Leica model II User manual

Leica Camera Model ll
for sti ll (sin$le) pictureil             cinemato$raph                     :td.Sndard
     3        79





  1+             16 18 20     22
                                  X'ig. I
l. The External parts of the Leic,a Camera
  l. Winding Knob, for simultaneous rvinding of film and sctting
    of shutter.

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                2. Counting Disc, automatically recording the number of pho-
                 tographs taken.
                3. One of the two lugs by means of which the counting disc is
                 turned anti-clockwise and against the direction of the anow
                on the winding knob for zero setting.
               4. Counting Arrow, indicating the number of photographs
                   taken.
                     5. Press Button, to which may be screwed a Wire Release
                     (after the milled protective ring has been removed).
                     6. Reversing Lever for engaging (towards A) and disengaging
                  (towards R) the automatic coupling of film advance and
                   shutter mechanism before and after expostlres have been
              made (before re-winding film).
                           ,. Shutter-speed Dial, for adjustment of speed required (to
               be set after winding of shutter)    See (I).                                                            -                                                  Dial (7).                       8. Index Arrow, for figures of Speed
                       9. Clip, to hold Ilniversal View-fin<ler,  etc.
I
                  10. View-finder showing size of image.
                     ll. The two Object Glasses of the Range Finder, the rnechanism
                   of which is interconnected with the focusing mount of the
It                    lens.
               12. Back-winding Knob (extensible) to wind the film back into
                  spool chamber aft,er exposure.
               13. Camera Lid.
               14. Pin over which the camera  licl is hooked at one end. (See
                  also 23.)
               15. Lens changing flange for interchange of Leica lenses of
                  various focal lengths.
               16. Distance Scale.
               17. Lens focusing lever with Catch for infinity, actuating the
                adjustment of range finder and focusing of lens simul-
                 taneously (index not visible in illustration).
                  18. Stop Screw for infinity position of iens (o).
                  19. Oeptfr of Focus Collar (scale not visible in illustration).
               20. Tubular Socket of Lens, to be pulled out for photographing,
                                        is locked in a bayonet catch by turning  it to                       the lensI             when                                (clockwise).                 the right
               21. Lever with index line for adjusting aperture.
                 22. Front of lens mount with diaphragm figures.
                 23. Swivel (not visible) for opening and closing camera lid
                    (see Fig. 2).

2. Opening the Leisa Camera





                          Fig.2


     'I'rrrrr the carnera trpside tlowrt and open lid f3  lry raising
swivel 23 and turning same from "closed" to "open" as far as it
will go. Lift  lid ancl therr rtnhook at pin 14.





                            Fig. 3

    'Ihe irrte-r'ior therr 1rt'esetrts tlre appeal'ance as sltown  itr
Fig. 3. Nou.'r,'r'itlrdrar'r'tlre spool chamber B by the milled knob.

The guicle-groove on the inner shell and the pin inside the
outer sneu lopposite the safety spring, which is not visible in
illustrationl mLke the opening and closing of the chamber
meehanical.





         Fig. 6. Leica Spool Chamber Model B open

   As will be seen in the illustratibn, Fig. 6, the guide-groove
first runs along the inner shell and then terminates in a semi-
circle at the upper rim of the shell. The guide-pin of the outer
shell then conitrains the inner shell to be moved along the slot
in the required manner' thus:
     l. Introduce the inner shell with spool dn the outer shell
       until its rim comes to a stop, the slot openlngs being
     then one above the other;
    2. Turn inner shell to the left (anti-clockwise) up to
      the limit stop, when the safety spring will then engage.
   Again, the chamber can only be opened by first slightly
tifting the safety spring, turning the inner shell to the right
(clockwise), and then withdrawing it, i. e. by going through the
same process in exactly the reverse order. (See Fig. 7.)

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      2. Loading Spool Chamber Model B
          by subdued daylight
             (Daylight loadinp film spools)





    Fig. 7. How the spr-rol clrtr,nrber ll  shoul<l be operrerl

t. Operr Spool Chamber. To this end release witlr the index
   finger of the left, hantl the safety spring 88 by pulling it
  backwards (Fig. 7) and turn the inner shell with the right
  hand at the knob towards the right (clocku'ise), to the encl
   of the movement. Then rvitlrth'arv inner sliell.
2. Remove the centle spool from the inner shell anrl lieep it
  as it is only requirecl for clarkroom loarling.

F'ig. 8


3. Insert daylight loading film spool into the inner shell with
   the milled knob first, and so that the seal lies in the slot.





