Leica M2 + VCII Meter: Worth it?

[elmer3.5]

Vcii

Vcii

Hi, i used a IIIf and a M3 with the VC meter II, at last i end selling it and went back to my $15 selenium sixtomat.
At last i bought an m6 because of it´s ttl metering very precise in backlit situations and low light environments.

Bye

 

[Paul T.]

One thing I would add is that these are robust cameras. They do keep working, and I wouldn't assume an M2 WILL need a CLA. WHy not negotiate a right of return?

And a Shintaro paintjob could be something you'd grow to love.

I think you're paying a premium of $150-200 for the paint - people often ask more.

 

[rayfoxlee]

I have an M2 with a VCII meter. The M2 is a wonderful camera, but I must admit that an internal meter would be preferable IMO. The VCII is pretty darned accurate, but I have had to file down the small post on the aperture dial to reduce the times that the ISO setting gets moved accidentally. Also the button to make a reading would be better on the right side, instead on the back. Just a personal preference.

Ray

 

[fbf]

The combo is lovely, plus the best paint job. I would probably go for it personally. M6 is nice and all but M2 just feels right. I use VC II and sometimes a handhold meter.

 

[Carlsen Highway]

As for seeing 35mm framelines on an M2 while wearing glasses -
Yes, its okay. It works for me. (- but you get no more)
Dont let that stop you.

Buy it. And put the meter in your pocket.

 

[mooge]

yeah, same deal for me pretty much. I see the framelines, no corners, no space. it's OK. but if this is the 50 on the M3 then I should have bought one instead!...

cheers

 

[FrankS]

I'd buy that black M2 with CV meter if I were you. The M2 is a perfect camera. Black paint makes it even more perfect. The M6 has a more cluttered viewfinder with pairs of framelines visible.

 

[edodo]

Were you acustomed to full meterless camera before? If yes, the M2 is going to fits really well. If not you will learn with the best camera! But if you really need the meter, a M6 or M7 might be better imho. That is a great price, I'll buy it in your position!

 

[Nescio]

Since nobody raised the issue so far, just a minimal comment on the M2. It has a metal eye piece that loves to scratch your glasses unless you buy an after market ring or glue some DIY thing on it.

 

[ferider]

Wait until you find a good CLA'ed and chrome user M2 for around US 500-600, and spend the rest of your money on a 35mm lens, like a Summicron 35 v3, a CV Nokton 35/1.4, a Hexanon, or others - there are plenty. Repaints don't change anything in how you take photos or in your output.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

Hi Guys

I am getting my first Leica camera. My budget is about US$1800. I have this offer of Leica M2 (nice black painted by a famous japanese, Shintaro) with a used VC II meter selling for USD$1040.

I am choosing an M2 because I love the 35mm focal length and M2 comes with 35mm frameline. I wear spectacles and I am not sure whether the entire 35mm lines will be visible or not. I am eyeing CV nokton 35mm f/1.2.

My worry is whether such a old camera would have any teething problems or not. Or should I go for the more pricey M6 or M7? But this would stretch my budget by a lot.

Can I ask for your kind advise please? I am currently a nikon film SLR and DSLR user.

Cheers!

I have that exact combination (m2, cv 1.2/35, vc meter II) sitting here right next to me. perfect match and within your budget too =)
but as others pointed out before me, you can have a good M2 for less than that.

 

[maddoc]

First, I would like to apologize to everyone who was offended by the "jap" word. I meant japanese.

.... much appreciated. Thanks !

My two unimportant two cents to your question: A Shintaro-painted M2 is something special and a very beautiful camera but also the camera will show signs of wear quite early. If that is what you really want and also can live without a meter, then go for it if it is also mechanically 100% OK. Also consider that a BP M2 that was not originally (factory) black-painted is not that valuable as the originals. If you plan to sell it you might not get what you paid for it.

As others have mentioned it would make more sense however to spent most of the budget for a very good lens and not for the camera. A simple silver-chrome M2 that has been well overhauled might be a cheaper and better alternative but doesn't look like the BP version.

 

[marke]

Since nobody raised the issue so far, just a minimal comment on the M2. It has a metal eye piece that loves to scratch your glasses unless you buy an after market ring or glue some DIY thing on it.

DAG sells a plastic ring that clicks right onto the M3, and I assume the M2 also. I believe it's made by Leica, and the thickness is minimal, not like those cups or foam rings that others try to sell. I have one on my M3, and it has made all the difference for this eyglass wearer. 😀

 

[Vincent.G]

One thing I would add is that these are robust cameras. They do keep working, and I wouldn't assume an M2 WILL need a CLA. WHy not negotiate a right of return?

And a Shintaro paintjob could be something you'd grow to love.

I think you're paying a premium of $150-200 for the paint - people often ask more.

Yes, I agree I am paying a premium for something I don't really need. I think I will pass off this offer.

