Early Leica M2 -with smaller glass window

[Out to Lunch]

Are there any pros/cons in comparison with the later larger M2 plastic windows? Thanks for your feedback. OtL

 

[Bill Blackwell]

IIRC, the early M2 center RF window is the same size as the later window that replaced it; in fact, they're interchangeable. Be that as it may, AFAIK, there is no advantage to one over the other. The later plastic window was cheaper to make, which is why the change was made in the first place.

 

[Out to Lunch]

IIRC, the early M2 center RF window is the same size as the later window that replaced it; in fact, they're interchangeable.

Stephen Gandy's Leica serial number list:

6/9/1958

M2 with smaller window

931001

933000

2000

 

[Bill Blackwell]

I have no idea why the older center RF window is described that way other than the fact the angled "slats" are smaller. But the window itself is no smaller than those on any other Leica M camera.

 

[splitimageview]

They are the same size.

These must be removed from the top plate in order to strip the chrome and nickel in order to paint the camera. I’ve compared them directly during this process, they are interchangeable.

Perhaps the description is referring only to the ‘ribs’ in the plastic as @Bill Blackwell says.

 

[steveyork]

I once had a small window M2 as well as several lever rewind. The window made no difference to me. I much prefer the lever rewind models and now that is the only ones I own.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Thanks for your feedback, gents!