M2 Fresnel Lens Variation

[KoNickon]

I just received a very nice button rewind M2 (thanks, Hiromu!) and noticed something that veteran Leicaphiles may well yawn about, but I'd never seen mentioned in all the Leica M "taxonomy" writeups: Early versions of the M2 had a somewhat fancier frameline illumination window, with finer fresnel facets and a glass cover in front of the fresnel lens, than later M2s, which have no glass in front. Looking at the serial number listing at Mr. Gandy's site, it appears this changeover took place in early fall of 1961, so approximately 1/4 of total M2 production had the earlier version window.

I suppose the later window style was less expensive to produce, with little if any change in function. Anyone have further information on this? Again, I'm a little surprised this design change isn't mentioned in discussions of the M2's evolution.

 

[aizan]

neat. i've never seen an m2 like that.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Damn, you're RIGHT. My button rewind has it, my M2-R doesn't, and I've had both of them for going on 40 years. Well, at this point I have no interest in sending it in for an "upgrade".

 

[payasam]

I've known about the change in the number of "fresnel facets", but I hadn't ever heard of the glass window cover. Clear glass or frosted as in the M3?

 

[Justin Low]

It is a clear, flat piece of glass atop the fresnel piece.