Which M2 is best as a 'user'?

Benjamin

Benjamin

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Hi, a while ago I mentioned that I was considering an M6 or an M2 as my first Leica. I've decided to go with the M2, and probably with the addition an accessory meter.

What I really want to know is which M2 is best as a user?

Are there stepped, clear cut stages in the variations of the M2? I.e, the addition of the self timer, rapid loading, button/lever rewind?

All the best,

Benjamin
 
I don't remember there being big differences in the variations. One important thing to look out for is the rangefinder spot. Make sure it is bright and contrasty enough to use easily.
 
Benjamin said:
Need I worry?
Click to expand...
Dear Benjamin,

No.

As far as I'm aware, there was never a rapid load on original M2s, though it can be added (both mine have it). The self timer is neither here not there; I can't remember if mine have them or not (they're upstairs). Button rewinds are the early ones, if I recall aright, and less common than lever rewind (both mine are lever rewind, one of them from '59).

Cheers,

Roger
 
Unless you're big into self-timers, there isn't much difference and condition is more important than the spec. Finding one with the rapid loader conversion is mostly a matter of luck unless you want to pay collector money for a real M2-R or the military K-version.
You probably want to make sure it has the take-up spool with it, just for convenience sake.
 
The button rewind has to be held down on everyone I've used. I still use one picked up second hand in 1972. I bought it from an AP photographer right after she'd covered both the Republican and Democratic conventions in Miami Beach with it. She bought it from another guy I knew who used it during the Mexico City Olympics, but he bought it second hand at Browne's Photo Center where I shopped. The first owner had traded it in on a brand new M4.

The M2 was marketed in several minor variations: M2 with button rewind and no self timer, followed by the M2 and M2-S, both with lever rewind. The "S" had a sef timer. They then introduced a no self timer model again, designated (at least in the catalog) as the M2-X. Then there were a few years with no M2 models until a military model came out, with a civilian designation of M2-R, which had the M4 loading system. I still use my M2-R. You can't kill an M2!

For a few years Leitz offered a "rapid load" kit for the M-2 and M-3. You had to pull the spool slightly to reset the film counter on the M-3. They really were a royal pain to use. Instead of haphazarly poking the leader between prongs you had to align it and push it into a slot in the end of the spool. After a couiple of years the big mail order places closed them out for $12.50 Now, of course, they're worth a small fortune, especially if you still have the original box and instruction sheet.

At any rate, don't be hesitant about buying an M2 that's fifty years old, even if it saw heavy pro use. It'll still outlast you!

The original M2 listed for $200 in the early 60's, the M2-S was about $250, and when the M2-R came out it was sold together with a Dual-Range Summicron for $375. By that time the $5 hood had suddenly started selling for an outrageous $7 but you could still buy the leather neck strap with rubber pad for $2.98.

As for my M2-R? No collector in his right mind would want it the way it looks after forty years of ACTUAL USE, but I still have the pristine original box with matching serial number, instruction book, and a few of the Leitz brochures telling about what a great camera it is.
 
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I second Al on the button rewind version. It is a pain to rewind as with early one #926xxx to about #940xxx you have to hold the button down as you rewind. Later M2's with the button worked better as the button stayed down on its own (at least until it got worn and started to pop out!). ANY M2 is good, but a #960xxx to 1164xxx the the best. Buy one and have it CLA'd and it should be good for another 50 years.
It is critical that your rangefinder patch is clear and contrasty and that you have a minimum of haze in the finder.
Only thing to check on a a "well seasoned " ( one step up from "beaten to hell") camera is that the "spindle" that holds the take-up spool is not too worn. It can cause the spool to "slip" - particularly with "tight" felt traps. It is a rare occurance though and usually takes 10-15 000 rolls to get that worn. Easy fix too.
As for quick load kits, I dont like them, but thats my personal opinion. Too fiddly to load. I "preload" a couple of take-up spools and then just drop them in as I go through film. Always keep one or two take-up spools as spares anyway. They can get lost - they are still available on E-Bay and occasionally in better stores as used or new.
 
Tom A said:
I second Al on the button rewind version. It is a pain to rewind as with early one #926xxx to about #940xxx you have to hold the button down as you rewind. Later M2's with the button worked better as the button stayed down on its own (at least until it got worn and started to pop out!).
Click to expand...

The button on my #938xxx stays down, but on the other hand it doesn't always pop out like it should when I have finished rewinding. Is there a trick or should I have it fixed?
 
I preferred the M2 without the self-timer; it seemed like the self-timer lever was always in the way a bit when gripping the camera, but I have big hands.

I liked the quick load kit once I got used to it. I found the trick was to pull out a bit more film (1/2"?) than indicated on the baseplate diagram. Then it worked like a champ. I quit daydreaming about paying DAG to install an M6 take up spool, put it that way. 😀
 
As Al says, the "rapid load" kit is not really so rapid. The lever rewind is to be preferred, but the button rewind is no real handicap. You must decide whether you want a self-timer. You can put yourself in the picture with it, and you can use it in place of a cable release.
 
I'm with Kevin M on this one. The self timer seems to get in the way when I tried one out. My first M2 had the "hold-in" button, which I got used to, but could be a bit slow. My current M2 is 949XXX and the button stays in when you click. Much better, especially with the Wasserman Rewinder.

Like everybody says, hard to go wrong with -any- M2, just about any problem can be fixed-up.
 
Some very sensible comments here already, but here's my tuppence anyways.

All M2 versions are wonderful things - it's Leica's best camera IMHO. Rather than worrying about finding one specific type, you'd be much better served concentrating on condition and price. Either find a cheap user and have it CLAd by someone who really knows what he's (or she's) doing, or pay a little more for a well-maintained example, and you'll have a camera that'll last a lifetime and make you smile inside every time you use it.

For what it's worth, personally I'm not too keen on the selftimer models purely because I think it spoils the ultra-clean lines of the camera, and the early hold-the-button-down-as-you-rewind versions are a minor pain. Neither would put me off if price and condition were right though.

Got to say I agree with those who find the quickload accessory more of a pain than a plus. I much prefer the security of the proper take-up spool and, like Tom, prefer to just carry film preloaded into spare spools (my M2 came with two and I picked up a third for pennies). If I REALLY felt the need to minimize my loading times I'd be more tempted to have an M4-type take-up 'tulip' fitted than go for the fiddly accessory quickload spool.
 
Erik,

They're black M-2 bodies out there. I ran the numbers once just to see how rare mine was and came up with a figure of 2.82% . . . No - I've never seen another - but I know they're out there. Hell - get a chrome one and if you absolutely have to have it black - make it so.
My first experience with an M-series was a chrome M-2. THey're all good.

Paul
 
Paul,

Do you have a black one? Can you post a picture of it? I would like to know its serial number. Black M2's are very interesting and very beautiful. The worlds finest camera's.

Erik.
 
I pretty much agree with everyone else, but through reading and research rather than much experience - my M2 is the only one I have ever had (but it won't be the last).

When I was getting it I wasn't too bothered by the version (though it happens to fall within Tom's "good" range), or the cosmetic condition. All I was really interested in was how well it worked, and I got one for a good price that is cosmetically well worn but had just had a CLA. And it works like a dream - it will easily outlast me.

My main criteria when I get my next one (I really want to be able to carry two around with different lenses, or different films) will be that I want one that has had a reasonably recent CLA, or is cheap enough for me to pay for one if necessary. I'll want it to at least be described as functioning nicely, and to have a nice clear viewfinder. I'll also want a lever rewind - having to hold in a button sounds like a real pain. And I won't care whether or not it has a self-timer, because I never use them.
 
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