In 1932 Leica introduced the
Leica II. This camera was the first real system camera. The lenses were
interchangeable with 6 different focal lengths, all of which were
indexed to the built-in rangefinder. Microscope attachments, close-up
attachments, Copy stands, Visoflexes, and a host of bits and pieces
could be screwed onto the Leica. Truly a camera for the ages, all
of it duly patented and copyrighted...... Two years later, in
1934, hundreds, then thousands of copies were being produced
in Russia without permission by Leitz and against all international
copyright laws. Being the Soviet Union not much could be done about it. After World War II the
Japanese Optical Industry was encouraged to convert to peace time
products. Since Germany was on the losing side in the war, all
copyrights held by Leitz (and Zeiss) were considered null and void by
the allies. And so, the Japanese Camera industry as we know
it was born. Most Japanese camera manufacturers got their start or
were revitalized after the war by manufacturing Leica (or Contax)
copies. There were over 300 different Leica copies manufactured in the
1934 - 1960 time period. Russia, China, Japan, Italy,
Czechoslovakia, even the USA made Leica copies. Some of the Leica
copies are of excellent quality, some are not. All are collectible.
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