Leica II/III Replica

Leica II/III Replica - Good Condition | Unique Soviet-Era "Leica" Homage with 50mm f/3.5 Lens

This Leica Replica (S/N: 144097) is a fascinating piece of photographic history, likely based on a Soviet-made FED or Zorki chassis from the mid-20th century. These cameras were painstakingly modified to mimic the aesthetic of the iconic "Barnack" Leica II or III, complete with "Leitz Elmar" engravings and "D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" markings. While not a genuine German Leica, it is a fully functional 35mm rangefinder that captures the tactile experience and mechanical soul of early 20th-century photography. Paired with a collapsible 50mm f/3.5 lens, it offers a compact, pocketable design and produces images with a distinct vintage character, making it a favorite for collectors of curiosities and film enthusiasts who appreciate a unique conversation piece.

Key Features

• Hand-finished Leica replica (S/N: 144097) with vintage-style brass and chrome accents

• Collapsible 50mm f/3.5 lens for ultimate portability and classic "pancake" profile

• Fully mechanical operation—no batteries required for any function

• Integrated rangefinder for manual focusing through the dual-window viewfinder

• Robust all-metal construction typical of mid-century Soviet engineering

• Compatible with standard 35mm film, available at any modern film lab

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Film Format: 35mm (Standard 135 roll)

• Lens: 50mm f/3.5 (Collapsible)

• Shutter Speeds: 1/25s to 1/500s + Bulb (Model dependent)

• Category: Cameras ▸ 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Battery Type: No Battery Required (Fully Mechanical)

Specialist Note "The Leica Replica (S/N: 144097) is a tribute to the craftsmanship of the era. These cameras were often created by skilled technicians who transformed FED or Zorki bodies into 'Leicas' with impressive attention to detail. While it lacks the internal refinement of a genuine Wetzlar-made Leica, it is a surprisingly capable photographic tool. The collapsible 50mm lens provides a sharp center with a lovely, soft fall-off in the corners, perfect for 'moody' black-and-white street photography. It’s a camera that invites questions and offers a very deliberate, mechanical shooting process that forces you to slow down and consider every frame."

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body (S/N: 144097) shows normal signs of use and minor cosmetic surface wear on the metal and vulcanite consistent with its age. The 50mm collapsible lens has clear optics, free from fungus or significant haze. The rangefinder is functional and the focus mechanism is smooth. The horizontal cloth focal plane shutter has been tested and fires across the available speed range.

What's Included

• Leica II/III Replica Rangefinder Body (S/N: 144097)

• 50mm f/3.5 Collapsible Lens