Leica MD-2

[byronfry]

Hi everyone,

Im having a little trouble locating information on this camera. I just found a mint copy for $550 CAD and I am going to look into it tomorrow when the shop reopens. Before I go I was hoping to get some background information and really know about the drawbacks/pluses of this camera. Right now it seems like a good bet for me. My other options are a Bessa, a beater M3, or an older LTM camera. The MD-2 appeals to me because I will be shooting fairly wide (considering the vc25 or 21) so the external viewfinder is going to be necessary, and I will be doing street/reportage so zone focusing is fine as well. $550 is also a nice price for a camera in mint condition, and without a rangefinder and VF I won't really have to worry about damaging it, because with those removed it's pretty much just a hunk of metal.

Any thoughts for this wonderful group?

 

[FrankS]

one thing to look out for on md cameras is if there are dents on the perimeter of the shutter speed dial. these cameras are often used as microscope cameras by institutions and can be very heavily used but not marked up, except for the dents caused by the film advance lever snapping back and hitting the shutter speed dial. (i just recently learned this from tom a.)

good luck!

 

[byronfry]

Oh and does anyone know if you can use the slotted bottom plate version in the field? Apparently some have a slotted bottom plate that you can put data cards in for medical uses. Do you have to have a new bottom or can you just use this one?

 

[Tom A]

The Md-2 is the successor to the Md/Mda and various other Leica "scientific" cameras. You can use the baseplate with the strip - opening (though I suggest that you put some black tape over it). The marker strips are neat though. You write the information and slide them in and though it will crop the negative a bit (about 3-4 mm) you can mark down place/date etc.
As stated ,beware of MD-2's that have been used as repro or microscope cameras! They might look perfect - but can have 100 000's of exposures - usually at B or 1 sec.
When you check the camera, run it at the higher speeds, with the back open and hold it up to the light and check that the curtain opens properly. Also check the shutter speed dial for "forensic" evidence of having been stuck at a fixed speed.
In all other ways it is a M4-2 and quite durable. Like some M4-2's it had a tendency to develop shutter bounce - usually at 1/125 or 1/250. The price seems fine to me - but add a check and lube to your cost. If the camera is a mintish, unused MD-2 - it is close to 30 years old and lubricants have dried up a bit over time.
I have a couple of Md A's and a MD-2 that I use on my Visoflex and with lenses like the 12f5.6 and the 15f4.5. No worries about the rangefinder going out of whack either.
I do find the M-1 a bit more useful as it does have frame-lines for the 35 and 50 in it - though no rangefinder.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

my experience was that the earlier MDa (based on the original M4, despite the M2/M3 style advance lever) goes for less than the MD-2 (based on the M4-2, but you probably know that anyway), that's why I went with a nearly mint MDa, chrome standard.

=)

 

[Tom A]

The MD-2 production was quite small - less than a 1000 I think. Some were turned into the Post Cameras for the German/Swiss authorities and 5 were made as prototype 1/2 frame cameras - designated MD-22.

 

[rlouzan]

Hi Tom,

Is the MD-2 Rapidwinder friendly?

Regards,
RLouzan

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[Tom A]

It has the same drive in the base as the M4-2 and M4P. Occasionally I have to fine tune the drive on the winder to fit as it uses a slightly different size take up in the base. I do use a RW on mine (it also covers the crack in the housing!!!!! Mine came off a microscope and is well seasoned to put it mildly).

 

[byronfry]

Just bought mine from Vintage Visuals in Calgary AB. Should be at my door tomorrow or the next day. Apparently it is quite immaculate, however I will have a look over it when its here and decide whether or not I will keep it, but if its as he said it was, then its going to be a keeper. It will be a wicked black bodied M for street work.