my Black Leica M2

[DaiyongYu]

Anyone that has the wherewithal and is in the market for legit 'crazy money' Leica collectibles has the savvy and funds to ensure they aren't taken.

If the modern black paint is so easily differentiated from the original, then it doesn't really matter how good modern engravings are.

I paint Leicas but they are obvious repaints, I don't try to recreate the original gloss. My work is strictly to remove the ugly. 🙂

View attachment 4830832View attachment 4830833

Hello, Splitimageciew. I've been considering purchasing this black paint Leica M2. I've always wanted to collect a first-batch Leica M2 with 100% original black paint. Its serial number is 948685, and it's from the first 500 being produced in 1958. And it is button-rewind version. I've noticed the paint has imperfections, with large areas of exposed brass. The rewind button has been replaced, and finally, there's a deformation on the top plate. I'm unsure whether this is an original BP M2, and can't assess its contion. If it is genuine, what should its price be? My own knowledge is limited, so I've been looking for professional advice. Thank you.

 

[splitimageview]

That looks similar to a BP M2 I once owned in terms of paint wear.

Can’t help you with current value, I don’t follow recent sales.

There was a recent auction you might research.

 

[38Deardorff]

imperfections are the hallmark of black paint M2.
They typically list at $30-50,000 USD
Here's the least expensive one i've seen lately @ 18,000 €

Leica M2 black paint | Leica Camera Classic

Leica M2 black paint at Leica Camera Classic! Official Classic Store ✓ Rare and historical devices ✓ Collectibles ✓ Tracked and insured shipping ✓

classic.leica-camera.com

 

[Erik van Straten]

An interesting question is: who was the original owner? Not anybody could buy this camera when it was new.

 

[modernhero]

After 60 years I’d think there would be some oxidation of the paint even if it had been stored in environmentally controlled conditions. If the number I’m seeing is correct then it was black when it left the factory. Not to say it’s a forgery, there are new parts like blank tops that can be engraved and painted. On the other hand an authentic camera in pristine condition with a coat of museum wax (Renaissance wax) can make something look like new. Collectors of high value antique firearms use it to preserve the finish.

For this model, would there be a "corresponding number" inside the camera?
Blank top plate is easy to fake, but proper engraving is not easy to reproduce accurately.

 

[modernhero]

Hi everyone, I have been away for a while and was wondering if anyone can show me how to post questions / forum?
I am not able to message fellow members. Being an old member since 2006, i feel lost touch....

 

[Freakscene]

An interesting question is: who was the original owner? Not anybody could buy this camera when it was new.

The black paint was an option available for order through Leica's individual country distributors for any customer. Even the MP was not really limited to 'professionals'. I have seen old order forms from the 1950s and 60s that include the options that were available for Australian customers. Almost everything you can imagine is in there.

I would, at minimum, want a camera that expensive to be looked over by Leica and certified as real. But there have been some fakes put through the Leica auctions and it is a huge money spinner for them, so the whole thing is a bit of a risk.

 

[splitimageview]

Hi everyone, I have been away for a while and was wondering if anyone can show me how to post questions / forum?
I am not able to message fellow members. Being an old member since 2006, i feel lost touch....

you don't have enough posts yet, to send a DM. EDIT: now you do!

 

[DErnst]

Any updates on your camera? I hope it is/was genuine.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Another point is: do you want to shoot with your black paint 1959 M2? What do you do when repairs are needed? Oh my lord when a repairman repairs the camera, but with new parts so the old sound of the camera is gone! An old camera with a new sound ... no!!!

 

[38Deardorff]

Another point is: do you want to shoot with your black paint 1959 M2? What do you do when repairs are needed? Oh my lord when a repairman repairs the camera, but with new parts so the old sound of the camera is gone! An old camera with a new sound ... no!!!

But Erik, a camera is not meant to sit on a shelf..... an M2 should not be retired.
& why not get them serviced before people like Don Goldberg retire and end an era??

 

[Godfrey]

Any "new" 60 year old camera I buy/bought goes to service immediately, before I use it, as I assume that any camera sitting in a box that long has a whole bunch of coagulated old lubricants in it. No reason to use it before getting it serviced—all you do then is increase wear.

And *any* camera I buy is bought to use, not to sit on a shelf. Since I have too many, they sit on the shelf for a good bit of the time anyway, but all my cameras are bought intended to be used whenever the spirit moves me. I'm not a "collector". 😉

G