression of the cosmetic condition.

• Brand: Leica / Leitz
• Model: Leica II (Conversion from Ic)
• Serial number body: 58597
• Serial number lens: None (Historically correct for early nickel Elmar)
• Type: Analog rangefinder camera
• Lens: Leitz Elmar 50mm 1:3.5 Nickel (with diaphragm tab)
• Production period: 1930s
• Condition: Good, used condition with patina (Working)

Beautiful and unique Leica Leitz II (Conversion) with rare historical character – Serial number 58597
This specific specimen with the unique serial number 58597 is not just a camera; it is a beautiful example of an official, early Leica factory conversion.
Historical evolution (From Ic to II)

This camera began its life in the Wetzlar factory as a Leica Ic. In the early days of 35mm photography, Leitz offered photographers the unique option to send their camera in for an official factory upgrade. This unit was expertly modified by Leica to a Leica II, with the iconic coupled rangefinder built in.

What makes this particular collector’s piece extra unique and authentic is a rare detail on the top plate: the engraved letters show a slight, charming factory imperfection. This attests to the handmade character of these early modifications and gives the camera a distinctly own identity.
Rare Nickel Lens (No Serial Number)

The camera is equipped with the legendary Leitz Elmar 50mm (5cm) f/3.5 lens in the sought-after nickel finish (instead of the later chrome). The lens features the characteristic early diaphragm tab at the front.

Historically correct detail: This early nickel lens has no serial number. This is historically completely correct: Ernst Leitz only began serial-number engraving on lenses around 1932/1933. Early Elmar lenses from the early 1930s were supplied without serial numbers as standard, which further underscores the early, authentic status of this specific lens for collectors.

Condition and operation:
• Mechanical: The shutter fires smoothly and the shutter speeds sound accurate by ear (not electronically tested). The rangefinder is clear and the images seem to flow well.
• Optical: The lens is in neat, vintage condition. No scratches, haze, or fungus.
• Cosmetic: The nickel finish has developed a beautiful patina. The covering (veneer) is largely intact with minimal age-related signs.

Included accessories:
• Authentic leather Leica accessory case.

Don’t miss this opportunity to add a uniquely documented piece (serial number 58597) to your collection. An absolute showpiece for the display case!
Please view the photos carefully to get a good impression of the cosmetic condition.

• Brand: Leica / Leitz
• Model: Leica II (Conversion from Ic)
• Serial number body: 58597
• Serial number lens: None (Historically correct for early nickel Elmar)
• Type: Analog rangefinder camera
• Lens: Leitz Elmar 50mm 1:3.5 Nickel (with diaphragm tab)
• Production period: 1930s
• Condition: Good, used condition with patina (Working)

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Leica
Model/type nr
II (Conversie van Ic) met Leitz Elmar 50mm 1:3.5 Nickel (met diafragmaschuif)
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Serial number
58597
Estimated period
1930-1940
The NetherlandsVerified
3204
Objects sold
100%
protop

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