Like a family

[FrankS]

Come meet the family! Here are the twins, M2 and M3. And the black sheep of the family, M6 and CL.

I had none of these cameras when I first joined RFF, so I blame you!

 

[Kevin]

You put new skins on the M2 & M3, correct? I think you mentioned this in another thread. Recently I was considering an older Leica, as I already have black sheep. What are pros and cons of the M2 vs. the M3? And what is good glass for these bodies?

Best,
Kevin

 

[FrankS]

Servus, Kevin.

The M3 needs a collapsible 50mm Summicron, and a 35mm Summaron 3.5 or 2.8 would be peachy for the M2. I'm waiting for a CV 35 classic from Australia for my M2. (A J12 would work too.)

The difference between the cameras is 35 framelines in the M2 while the M3 doesn't go there.

Just today the dark lizard embossed cowhide came for the M2. I had a lighter brown on it first, but I liked the dark brown so much after I recovered the M3 with it, I ordered the same from Aki Asahi for the M2. At $19 shipped, preglued, and cut to a perfect fit, it was easy.

 

[peter_n]

Very nice Frank! 🙂

 

[Kevin]

Servus Frank!

Thanks, I also just read that M2, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M6 or M6 TTL poll.

So you just stick on a preglued piece of leather and that's it? How do you rid the body of the old skin? Peel it off and clean with ethanol? That sounds too easy.

I was recently offered an M3 with a Summicron 50mm 1:2 for 575 Euro. Here are some pics. Would that have been a good deal? I didn't know for sure if the M3 was right for me so I said no thank you.

gruess,
Kevin

 

[rover]

That is about $700 for an M3 with 50/2 Summicron, yes, that is a good deal. The lens would be about $250 to $300 depending on condition leaving $400 to $450 for the M3. Even if they both need a CLA that is a fair deal.

 

[FrankS]

It really is easy to reskin a camera. The old covering (vulcanite) chips off with a penknife, clean up the old glue a bit with ronsonol (lighter fluid) and stick the pre-glued new skin on. It's that easy! I can't imagine that there is someone who is not skilled enough to do this.

 

[back alley]

that cl looks 'pristine' frank!! lol!

seriously, very nice frank.

when i signed on to rff i had a oly rc and a mamiya 6 with 75/150.

joe

 

[the lobster]

that cl looks 'pristine' frank!! lol!
...

"Pristine" and "professional"?!!! Those posts are the best! But back on topic,

Thanks for sharing the awesome foursome, Frank!

 

[RML]

Servus Frank!

Thanks, I also just read that M2, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M6 or M6 TTL poll.

So you just stick on a preglued piece of leather and that's it? How do you rid the body of the old skin? Peel it off and clean with ethanol? That sounds too easy.

I was recently offered an M3 with a Summicron 50mm 1:2 for 575 Euro. Here are some pics. Would that have been a good deal? I didn't know for sure if the M3 was right for me so I said no thank you.

gruess,
Kevin

575 euro is a realy good price. But check with Leica first to see if the camera was reported stolen. I'm not saying the seller stole it or knowingly bought a stolen camera but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Replacing the cover is very easy. Peel off the old leather, or remove old bakelite (whachamacallit?) with a small screwdriver or other wedge shaped tool. Then clean with some aceton or alcohol. Take the replacement leather, rub a little alcohol on the glue so it won't stick immediately to the camera, wrap the leather around the camera and, voila, you're done. 10 minutes work: 5 for removing the old leather, 3 for preparing the body and new leather, 2 for sticking on the new leather.

For a bit more extravagant coverings, see my Leica M2. 🙂 http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=4934