                              Fig. 9


4. Put both togethor into the outer shell, the two slote super-
   imposing; bieak seal and withdraw pa,per strip and the
   beginning of the film to about 2 inches through the open slot
   of the cha,mber.

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5. Close spool chamber by giving the inner shell half a turn to
   the left, when the safety spring will engage at the rnark Z;
  now withdraw the paper strip only, holding the film so that
    it does not come out together with the paper.
6.  If the loaded chamber is not to be used in the camera imme-
   diately, it should be kept in the aluminium container so
   that it is not exposed to daylight too long. With highly
   sensitive Leica films the projecting beginning of the film
   conducts the light into the spool chamber and thus causes
   fogging. This is not the case with backed films or films
   having an intermediate Iayer against halo. For this reason
  we particularly commend these brands.
   Dayli$ht loadin$ Leica Films are supplied by Perutz,
Mimosa, Gevaert, I(odak, Selo. Each spool contains a strip of
film of 5rf nf.eet, sufficient for any number of exposures up to 36
of the Leica size 36 x 24mm 1ltfr" x  l't  approximately).
Re Agfa Leica cartridge, see below.
   Loadin$ of camera, exposure and unloadin$ of carnera
are dealt with on pa$es 15 to 19.

        3. The Agfa Leica Cartridge
          for dayli$ht loadin$ and unloadin$
   The Leica Spool Chamber Model B as supplied with every
Leica camera may be loaded into the camera in daylight and ma;r
also be removed in daylight, but the film cannot be taken out
                               l0

of the spool chamber in daylight, so that under special circum-
stances one may need a larger number of spool chambers in
order to circumvent unloading of spool chambers in the dark'
room.
   fn such cases the Agfa Leica film cartridge offers an agreeable
solution. Messrs. Agfa supply their Leica fine grain film, Leica
isochrome film, and Leica super-panchromatic film in special
Leica cartridges for daylight loading. The cartridge is used
only once and is torn open only for developing of the film in
the darkroom.
   The loading of the Agfa Leica cartridge into the camera and
also the unloading is done in the same way as a loaded spool
chamber model B. Details on this will be found on pages 15
to 19.
   Please note. Leica cameras which are not yet equipped
with the lock V2 (see Fig. ll) must have this part fitted in
place of Vl if the Agfa Leica cartridge is to be used.
         I                                   v2
                          Fig. tl

    It is quite an easy matter to exchange the locks and any-
body can do this. The new lock is supplied free of charge. The
change-over is effected by loosening the two screws which
hold Vl, using the same screws to hold V2. After the change-
over of the lock, not only Agfa Leica cartridges but also all
other Leica spool chambers may be used in the camera.
                                                      ll

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  4. Loading of Film Chamber Model B
             in the darkroom
     (In this ease darkroom loading film spools are used)





                             Fig. 12
   How the spool chamber Model B should be opened

l. Open spool chamber. To this end release with the index
   finger of the left hand the safety spring Bt by pulling it
  backwards (Fig. 12) and turn the inner shell with the right
  hand at the knob towards the right (clockwise) to the end
   of the movement. Then withdraw inner shell.
2. Remove the centre spool from the inner shell. Take the
  wrapping off the film.
                                t2

lEaala{





                            Fig. l3

 3. Thread the short tapered end of the film under the spring Ba
    of the centre spool Bs (emulsion side inwards)in the direction
   of the arrow and double over.
 4. Wind film on centre spool moderately tight, emulsion side
   inward, and if possible use hand film winder or mechanical
   winder. Take care that emulsion is not touehed.





                           Fig. la

6. rntroduce film spool into tho inner shell, milled. knob first,
  the beginning of the film lying in tho slot.
                              l3

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         $
                       hkg,


                           Fig. l5

6. Put both together into the outer shell, superimposing the
  two slots. PuIl out the beginning of the film about 2 inches
   through the open slots.





