Lens and accessories recommendations for my "new" M2

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ZoomP

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Thought I should start a new thread on this and ask for advice:

Guys, couldn't resist and bought this M2 painted black body from a local guy in Singapore. Believe he got this body through one of the Canadian forum guys here. CLA by Youxin Ye and Black painted by Rangefinder restorations.

Now help me find a lens. I saw a Zeiss Planar 50 f2 ZM just now but too much dust for my comfort. Wanna consider other lens or even Leica lens.

I also looking for soft release and straps. The casing is Zhou case.

Here's some pics taken by the seller:

M2_3.jpg


m2.jpg


m2_2.jpg


The serial no. is 9837####. Can't find any infor from here.

http://www.cameraquest.com/mtype.htm
 
It is a M2 so a 35mm is the given one! The M2 was "made" for the 35 focal length. It somehow depends on what you are interested in shooting. The classic lens would be an old 8 element 35f2 Summicron. It was a good in its time - but unless you are set on a Leica lens - there are many alternatives.
the Zeiss ZM series is very good, the Biogon 35f2 is one of the best 35's around - a bit bigger than some of the other alternatives. If you primarily is going to use the camera in decent light - the Biogon 35f2.8 or the VC 35f2.5 II are both as good as anything that Leica has in their mid price range.
The Summicron 35f2 version IV (pre-asph) is good - but not as good as the prices asked for it! The version III is a very decent lens and usually $4-500 less.
For all practical purposes any of the 35's made after 1960 are more than adequate - it is mainly a case of what you like and how much you want to spend.
I use my M2's for 35's - mainly the Nokton 35f1.4 SC and another with a 40f1.4 (either MC or SC). The 40mm focal length is a nice compromise between a 35 and 50 and the VC Nokton 40f1.4 is good, really good.
 
If you are into retro, and buying a 50 year old camera may indicate this, then a great retro lens for the the M2 is a Summaron 35mm f2.8. Add a collapsible Summicron 50, and a 90mm Elmar or Elmarit, and you're set.
 
elshaneo said:
Get the Zeiss ZM Biogon 35mm f/2

Would you mind telling me how much you paid for the Leica M2 ?!

It does look really nice ;-)

Thanks !!!
Click to expand...

Bro, I got it for $1300 SGD with the Zhou case thrown-in and a roll of film. That's approximately $900 USD. The paint finish is great work by Robert from Rangefinder restorations. Viewfinder is clean with bluish tint. New shutter curtain too so I guess a good CLA by Youxin Ye.
 
Tom A said:
It is a M2 so a 35mm is the given one! The M2 was "made" for the 35 focal length. It somehow depends on what you are interested in shooting. The classic lens would be an old 8 element 35f2 Summicron. It was a good in its time - but unless you are set on a Leica lens - there are many alternatives.
the Zeiss ZM series is very good, the Biogon 35f2 is one of the best 35's around - a bit bigger than some of the other alternatives. If you primarily is going to use the camera in decent light - the Biogon 35f2.8 or the VC 35f2.5 II are both as good as anything that Leica has in their mid price range.
The Summicron 35f2 version IV (pre-asph) is good - but not as good as the prices asked for it! The version III is a very decent lens and usually $4-500 less.
For all practical purposes any of the 35's made after 1960 are more than adequate - it is mainly a case of what you like and how much you want to spend.
I use my M2's for 35's - mainly the Nokton 35f1.4 SC and another with a 40f1.4 (either MC or SC). The 40mm focal length is a nice compromise between a 35 and 50 and the VC Nokton 40f1.4 is good, really good.
Click to expand...

Tom, I've enjoyed your website and rapidwinder is darn cool!!! Want to get one someday!

Frankly, I use 50mm R lens on my Canon DSLR most of the time and quite like the ability to have a tighter frame. But perhaps on a M2, I should change my approach and go for a wider frame like 35mm. I am thinking whether to get a use Leica lens since it's the lens that sold me to Leica in the first place. How do you guesstimate on a 40 f1.4?
 
FrankS said:
If you are into retro, and buying a 50 year old camera may indicate this, then a great retro lens for the the M2 is a Summaron 35mm f2.8. Add a collapsible Summicron 50, and a 90mm Elmar or Elmarit, and you're set.
Click to expand...

Not really Frank. I only got the M2 after reading reviews and I like the fact that this body can outlast my lifespan likely. I also like the idea of learning photography the primitive way. No meter and all mechanical. Can't wait to shoot my first roll!
 
Al Kaplan said:
...and you'll need a second M2 body complete with brassed edges, worn strap lugs, scratched base plate, and a fair amount of dings and dents so you'll have a camera that you won't be afraid to actually use!

http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
Click to expand...

Haha!!! I would prefer to wear down this "new" M2 for the next 50 years. 🙂

I love reading your blogs and seeing those old photos bro!
 
It's an awesome deal considering the repaint job and CLA by Youxin + bonus half case and roll of film !!!

ZoomP said:
Bro, I got it for $1300 SGD with the Zhou case thrown-in and a roll of film. That's approximately $900 USD. The paint finish is great work by Robert from Rangefinder restorations. Viewfinder is clean with bluish tint. New shutter curtain too so I guess a good CLA by Youxin Ye.
Click to expand...
 
I would accept no less than a 35mm Summicron ASPH. If it fits I would throw a Leicavit-M on the rig. Also it looks like your M2 has the highly desirable Griptac covering. Nice.
 
ZoomP, you have your job cut out for you! Fifty years won't wear out that M2, but it'll likely need a repaint or two by then, and perhaps a new "dress" from CameraLeather on occasion.

Thanks for the compliments on the blog and old photos. I've had several people in those old photos find them through a google search and get in touch with me. I'm supposed to be doing a shoot soon of one of those cute 16 year old girls, but it's now 41 years later. Her husband googled her maiden name...LOL...and they live about a 90 minute drive away. Hopefully we'll go to the same locations in the same park and try to reshoot the same poses. He said her hair is about the same length and she weighs the same. Should be interesting! http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
 
ZoomP said:
Tom, I've enjoyed your website and rapidwinder is darn cool!!! Want to get one someday!

Frankly, I use 50mm R lens on my Canon DSLR most of the time and quite like the ability to have a tighter frame. But perhaps on a M2, I should change my approach and go for a wider frame like 35mm. I am thinking whether to get a use Leica lens since it's the lens that sold me to Leica in the first place. How do you guesstimate on a 40 f1.4?
Click to expand...

Dont become pre-occupied with the "framing" - always ensure that you have a bit more than you think you need - cropping is easy - adding is difficult!
I use the 40 and the inside of the 35 framelines as a guide. It is easy to file down the actuating cam on the 40 to give you a 35 frame-line.
 
Congrats on the purchase! Robert's work speaks for itself and I own a I own a black paint M3 SS myself. As for the lenses in 35mm focal length, consider a Summaron 35/2.8 that brings up 35mm framelines. It's a fantastic lens that has enough character and can be had for a quite little money. I won mine (excellent M3 version, 50mm framelines) on the auction site for as low as $267. I like the look of chrome lenses on black paint body btw.
 
marduk said:
Congrats on the purchase! Robert's work speaks for itself and I own a I own a black paint M3 SS myself. As for the lenses in 35mm focal length, consider a Summaron 35/2.8 that brings up 35mm framelines. It's a fantastic lens that has enough character and can be had for a quite little money. I won mine (excellent M3 version, 50mm framelines) on the auction site for as low as $267. I like the look of chrome lenses on black paint body btw.
Click to expand...


Thanks bro. Can I check out your M3?
 
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