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Leica M2 Wax L Seal Question


minks73

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I have just purchased a sub 1 million serial number M2. I did get it at a large photo retailer in NYC. The mount does not really click in smoothly with newer lenses (pre asph Summilux 50 and pre asph summicron 35) although it does seem to be secure. The mount does click in fairly smoothly with older lenses (summaron 35 and super angulon). Upon closer inspection, I've noticed that the L seal on the mount does not have the L mark. It's just blank. How concerned should I be? I do have 30 days to return. I have read that more recently Leica and other CLA technicians stopped putting the seal after servicing the cameras. Is that true?

 

Thank you for your help.

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The 'L' seal indicates that a camera was never opened and serviced by anybody since it left Wetzlar. Since your M2 is about hafl a century old, I would be more concerned if the seal was still there.....

 

Seriously - if the camera works as it should, lack of an 'L' seal is nothing to be worried about.

 

Best,

 

Jan

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I have just purchased a sub 1 million serial number M2. [...] I've noticed that the L seal on the mount does not have the L mark. It's just blank.

 

You expect a fifty-year virgin? And for it to be in new condition? Where is your head?

 

Have a CLA done for your peace of mind and leave ours alone.

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Hello minks 73,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Your M2 was built in either 1958, 1959 or 1960 depending on the serial #. You can check & find exactly when by going to the wiki @ the top of this page. If you ever decide to ask someone about a specific serial # always leave off the last 4 #'s. Whomever helps you doesn't need them & you shouldn't be giving them.

 

In the 1980's I had an M done by Leitz either in Rockleigh or Northvale. The predecessors to Leica Allendale. When I picked the camera up personally @ the facility there was only a flat gray seal. No letter. Not even the letter Y which had been used before they moved to NJ when they were still in New York City.

 

The tightness with which the mount in the camera holds each of your lenses is a simple adjustment that can be done by Leica or any of a number of available competent repair people.

 

As per a cleaning lubricating & adjustment as pico suggests: That may or may not be necessary since we do not know the condition of the camera or when it was serviced. Leica knows. Just call or write them & ask them. They are perfectly nice. The fact that the gray seal is intact means they were the last to service it.

 

Please remember: A precision machine is like a person. The less you take it apart if you don't have to the happier it is & the longer it lasts.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

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