Leica II Black (Serial No. 88417) with Elmar 5cm f/3.5 Lens (Serial No. 134108)
This is a beautifully preserved Leica II rangefinder camera, finished in the classic black paint with nickel accents, bearing the serial number 88417, dating it to 1932 — the very first year of Leica II production. The Leica II (Model D) was a groundbreaking camera in its day, being Leica’s first model with a built-in coupled rangefinder, setting a new standard for compact, high-quality photography.
The body shows a charming, honest patina, with the black lacquer finish well-preserved for its age, and nickel fittings displaying the warm tones of light, age-appropriate wear. All mechanical functions — shutter speeds, rangefinder coupling, and film advance — remain operational (unless otherwise noted), offering a tactile connection to Leica’s earliest precision engineering.
Paired with the camera is a matching period-correct Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5 lens, serial number 134108, manufactured in 1932 as well. The Elmar lens is among Leica’s most iconic optics, known for its superb sharpness, beautiful contrast, and the distinctive "Leica glow" especially prized by collectors and photographers alike. The lens barrel also wears nickel plating and shows matching age characteristics. Aperture blades move freely, and the lens elements are generally clear, showing only minor cleaning marks typical for a lens of this vintage.
This Leica II and Elmar combination is not only a historically significant piece but also remains capable of producing stunning images even today. Whether intended for a collector’s cabinet or active use, it represents a rare and highly desirable example of early Leica craftsmanship.
