What are good price points for an M2 and light meter?

[mdwsta4]

Seems like I've been running into a lot around $700, is that the typical price for an M2? As for the hot shoe mounted Leica light meters, is $120-ish a good price?

What are common problems to look out for? Ease of fixing?

Thanks!
M

 

[thegman]

I think $700 is a good price from a shop, I'd want to pay a little less from an individual, as you won't get the warranty. Not sure about the light meters.

 

[rlouzan]

Early models lack self timer and are button rewind + the M2R/S have M4 type rapid load system. I almost forgot the black M2 and MP2 bodies.
Early M2s tend to be cheaper than later ones in same condition.

Common Problems: RF Decementing, dents on frame counter/shutter dial side, button rewind (2 models) ...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70774

 

[JMQ]

shutter speed accuracy, brightness of the VF.

 

[Classique]

You should be able to find fully working M2 between 500 - 700 range no problem. However, I would not pay 120 for the leica meter. It would be better to buy handheld (digisix around 100) or VCII meter for that much money.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

$700 is on the cheap side. Lots of M2 have "signs of use", and I think that literally they tend to get used a lot more than an M3.

I got mine for $900 seven years ago, recently CLA'd, and it was (still is) in good condition. The only issue is that it has one little patch of vulcanite missing at a corner right above the bottom plate. It also has no timer, which I prefer (that it doesn't have one).

 

[msbarnes]

Common Problems: RF Decementing, dents on frame counter/shutter dial side, button rewind (2 models)

What is wrong with the button rewind? Is it just a feature that people tend to not like?

 

[rlouzan]

With some bodies the button has to be pressed down while rewinding + I've known a couple of photographers that lost the f@#$%^! button .

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88744

What is wrong with the button rewind? Is it just a feature that people tend to not like?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

What is wrong with the button rewind? Is it just a feature that people tend to not like?

I used to have one with the button rewind. Very nice, aesthetically. However, it lends itself to accidental pressings, like when in a bag, or somebody borrows who doesn't know what it's for, and is very attracted by it and says "ooh, what does this ::click:: do?"

And then, you don't want to lend it to people because of this, and then you explain to them why, and then they look at you like "do you think I'm stupid?" or "aren't you sensitive?" or "this is why I think digital is better"...so...it's much easier in common daily life to have the one with the little lever.

 

[msbarnes]

I see.

I have the button but it never bothered me one bit. I was just wondering.

 

[mathomas]

I sold a very nice M2 a few months ago for $650 (IIRC). It was in that neighborhood, anyway.

 

[leicapixie]

i have the 'button' version. It fell off! There are none available..
Thanks to Gerry at Kinderman,Toronto,Canada, i was given a screw and spring to fit. It does not leak light.It also is very recessed. No more "accidental" push ins. i beleive this 1st model has as lightly different shutter.
i think the M2 has the nicest viewfinder of all the Leica-M's.

 

[thegman]

You should be able to find fully working M2 between 500 - 700 range no problem. However, I would not pay 120 for the leica meter. It would be better to buy handheld (digisix around 100) or VCII meter for that much money.

Agree, I got the Leica meter for my M3, did not think it was really any more accurate than my guessing. I replaced with with a VCII, which is so much easier to use, smaller, and I think far, far more accurate. If it's the same as the meter in a Bessa, then it'll be just about perfect in my experience.

 

[johannielscom]

Could I pls recommend mine? I'm preferring an EU sale though...

:angel:

 

[mdwsta4]

Good info to start with, thanks all. Ideally I'd rather spend closer to $600 if I can.