                          Fig. 16

 t.  Close spool chamber by giving the inner shell half a turn to
  the left until the safety spring enga,ges ab Z.
8. Pull out the beginning of the film about 2 bo 3 inches from
  the closed spool chamber, so that it does not slip back.
9.  If tho loaded chamber is not immediately inserted into the
   c&mera, it should be kept in the aluminium container after
  the projecting piece has been wound around the chamber.
                             t4

C. Loading
   of the Camera in subdued daYlight





                                   'zu      44    14                    lb lu
                           Fig. r7
   Note. The loading of the camera should be done in sub-
dued daylight and the slot of the chamber should be covered
up as *ett    possible. The chamber should not be exposed to           "r   than is absolutely necessary for loading'daylight longer
     l. Set the reversing lever 6 from R to A.
    2. Wind the knob I once and release press button 5.
                              t5

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                                                                                                                                                ,I


                            Fig. 18

 3. The camera having been already opened  a,s per Fig.2 and the
   withdrawn spool chamber loaded, now withdraw also  the
   receiving spool M (counter spool).
       MMND





                                        [''ig. l1)

4. Hold leceiving spool M with left hand and the loaded cham-
   ber D in the right, as shown in Fig. 19. Clamp the beginning
   of the film (ernulslon side outwards) under the spring
  Ml of the receiving spool. (The perforated edge of the film
  should lie right against the flange with knob.) Do not,
  however, wind film on. The tapering of the film should
  begin close to the slot of the chamber.
                               t6

Fig. 20
(please also refer. to lrig. l8 showing correct positioD of film by
                 a dotted line)
5.-- Place the openetl-Holcl camera in front of you with the lens away    i;-   you.       spool chamber  i. the right ha.d ancl the             spool  i'  ihe left hand, a'd introduce the film i'trr
    "ecei.r"ingtheslit"W^witht,lretapereclsidedownwards.(Ifthespool
   chamber does not arop iigtrt down, give a small turn to back-
   winding knob 12.) i"ttt  back--winding knob gently in the
   clirectio=nofarrowuntilthefilmbecomesquitetatrt.





 6. Hook camera licl 13 (swivel 23 set to "opett") over pirl 14'
    Close lid and
   Turn su'ivel 23 right over to "closed"'
                                  t7

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                                  16
                             h'i1.22


8. Wind knob I once antl lelease press button. ll,epeat this
   once more. (This in ortler to dispose of the useless tapered
   heginning of film.)
9. Turn counting disc 2 by means of the two lugs 3 towards
   the left (i. e. against the direction of the arrow of the winding
  knob 1) to 0 position.
                              l8

D. Taking the Photograph
1. Pull out lens, and turn it to the ri$ht (clockwise) so as
  to lock it in the bayonet catch.
,  Adjust iris diaphragm by means of lever 2l (Fig.22).
3. Wind knob I in direction of arrow right to stop.
4. See that shutter speed is correct or set it by lifting the speed
   dial 7, at the same time turning it so that the required
   figure lies against the index arrow 8. Let go knob which
   will then settle in position. At' Z the shutter remains open
   as long as the button is pressed down.
o. Sight the object through range finder 11, turning focusing
   lever 17 or the lens mount 22 tnlil the two images coincide
   (fuse into one). Ifse view-finder 10 to view the whole field
  and gently (not jerkily) release press button 5. When
   photographing rapidly moving objects the range finder
   should be used as view-finder.

         E. Unloading of Camera
            in subdued daYlight
 l. Release once again press button 5 (whether knob I is wound
   or not).
2. Set reversing lever 6 from A to R.
3. Pull out back-winding knob 12 and turn in direction of
   arrow until a resistance is felt and wind over this resistance.
   (This means that the end of the film comes off the spring of
   the receiving spool.) Give about two more turns (t'he film
    is now all wound back into the spool chamber).
4. Ttrrn swivel 23  of. carnera lid 13 torT'ards the left from
   "closed" to ttopen" and remove camera lid.
 5. Pull out spool chamber by means of the rnilled knob anrl
   keep in aluminiurn container for developing.
 6. The removing of the film from the spool chamber must
   only be done in the darkroom.
                                 l9

Fig.24. Film Trimming TemPlate
        ('frimming the film end for receiving spool)


   Half the wiclth of the film end which is to be attached to the
leceiving spool shoulcl be taperetl for at least 3t1r') to 4", attcl
in such a way that no perforation ltole is cut tltlough. This is
easily done with a t,rimming template. The fitm end is laicl
between the unfokled template, (emulsion sicle facing the
bottom plate - - the plate with the slit) so tlrat a small piece
of film projects beyoncl the encl of the template. The two pins
in the template erlgage in the lrerforat,ion. Having folded the
template one crrts along the lorrg ancl broad edge of the template
with a knife, tlrus obtair-rirrg a, tapering which has not only
the correct length attcl forrn but also has no llerforatiotl hole
ctlt through. 'Ihe film sltollcl be haldle<l lr.y holcling  it only
at t|e edge, alrl torrc|irig of the, emttlsiol ttrttst lle avoicled.
                                 2r

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                 Fis. 25. Hand Film Winrler

    Spooling of the Filrn. The winding of the film on to the
 centre spool is greatly facilitated by a special metal hand winder.
 It is slipped into the centre spool as shown in Fig. 25, on that
 sirle which contains the little eross-pin fitting the slit in the
 u'inrler'.





