Leica II
If you're a 35mm film shooter, the question isn't is a Leica for you, but which Leica is for you. Leica film cameras set the standard for excellence in craftsmanship, usability, and feel, so it's difficult to go wrong with any of the choices they offer. The key to selecting your Leica is knowing which models have which features.
Introduced in 1932 and falling (naturally) between the Leica I and Leica III, the Leica II was the first Leica offered with a coupled focusing rangefinder. The separate viewfinder window was designed to provide proper framing for a standard 50mm lens. Using lenses with different focal lengths required using a viewfinder.
Missing on the Leica II, compared to the Leica III, is a separate shutter speed dial for shutter speeds slower than 1/20th of a second. Although it was possible to have the Leica II converted to a Leica III by sending it back to Leica and having the slow shutter speed dial installed, Leica produced the II and the III simultaneously - if the slow shutter speeds were desired, photographers already had that option available with the III. The Leica II remained in production until 1948, by which point more that 53,000 units had been produced.
Given their simple styling and solid build, these rangefinders are worth the search. If one is in your future, however, set aside money for an overhaul. If any camera is worth the effort, this one is. Even in the 21st century, the Leica II can hold its own with any modern cameras in feel and easily surpasses modern cameras in cool.
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