ranger
Established
Anything interesting you guys could tell me about the M2 I'm buying from fellow RFF member? Serial # starts with 994xxx Just wondering what year it came into this world, it's quirks and pluses. Fill me in! Rob
My new M2
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arseniii
Well-known
all Leicas are good...
Shac
Well-known
Congratulations Ranger - good choice. Yours was made in 1960 I believe. The finder is excellent though tends to a slight blueishness compared to say an M4. If you find thye loading a problem you can always get a rapid load kit (Harry's has a couple I believe at a reasonable price http://harrysproshop.com/Used_Miscellaneous/used_miscellaneous.html
Enjoy
David
Enjoy
David
Philippe D.
Cheeeeeese
Pretty nice camera indeed, very beautiful design and strong construction.ranger said:
I have one #982xxx from 1959, a jewel.
Just let's go to the doctor to have a check-up and some vitamin, and it's gone for at least 25 years again.
mr_phillip
Well-known
Hey ranger, I just picked up an 1960 M2 as well. I sent it straight off to CRR for a wash and brush-up, and it's come back like new. The finder does have a slight blueish cast compared to my M6, but it's still bright and clear - and those uncluttered framelines are a joy in themselves. I'm loving mine (can ya tell?), so I'm sure you'll dig yours too 🙂
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Yours is a late 1959 early 1960 version. there is really not much to differentiate M2's once they stopped using the button rewind.
Only thing to look out for is a spare take-up spool. The Quick load is neither very quick nor is it that secure! I prefer the removable spool and this also allows you to carry a second spool with film already attached to it. Great way of "reloading" in the dark. Finding the slot in the quick load or on the centre spool in dim light can be frustrating.
There are a couple of things to check with M2's, does the "click" mechanism on the film counter work (it is not a big deal if it doesn't though. At the end of the film you cant advance anymore!). Also check that the film spool has enough "friction" that it wont slip and overlap negatives. It is rare, usually on VERY heavily used M2/M3's.
Are you starting off with a 35? This is where the M2 shines, a 35 and a M2 is surprisingly flexible and if you use your feet as a "zoom" ( a step back is a 28, a step forward is a 50 and two steps forward is a 90).
Good luck with it and enjoy it. In my humble opinion the M2 is the apex of Leica design. After that they started to add things like more framelines, angled rewinds, weird loading systems and even built in meters!
Only thing to look out for is a spare take-up spool. The Quick load is neither very quick nor is it that secure! I prefer the removable spool and this also allows you to carry a second spool with film already attached to it. Great way of "reloading" in the dark. Finding the slot in the quick load or on the centre spool in dim light can be frustrating.
There are a couple of things to check with M2's, does the "click" mechanism on the film counter work (it is not a big deal if it doesn't though. At the end of the film you cant advance anymore!). Also check that the film spool has enough "friction" that it wont slip and overlap negatives. It is rare, usually on VERY heavily used M2/M3's.
Are you starting off with a 35? This is where the M2 shines, a 35 and a M2 is surprisingly flexible and if you use your feet as a "zoom" ( a step back is a 28, a step forward is a 50 and two steps forward is a 90).
Good luck with it and enjoy it. In my humble opinion the M2 is the apex of Leica design. After that they started to add things like more framelines, angled rewinds, weird loading systems and even built in meters!
2XLX2
Established
hi Tom A,
a quick newbie question: is there anything wrong with the "button rewind" M2s? are they to be avoided? i see they sell for less. i'm considering getting an M2 [in case i can manage the fund]. any advice?
thanks
a quick newbie question: is there anything wrong with the "button rewind" M2s? are they to be avoided? i see they sell for less. i'm considering getting an M2 [in case i can manage the fund]. any advice?
thanks
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
The first batch of M2's (926000 and on for about 2000 units) had an infernal system. To rewind the film you had to hold the button down as you rewound! What usually happened was that you a/lost gtip on the rewind knob or b/slipped off the rewind button and if you were rewinding fast, this usually initiated a process of shredded sprocket holes!
Later versions of the "Press Button" rewind had an interlock that made the button stay "down". However, it also had a tendency to spring up and lock the rewind - same shredded sprocket holes!
Around #950 000 Leica saw the light and installed the regular lever rewind and peace reigned and sprocket holes remained intact!
The function of the early M2's is otherwise the same as the later ones, so from a shooting point of view. they are equal. If you get used to the button it is fine, it is only that i did shred some films with them and thus avoid them. The "hold down button" though is one to avoid as it requires the mental exercise of doing two things at the same time (rewinding and holding down the button) and the Leica was created for simplicity and something as complex as that can strain a photographers brain!
Later versions of the "Press Button" rewind had an interlock that made the button stay "down". However, it also had a tendency to spring up and lock the rewind - same shredded sprocket holes!
Around #950 000 Leica saw the light and installed the regular lever rewind and peace reigned and sprocket holes remained intact!
The function of the early M2's is otherwise the same as the later ones, so from a shooting point of view. they are equal. If you get used to the button it is fine, it is only that i did shred some films with them and thus avoid them. The "hold down button" though is one to avoid as it requires the mental exercise of doing two things at the same time (rewinding and holding down the button) and the Leica was created for simplicity and something as complex as that can strain a photographers brain!
ranger
Established
Thanks, yes Tom, I've heard nothing but good things about the M2. And that's exactly what I have in mind for it. A Zeiss 35. Rob🙂
ranger
Established
Zeiss Ikon 35mm f/2.0 T* ZM Biogon (silver) to be exact. So.....if anyone see's one laying around!..........😀
Paul C. Perkins MD
Perk11350
Congratulations. I've had mine since 1971 - love it unconditionally. First Mseries Leicawith which I came in contact was an M-2 with a 21mm Super Angulon around 1966. Only model I think is actually a little (teensy) better is the original M-4. You should be well pleased.
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