Opinions on a black paint M2?

[Tom A]

It is however strange that I've seen a lot of black M2's from Sweden, but never any beaten up black double stroke M3's. In black paint Leica-land 51 specimens is quite a lot.

Erik.

Most of these were snapped up by collectors in the early 80's. I had two of them - one was traded (and it was in truly "crappy" shape) with its bl/p goggled 35f2 for a brand new M6 and 50f2. The other one went to Japan sometimes in the mid 90's. I suspect some were lost, and some undoubtedly are sitting in desk drawers in Sweden and the owners having no idea that it makes a MP look plentiful!!!!
Interestingly enough, these are not listed in the "official list" from Leica - but they are listed in the shipping documentation from the factory.
Leica would do custom cameras already then. You could get your chrome M2/M3 converted to black at the factory. hence there are plenty original black paint M's which are not listed as such in the production documents, only in the shipping and service ledgers.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you very much for your explanation, Tom. It is clear that black double stroke M3's are extremely rare.

Erik.

 

[gerikson]

If you have the chance to inspect it at the showing before the auction, take it. The staff at LPfoto is knowledgeable and helpful.

If you really want, I can pop over and have a look (it's 2 blocks from work) but I'm hardly a Leica expert, especially in these rarefied circles!

Also remember that LPfoto charges 20% on the winning bid (plus 40SEK i "slagavgift") so the price can be rather high when it comes to plunking down the cash!

 

[Rogrund]

If you really want, I can pop over and have a look (it's 2 blocks from work)

Hey, that's really, really kind of you, but I think I'll pass this one. But I hope someone else gets it for a good price. (And maybe even puts it to use!)

 

[johannielscom]

Thank you very much for your explanation, Tom. It is clear that black double stroke M3's are extremely rare.

Erik.

I got one.

BUT: it came as a chrome one, partly dismantled from Italy.😀

I spent quite some time and cash getting it close to authentic specks, it has an original Leica replacement black bottom plate and an original non-engraved black replacement top plate. Lever and retaining ring also are original, all other parts are partially black from an earlier attempt to paint it black myself.

It will be sent off to Ton Scherpenborg in the Netherlands soon to have a full CLA and work done on the RF. Thanks for the contact info on Ton, Erik!

EDIT: this was shot with an M8 without IR-cut filter, hence the purplish color on the black-rim Canon and the Kyoei/Komura lenses.
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[gerikson]

Followup, this camera was sold for 15,500 SEK (+ 20% commission). Pretty nice for a camera with sticky shutter 😀

 

[Tom A]

I got one.

BUT: it came as a chrome one, partly dismantled from Italy.😀

It will be sent off to Ton Scherpenborg in the Netherlands soon to have a full CLA and work done on the RF. Thanks for the contact info on Ton, Erik!

EDIT: this was shot with an M8 without IR-cut filter, hence the purplish color on the black-rim Canon and the Kyoei/Komura lenses.
​

When you do have it assembled, there are some "odd" things with the DS black. The filmcounter dial was black with white numbers. The base plate locking mechanism was all black too and the strap lugs (the triangular ones) were also brass, painted black. The cameras came in a couple of series of #, one was #903xxx and the other was 910xxx. Supposedly there was some in the #917xxx too.
The film-advance gears were from the MP - all case hardened steel and rather "rough" until they got worn in (usually took a couple of 1000 rolls!). I know that some were converted to take the Leicavit MP too, with the addition of the long shaft from the M2.