My new Leica M2

Z

zvos1

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Hi all

Long time lurker, but first time thread starter..........

Just purchased "beautiful" (hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder) Leica M2 for a reasonable price...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9881034@N05/4302238404/

I've been assured that mechanically everything is OK so I'll need to get this baby looking little bit more presentable...even though I like it the way it is in some kinda strange way.

The obvious thing would be replacement vulcanite from Aki Asahi or Camera leather but then I came across this website:

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page3.html

I wouldn't mind having a shiny black M2 and their prices are not unreasonable...what do you think? Has anyone done this and are you happy with the end result and quality of finish. Also, is there anyone else you can recommend that does this kinda thing..

Cheers
Zvon
 
At the moment I would only replace the vulcanite, either by GripTac or something like that. Of course, before you do that - shoot some rolls with it and check all functions. I have a couple of bodies "shedding" vulcanite - but I just replace the missing pieces with black gaffer tape until enough has fallen off to justify a recovering.
Wait with the black paint job until you know you are satisfied with the camera and you are sure you will keeping it for a long time. It is difficult to get back an investment like that if you want to sell it - as it is not an original.
To paraphrase G.Stein "A M2 is a M2 even with cracked covers",
 
My understanding is they do a fine job but the turnaround is long.

I'd go with new skin and leave the camera unpainted..
 
Thanks for the responses, yes the idea is to shoot as many rolls as I can when I get the camera. Paint job would be nice but more I think about it I figure I should leave it for later. I wouldn't like to be without the camera for long so long turnaround times are not helping.

Main concern should be that camera is working fine...I agree.

I've got a box with (FP4, HP5, and mix of c-41 color film) 48 rolls in the freezer which I accumulated over time and the goal (my new year's resolution) is to use them before 31 Dec 2010. I also have b&w developing equipment at home (developed half a dozen rolls so far) so I am not a complete noob.

I'll definitely post some pictures up when I put few rolls through.

Now, I just have to find the lens and order new grip before the camera arrives, I am sure I'll want more lenses afterwards.... I just hope I don't develop bad case of GAS, but browsing RRF is not helping in that respect, is it :).......
 
I was getting a lot of very intrigued looks yesterday, as I had an M2 as well as a Minolta Autocord TLR around my neck! Enjoy the M2, get it recovered and then shoot with it. It's a good solid camera.
 
I reckon repainting should only be done if you have a spare body, can't be without a body for 2-3 months!

I'd recommend recovering with griptac. I had duct tape over mine for a while, but my style conscience wouldn't let me leave it like that for long.
 
Melvin said:
Just take pictures with it. Black paint, good grief! Are you a photographer or a camera collector?
Click to expand...

Haven't you heard? Black is beautiful ;)

Enjoy your M--first one?

If you decide to have it painted black I'd have Robert do it. He will have the cover replaced, a CLA and paint job for a reasonable price. You'll have a great camera to use for a very long time.
 
Welcome to the M2 owners club. Creating beautiful images with such a wonderfully engineered piece of equipment is, indeed, one of life's true pleasures.

Post some pics taken with the camera as soon as you can.

What glass have you got for the front of your new joy?
 
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