Why the M2?

The rigid and the DR are optically the same, although the DR's might have been selected especially for use with the "goggles/specs"
Re. your question "Which version is best for classic M2 use?" - what lens(es) are you referring to? If the 35/2 - then the first version (without specs) is the same vintage as the M2 - but collectors keep the prices v. high. Tom A. highly recommends the 35/2.8 summaron instead. If the 50, then either the DR or the Rigid are the appropriate vintage.
David
 
Thanks, David.
Yes I'm looking at the first version 35mm f2's, used to own one, but I will definately consider a 35 2.8 Summaron, as they are excellent, as Tom A and many others including yourself, have said. A Dual Range or Rigid 50mm seems to be a good match to my 90 Summicron, I like the sharpness and lower contrast for B&W.
 
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I love my two MPs, but recently spoke to a relative about buying his old M2 which has not been used for years. I knew he was unable to part with it for along time and hoped he would be tempted to except market price in the knowledge that it would be used for what it was made for. He has always supported by photography and helped me with lighting exhibitions etc (a lighting director - v handy!) Instead he told me he would give me the camera and that I was not to argue, considering himself as 'having the better end of the deal if I was to drop him a print once in a while'. So, thanks to his generosity, next time I am in the UK I will take ownserhip and after reading this thread cannot wait. It was this M2 that made me get in to Ms in the first place. I made the fatal mistake of handling it, winding it on, firing it and looking thru the viewfinder. Now the camera that made it all happen is coming to me. It will take photographs that will I hope be exhibited too and so it will continue! I cannot wait!!!!!

Now I have an excuse to 'need'y some chrome lenses 😀
 
Considering the popularity of 35mm lenses, the M2 is the classic Leica. Its stripped down features only add to the attraction. IMO it is the quintessential rangefinder camera, indeed, the quintessential 35mm camera.
 
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We just came back yesterday from Japan. Eight days of cameras, friends and beer/food. My camera pack was my battered M2 black paint, a R4M with the 21/4.5 C Biogon and a MP with the 50f1.5 C Sonnar. While in Japan I also shot with things like a pre-production Biogon 35mm f2.8 and other lenses.
Wandering around Tokyo you realize in what esteem an old and brassy M2 is held. People stopped me on the street just to look at it, in camera stores customers left the counters and hovered over it and at the Sony showroom the girl showing off the new Sony Alpha series cameras was quickly "seduced" by the fact that you can see what you focus on and you decide what is important! I quickly taught her how to use the rangefinder patch and she was deeply impressed!
Film is alive and well in Japan. We saw more filmcameras while travelling than DSLR's! Mainly older Nikon F's and F2's, some Canon Ftb's and the odd Nikon/Leica rangefinder. If people shot digital, they either used a small point and shoot version (Lumix is popular) or simply clicked away with their cellphones!
 
A bit of a late addition to this thread...

I got my first M2 a few months ago, and it's been getting its first serious use here in Thailand - I've been shooting around Bangkok, and we're also just back from a 2-week trip around the North of the country (partly to visit family) where I shot a lot of film.

I have with me my M6 for Kodachrome, the M2 for Tri-X and APX-400, CL with whatever film suits as a backup, CV 28/3.5, 35/2.5, 50/2.5, 75/2.5 and S-C 40/2 lenses, and Gossen Digisix.

The star of the show so far is the M2. It feels pretty much the same as the M6 (which is probably pretty good seeing as it's 30 years older), but it scores on the VF frames. I've used it exclusively with the 35 and 50 lenses, and seeing just a single VF frame is so much nicer than the M6 with two frames for every option. I hadn't realised how the M6's cluttered VFs could affect my shooting until a couple of weeks ago I shot a dozen or so frames with the 75 mounted but using the 50 framelines!

I did at first wonder about the inconveniences of a manually reset frame count dial and the supposedly slower spool loading, but in practice those are really not problems at all.

I really like my M2 and I suspect it won't be my last one, especially at current prices 😀
 
I hate it when this thread gets updated and I've got to think about it again. My M2 is off in Texas getting a makeover. I miss it so much!
 
kevin m said:
Mine just arrived yesterday. I'd forgotten how small they are, and how solid and beautiful. Just a lovely, lovely camera. They really never will make them like this again!

2495372884_37896e5f14.jpg
Click to expand...

😱😱😱
that combo looks exactly like mine! I had to check if i still have it!
 
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