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Leica M2


andym911

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After buying it from a forum member (Uk resident , name starting with B and ending in L ;))

I sent it to Solms for a complete overhaul as I usually do when buying 2nd hand.

 

Have now used it for about 2 months and 20 films....and it is to me just about the perfect camera.

I use the Leicameter most of the time attached to the camera.

 

Anyway here are a few reasons why I can say with confidence that it is my preferred Leica M and the one I pick up first when going out to take photographs.

 

1.The mechanical feel is just smooth and sweet, both the shutter release and the wind on lever are better than my M6..Just perfect in every way.Incomparable to the digital M's.

 

2.Using the Leicameter I just glance down every now and then or when there is a significant light change to check exposure , and am becoming much more relaxed about it...I concentrate much more on the photograph and less on the exposure....still hitting the right exposure most of the time.

 

3,The size and weight seems just right, with either the Elmar 35 or 50 or the 35 Cron it is such a small tight but hefty package...feels natural.

 

4.The aesthetics are purely understatement and that is also very appealing...No red Dot!...what a pleasure.

 

And most of all I have already found an instinctive respect and admiration for the camera...every time I have it in my hands I feel that I will be taking a good photograph soon....crazy but true.

 

In closing anyone considering an M6 or M7 should also take a look at the classic M2....I am glad I found the one I did and relish every moment I spend with it....

 

just a few thoughts

 

 

andy

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and here a few images

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I agree with everything you say, Andy, even though the only other Leica experience I have is with a Leica 1! I too have an Elmar 35, though I more often use a Summaron 2.8. I do like the Elmar, but only after f6.3. With the Summaron I allow myself f4 sometimes, though generally f5.6 max. Of course the M2 is the reason this f-stop caution is possible; I use 1/15th regularly without fear. 1/15th with my OM1 would be bad news.

Reason for post, whilst we're talking about the M2, is to ask if the M2 leather case is any good? I have a bit of a blue poncy handbag thing to carry my meter and M2 about in at the moment, but when the muse strikes I find it takes ages to get everything out. My ER case that I have for my OM's is quick to open, take a photo and close up again, but I think I may have heard slightly negative remarks on this august forum about the Leica case. I realise that it looks like it's made out of my Grandad's shoes, and his shoes were tough, but does it open quickly and stay out of the way whilst shooting? Maybe one could carve one up and use the base as a half-case?

Anyway - up with the M2, the Elmar, and down with all things more flowery, newer, more expensive and worse!

Jim.

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3/2/4 - the best of the best. I was looking for a 2 but found a 4. I may add a 3, just because that was really the best camera Leica ever made regarding quality and fit IMO.

 

Just one question, unless the camera was not functioning properly, why send it off for a CLA?

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3/2/4 - the best of the best. I was looking for a 2 but found a 4. I may add a 3, just because that was really the best camera Leica ever made regarding quality and fit IMO.

 

Just one question, unless the camera was not functioning properly, why send it off for a CLA?

Fair question......I guess it is just me, I prefer to know that it has been 'sorted by Leica' and have the confidence that everything is just fine...probably money that I did not need to spend but for my peace of mind it is worth it o me....

 

best

 

andy

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Andy, happy to hear that you have taken on the care & feeding of such a fine instrument. My M2 is very dear to my heart. Hard to beat, except with a M3. Have you tried your Summicron 40 with the M2? I use that lens with my M2, when I want a somewhat different look than my 35 Summilux pre-asph. It works quite well, even without it's own set of frame lines. It's a very small adjustment that you make & it becomes very natural. The compactness of the 40 makes the whole kit super light & easy to carry, often as a 2nd camera. Enjoy and may you post many images.

 

The only other issue I would like to address is the Meter. I have used one in the past. I found that the Gossen Digisix made a world of difference for me. It's very small & is usually in my right pocket wherever I go. It's very accurate & it continues to teach me an awful lot about the properties of light. Also, it makes the kit much lighter and provides a strategic view, which the mounted meter obstructs. Have fun with this magnificent camera.

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Bill

 

it really is a dream camera...thanks again (publicly this time) for the smooth and enjoyable transaction....the M2 gets most of the use these days.

 

Ben

I have not yet tried the 40 cron.....will do next week when I am in Berlin :D

On the meter, I have the Digisix in my drawer and understand what you mean about the field of view with the MR meter.....at the moment I am enjoying the combination but maybe will pop it in my pocket next week...

 

Can't wait to be back in Berlin....a city that really has a certain 'pull' on me..

 

best regards and as always appreciate your comments

 

andy

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and here a couple more from Israel last week.....

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