Description:
Rare Meopta Opema II 35mm rangefinder camera, made in Přerov, Czechoslovakia circa 1954. This model features a coupled rangefinder, cloth focal-plane shutter, and a Meopta Belar 45mm f/2.8 lens—a coated 4-element design known for its sharpness and vintage rendering. Includes original leather case.
Though visually reminiscent of a Leica, the Opema II uses a 38mm screw mount (not Leica-compatible) and shoots 24×32mm exposures on standard 135 film. Its compact form, clean industrial design, and rarity make it a standout for collectors and analog enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Format: 35mm film (135)
- Lens: Meopta Belar 45mm f/2.8 (coated, 4 elements in 3 groups)
- Mount: 38mm screw thread (non-Leica)
- Shutter: Cloth focal-plane, speeds B, 1/25–1/500s
- Rangefinder: Coupled, coincident-image type
- Viewfinder: Bright, fixed magnification
- Exposure Size: 24×32mm (40 frames per 36-exp roll)
- Flash: No hot shoe; PC sync socket not present
- Weight: Approx. 630g (with lens)
- Origin: Meopta, Přerov, Czechoslovakia
Condition Notes:
- Lens: Clean optics, smooth focus, no haze or fungus
- Shutter: Fires across all speeds (untested for accuracy)
- Rangefinder: Clear and aligned
- Cosmetics: Excellent overall; minor signs of age
- Case: Original leather case included, good condition
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Collector Notes:
The Opema II was Meopta’s most advanced 35mm camera of the 1950s, offering a refined shooting experience in a compact body. Its unique 38mm mount and 24×32mm frame size make it a technical curiosity, while its build quality and rarity appeal to serious collectors. Often overlooked outside Europe, it’s now gaining recognition for its historical and aesthetic value.