 

[Vincent.G]

Were you acustomed to full meterless camera before? If yes, the M2 is going to fits really well. If not you will learn with the best camera! But if you really need the meter, a M6 or M7 might be better imho. That is a great price, I'll buy it in your position!

Hi edodo

No experience with meterless cameras before. But I am willing to learn. A used M2 fits my budget pretty well. Regarding the offer, I pass it on.

Since nobody raised the issue so far, just a minimal comment on the M2. It has a metal eye piece that loves to scratch your glasses unless you buy an after market ring or glue some DIY thing on it.

Yes, Nescio! DAG sells the snap-on eye piece. I wear spectacles and I think it is going to be useful.

Wait until you find a good CLA'ed and chrome user M2 for around US 500-600, and spend the rest of your money on a 35mm lens, like a Summicron 35 v3, a CV Nokton 35/1.4, a Hexanon, or others - there are plenty. Repaints don't change anything in how you take photos or in your output.

Hi ferider. I love all the valuable advise you give to many in this forum. Thanks for giving me your input. Yes, I shall look for a cheaper classic version. Thanks!

I have that exact combination (m2, cv 1.2/35, vc meter II) sitting here right next to me. perfect match and within your budget too =)
but as others pointed out before me, you can have a good M2 for less than that.

Wow! Simon, you've got a killer combo there! I would love to get the nokton 35mm f/1.2 for my M2 but still contemplating because of its size. Does it intrude into the VF? Not sure should I opt for the smaller 35 f1.4 instead. I have decided to look for a classic M2 which is more affordable for me. Thanks!

.... much appreciated. Thanks !

My two unimportant two cents to your question: A Shintaro-painted M2 is something special and a very beautiful camera but also the camera will show signs of wear quite early. If that is what you really want and also can live without a meter, then go for it if it is also mechanically 100% OK. Also consider that a BP M2 that was not originally (factory) black-painted is not that valuable as the originals. If you plan to sell it you might not get what you paid for it.

As others have mentioned it would make more sense however to spent most of the budget for a very good lens and not for the camera. A simple silver-chrome M2 that has been well overhauled might be a cheaper and better alternative but doesn't look like the BP version.

Hi maddoc, I want to say sorry again for slip-up. I didn't mean to be rude to anyone. Thanks for the valuable informaton on M2! Hopefully the seller finds a buyer who appreciates it and willing to pay the premium. The premium on black painted M2 eats into my budget so I will look elsewhere. Thanks!

 

[Leica All Day]

Hello Vincent,

good luck on choosing a camera and a lens.....There are many choices out there.....wait until you find what you are looking for and what you want (you can usually find stuff here in the classifieds) .....you are going to have to "learn" to use whatever you get anyways, that's the fun part..........cheers, michael

 

[Vincent.G]

Hello Vincent,

good luck on choosing a camera and a lens.....There are many choices out there.....wait until you find what you are looking for and what you want (you can usually find stuff here in the classifieds) .....you are going to have to "learn" to use whatever you get anyways, that's the fun part..........cheers, michael

Hi Michael

Thanks for dropping by! How have you been? I am looking forward to more pictures from you! Especially with your nokton 35mm f/1.2 that I am considering. In fact, all pictures you posted are awesome! Looking at the pictures you posted on another thread really swayed me towards the nokton 1.2.

 

[Leica All Day]

Hey Vincent, I am good thanks....just getting ready to go to Myanmar tomorrow morning....I am very excited about that....

as far as the nokton goes, I love it on my m2....it feels good....Obviously there are many 35mm focal length lenses to choose from...I think a lot of it depends on what you want....or what is important to you...size, weight, signature (look), speed etc....and what compliments your style of shooting....the good thing is, there's a lot of informative and friendly people here (rff) that can give you good advice, but at the end of the day, it comes down to you....you know better than any of us, what you want to carry around and what you want your photos to look like....

good luck on your decision and thanks again........cheers, michael

cheers, michael

 

[Vincent.G]

Hey Vincent, I am good thanks....just getting ready to go to Myanmar tomorrow morning....I am very excited about that....

as far as the nokton goes, I love it on my m2....it feels good....Obviously there are many 35mm focal length lenses to choose from...I think a lot of it depends on what you want....or what is important to you...size, weight, signature (look), speed etc....and what compliments your style of shooting....the good thing is, there's a lot of informative and friendly people here (rff) that can give you good advice, but at the end of the day, it comes down to you....you know better than any of us, what you want to carry around and what you want your photos to look like....

good luck on your decision and thanks again........cheers, michael

cheers, michael

Thanks, Michael! Bon voyage for your trip to Myanmar tomorrow morning! 🙂

Yes, there are lots of helpful people in RFF. I came to the right place to look for answers.

 

[Vincent.G]

I just received an offer for a user chrome M2 for 650. External looks ok with some scratches and a small dent at the corner of the top plate. I will most probably will send it for a CLA after getting it. Should cost another 100. Looks like a reasonable deal to me. But of course I got to buy a VCII meter.