                 Fig. 26. Mechanical Winder

   The Mechanical Winder (Fig. 26)serves the same purpose.
This little instrument is best attached to the edge of a table in
the darkroom. A slit axis receives the centre spool, while the
eross-pin of the spool enga,ges in the slit. After the film end has
been fixed to the centre spool it can be conveniently wound
on with the aid of the crank. The film should always be wound
tightly at the outset, as subsequent tightening is liable to

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procluce small scra,tches. A roller attached to a sprtrrlg a'rln'prevents         the film spool from loosening due to resilience. When
*i.rai.rg the film or,     should be taken that it is not sclueezetl                                                  exerciserl on thein the !and, and that"r"uno undue pressure is
edges of the film. fn the former case fogging mal arise: in the
latler so calle6 "liglrtnings", tSat is, marks with the appea,rance
of ferns or trees may appear-in    <lue to electric tlischarges.   winding  of Filrn    carnera. The aclvance of the film
from pictrr"" to picture is obtained simply by turning the
windirig knob f 1Fig. l) right round to the sto'. There is no
need tJ watch this through a film window as with other roll
film cameras.
   The proof that the filrn  is advancing properly is that
the back-windin$ knob 12rotates (anti-clockwise) when
 the knob I is tuined.  This point should be given parti-
 cular attention at the be$innin$.  If the back-wintling knob,
 even after several turns of l<nob I (ancl release of press button 5)'
 does not rotate, the reversing lever 6 should be set from A to R,
 anrl the back-wincling knob pulled out (see Fig. 27) and turned
 in the direction of the o""o*, so that the beginning of the film
 is wound back into the chamber.





               I'ig. 27. Itrxtensible lJack-winding Knotr
     l'hen the spool chamber is taken out of the camera and the
 film inserted dgain as per the instructiotrs on l)ages 16 and 17.
  If these points a"u cu,".f.,lly followed the film will not fail to
 advance properlY.
                                23

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                                                                             self-    ' The setting of the focal plane shutter, which is capping, is done by winding the knob I  (Fig. t) in the
 direction of the arrow right up to the stop. The film is then
 simultaneously wound on by the correct amount, for the next
 picture.
   For adjusting the speed of the focal plane shutter, which shouldlonly be done when it is set (i. e. after winding         I
 knob 1) the shutter speed diaIT (Fig. l)is lifted and turned so
 that the index arrow 8 points to the required speed, when it                                                    J is let go. The figures engraved on the speed dial represent
 fractions of seconds (e. g. 20 :                                                                                r f zotkr. second i Z :  Time). ft is
 advisable to get used to working with the speeds from  t l"oth.
 to 1/uoth. and to regulate the intensity by means of the iris
 diaphragm. The shorter exposures, such as l/rooth and l/uooth,
 are only required for sports scenes under favourable lighting,
 and then mostly with full open aperture. For time exposures,
 which of course, cannot be made out of the hand, a short wire
 release is used which screws on top of the press button 5 after
 the protective ring has been unscrewed. If the focal plane
 shutter (speed dial) is adjusted to Z, it remains open as long as
 button 5 or the wire release is pressed down. The camer&
 possesses normal screw thread for adaptation on a,ny tripod.
   The Release of Press Button 5 (Fig. l) must be done
gently by resting the middle joint of the index finger on the
edge of the camera and pressing with the first joint in the
manner of a lever on the button, without, jerking. The protec-
tive ring greatly ;facilitates a correct release. Jerky releasing
results in blurred photographs.
   For time exposures our screw-on Wire Release with fixing         I
screw should be applied. This may also be used for instantaneous
exposures.                                          release                                        from        When unscrewing                            the                                wire                                                the press                                                                          I                               speed                                           so as                       to hold the                                                      to prevent                                            dial                                                           thebutton it is advisable
shutter from being set accidentally. Should this occur either
partially or wholly the winding knob I should be turned right
up to the stop so as to ensure that the shutter is fully set.
   The Range Ftnder is built on top of the camera (together
with v_iew-finder) and lies in a horizontal position between
shutter speed dial and back-winding knob. It, is automatically
interconnected with the helical focusing mount of the lens, so
that both the adjustment of the range finder and the correct

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