Leotax D IV                                                                                                                
Manufacturer:
Showa Optical Works Ltd (Tokyo)

Country of origin:

Produced:

Number made:

Serial no. range:

Shutter speeds:

Standard lens:

Japan

1951 - 1952

2500 - 3000

11xxx - 15xxx *

T,1,2,4,8,20 (slow speed dial) B, B,30,40,60,100,200,500

Simlar 1.5/50 and 3.5/50 or Letana Anastigmat 3.5/50

This is the first model engraved with 'Showa Optical Works, Ltd'.

The DIV is similar to the DIII. It does, however, have lugs for a strap and there is no screw in the centre of the slow speed dial. A further distinguishing feature is the viewfinder window. This has a rounded top right hand corner, compared to the 'step down' on the DIII.

The top picture shows a camera fitted with a rigid Simlar 1.5/50 whilst the second shows a Letana Anastigmat 3.5/50 in a collapsible mount.
Base, showing 'Made in Occupied Japan' engraving.
* * HPR in Leica Copies gives the serial number range for this model as 12xxx to 15xxx. I have, however, seen a DIV with serial number 9164 and also one numbered 11852.
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