JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
Is is possible to generalize between earlier and later production M2 bodies, or do they come out about the same?
M-Camera build quality
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Is is possible to generalize between earlier and later production M2 bodies, or do they come out about the same?
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I have never found a big difference between the early M2 and the later ones from a mechanical point of view. Personally I avoid the "press" button rewind as I find that it tends to pop midroll when you are rewinding, or even worse - on the earliest M2's #926xxx, you had to hold it in while rewinding.
There were some improved coating in the finder on the very last ones, but I have never found that it really made a difference. I suspect that the biggest decision to make on a user M2 is weather you really need a selftimer or a preview lever.
There were some improved coating in the finder on the very last ones, but I have never found that it really made a difference. I suspect that the biggest decision to make on a user M2 is weather you really need a selftimer or a preview lever.
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
So Tom, I've read your articles for years in the Viewfinder...I think I know the answer to this question, but if offered an M2 or an M4, would you take the M2? Why???
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
It is very simple, the M2 has three frames,35/50/90 and as I rarely use 135 the added frame in the M4 is irritating. The M4 also has the angled rewind crank and I do not know how many of these I have bent or jammed tight. I also find that I can rarely rewind a whole roll on a M4 sryle rewind without loosing the grip on the "knob". The M2 has a substantial knob that is easy to hold on to.
There is also the fact that I started shooting with M3's and quickly adapted to the M2's because of the 35 frame.
As an added benefit, I can make a Rpaidwinder for the M2 without any modification to the body. The M4 requires either a M6 type intermediate drive or the M4M/Mot type long shaft attchement.
With a couple of M2's, a 21 and a 35/50 lens kit you can do just about anything you can expect from a rangefinder and if you add a small compact 90 you should be all set.
In the end it is the picture that counts and sometimes putting to much complexity between us and the subject slows us down.
There is also the fact that I started shooting with M3's and quickly adapted to the M2's because of the 35 frame.
As an added benefit, I can make a Rpaidwinder for the M2 without any modification to the body. The M4 requires either a M6 type intermediate drive or the M4M/Mot type long shaft attchement.
With a couple of M2's, a 21 and a 35/50 lens kit you can do just about anything you can expect from a rangefinder and if you add a small compact 90 you should be all set.
In the end it is the picture that counts and sometimes putting to much complexity between us and the subject slows us down.
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
😀 Thanks, Tom! One thing...I have been shooting one M or another since 1972 and I must be a klutz of some rare kind because I actually tend to lose my grip on the M3 rewind knob more often than on the M4-style crank! I did some searching last night and read your points about the frame counter with interest. Thanks for your generosity sharing your time here.
kipkeston
Well-known
M6 winder comment. Phew, I got rid of my 91 M6 (190,000ish) and got a 96 M6 (220,000ish serial). The winder is really nice in comparison, I love winding now.