Price for Leica M2 ?

ISO

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Hello, I do not really want to use the RFF for a price information, but I just got offered a nice Lieca M2. This would be my first M and I know that a lot of users like this camera a lot. I do prefer 35mm and so I think the M2 is a good choice. What is a good price for Exc+++/ Mint- Leica M2 Body in Box, completely serviced by Leitz 6 month ago ? Thanks for your help.
 
KEH currently has 3 M2's listed as EX. They range in price of $789, $819, $919 (US). I don't know if this helps you or not.

Wayne
 
Thanks, wayne. Are the cameras from keh, also serviced? The guy wants to sell the M2 for $1000, and says the service alone cost him $400.
 
That is what he says.

LEICA M2 CHROME RANGEFINDER CAMERA BODY Boxed with original guarantee card and instructions.Original leather case also included

Condition : Exc+++ A few small signs of use only! Baseplate : a few marks barely visible in pics.Straps lugs have had a strap fitted once but then removed.A very small area of shine on top plate where rewind knob is.Please look at photos.A few small signs of wear on baseplate.This really is a very nice example which most dealers would describe as Mint-! You would have a hard time to find a nicer one!The Leather case is used but not bad for it's age with a few failed stitching.The box also shows wear but is still intact.
Bonus : this camera has been serviced only 6 months ago by one of the best Leitz technicians in the world! I use him for all my camera's.He absolutely transforms them.Beleive me when i say you have not felt what a leica should really feel like until this man has serviced it.This isn't a take the top plate off, blow out the dust and stick a bit of lube in job.This guy trained in the original Leitz factory in Germany and completely srips the camera down to pieces ,cleans, lubricates and replaces anything that needs it in order to give it a proper service. Needless to say the wind on is buttery smooth.Rangefinder patch 100% accurate.All functions working as they should.This service cost me in excess of £200.He put an M6 light shield in it to prevent extraneous light from hitting the film whilst changing lenses.Updated one of the sync sockets in order to use with modern day sync leads and also changed the mask diffuser for a new one.

Sounds not bad, should I do it? Since I am really not in the market for M Leicas I would love get some advise of you guys and not do a stupid trade. Thanks.
 
ISO said:
Thanks, wayne. Are the cameras from keh, also serviced? The guy wants to sell the M2 for $1000, and says the service alone cost him $400.

Is it the body only or does it include a lens??

Although some have gone on ebay for $1000+ I'd try to get him down to $900 also and have him turn over the receipt for the service..
 
ISO said:
Thanks, wayne. Are the cameras from keh, also serviced? The guy wants to sell the M2 for $1000, and says the service alone cost him $400.

I doubt that they are serviced. I am not a good person to ask, as I tend to use cameras and most of my cameras show signs of use. In my case I bought a cosmetically challenged M2 and then had it cla'd. I think I have about $625 total in it. It is not pretty but it works just fine. Pretty is as pretty does in my book.

Wayne
 
That is a good point, wayne. In fact I would love a MP. But it is out of range for me. What I read here in RFF, a lot o people like the M2 beside the MP. When I buy a camera I will use it as well. I just like the fact to have a pretty one, that will become more used, the more I use it. I think this could be a camera I would never sell again. Maybe...
 
If you're in the market for a used Leica, don't overlook the Canadian made M4-2. They have less collector value than the German made models, yet are excellent build quality and, being newer, less likely to need servicing. I got a used M2 and had it serviced, then later a M4-2 which did not need service. Total outlay for the M4-2 was less than the M2 with service. The M4-2 is the smoothest operating Leica M that I own. And that includes M6TTL, MP, and M7.
 
Thanks. I think that is a good information about the price of a M2. Does anyone know who much the price for a new M2 in the 60ies was?

But back to the M2 itself.

I would be interested what you like (or not) on the M2.

Please do not compare with other M Leicas here for the moment. This is just for the M2 as a camera.(feel/ handling, viewfinder, mechanics, sound, weigtht...whatever !)

M2 - What users say....

Maybe, include your favorite lens, if you wish. Thanks.
 
I like everything about the M2, even the loading system and the frame counter (which must be manually reset). Favorite lens for the M2 is a 50mm/2.8 Elmar.
 
ISO said:
I would be interested what you like (or not) on the M2.

The M2 is delightful. It has an excellent, bright viewfinder with only 1 set of framelines showing at any time. It is superbly made, handles well and if you like the look/feel of the older M Leicas, it's one of the best. If you want to use a 35mm lens, then in my opinion it's THE best.There is nothing not to like about this camera. Even the film loading isn't an issue once you've done it a couple of times.

I bought mine on eBay for 350 Euros, complete with an excellent condition Leicameter MR. If you're in London, it's worth checking Aperture. They have 3 or 4 M2's in stock at the moment. Classic Camera also have a couple for sale, as do Ffordes(In Scotland).

Good luck with your potential purchase.

Regards
Ernst
 
ISO said:
I would be interested what you like (or not) on the M2.

Please do not compare with other M Leicas here for the moment. This is just for the M2 as a camera.(feel/ handling, viewfinder, mechanics, sound, weigtht...whatever !)

M2 - What users say....

Maybe, include your favorite lens, if you wish. Thanks.

I like everything about my M2. The viewfinder is excellent and the patch is significantly better (more clear and easier to see in harsh lighting) than that of another M I own from another company. The weight can become a factor if you've got it strapped around your neck all day, but the weight also makes holding the camera steady a little easier. The film advance is buttery smooth and the sound of the shutter is unique and pleasing.

I don't own a slew of lenses, but I like the Summitar and the 35 Summaron on this camera.
 
Even if the M2 is in perfect condition, $1000 seems a bit too high. I've got mine for around $700 and it was in perfect condition mechanically and cosmetically (except for a 1 mm chip off the leatherette, near the bottom plate). RFF members who saw my M2 can confirm that. Besides it still has the L seal.
Anyway, $800 / 850 seems a more decent price, but I didn't see the camera. As I see it, the $400 CLA is a bait: if the camera needed an expensive CLA, it means it was in bad condition before. My reasoning is the following: in bad condition, an M2 costs about $400; if you add $400 for the CLA, that means your M2 is worth $800.
Best,
Marc
 
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m2 price

m2 price

i didn't see any reference to a couple features, namely button or lever release for rewind, self-timer, or serial number. the box and case are of value. good luck and keep us informed especially if you make the purchase.
 
Thanks. A lot of good information about the M2.

I am not gonna buy this camera. And yes it is clad by Peter from CRR. I am sure somebody else will love this M2 camera a lot. You should have told me this is a bargain, go get it. It would be mine... I still think it is a bargain, because of the condition, accessoirs and most important the guy who serviced it. Still I can get another M2 and get it serviced myself. But for the moment I am "out" of the M class. Lots of good information from you guys, thanks.

I will leave some space to praise your or the M2 below.
 
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