An M2 dilemma

[patrickallo]

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I’ve owned and used an early M2 for more than  10 years now. In itself, it’s exactly the kind of 35mm film camera that works for me. Unfortunately, the shutter can be a cause of trouble. In the end, I feel that I can’t trust it unless I have it serviced on a yearly basis. And this makes me consider alternatives.

Compared to when I bought mine (for a bit more than 500€), used prices for leica seemed to have increased drastically. This makes me wonder whether it would make sense at all to just buy another used M2 that may have the exact same issue. Moreover, there just seem to be fewer used M’s around here (Brussels) these days.

Enter the M-A… way more expensive for sure, but perhaps also the one long term option. (I have little doubts about using film and still have a fully operational darkroom).

Last alternative: try to have it serviced elsewhere and see if it makes a difference 

Has anyone faced a similar dilemma (old film m vs newer film m)?

 

 

 

[a.noctilux]

Hello Patrick,

- why do you think that the next M2 would have the same issue ?

- I have two M2, purchased some years ago second hand, they work flawlessly and in many ways more pleasure to use than newer Ms

- as you I didn't trust in old film M, mainly troubles I had with some of M3/M4, so I decided to buy two new M-A in 2014, nothing to complain with these,

some complaints in newer M-A/MP I've read here and there, so I've been lucky

 

I can't help more, as each path can be followed with more or less luck in the end.

I'd pay the bill for repair the M2, if I can pay

at first, I'd ask for the repair cost.

 

 

[earleygallery]

If the shutter has to be repaired every year something is badly wrong! Wrong with whoever you are getting to do the work - try somewhere else.

[colint544]

I have a 1966 M2 which I've owned since 2013. It needed a service when I got it, but I've used it very regularly ever since, and it always delivers. I don't think any M camera should require an annual service.

Leica Ms thrive on plenty of exercise!

[Matlock]

My button rewind M2 has never had a service and still works fine. Regular use is worth much more than any CLA.

[patrickallo]

Thanks for the input. The cost for the repair typically isn’t huge, as it’s only an adjustment of the tension on one or both of the shutter curtains. I’ll start there, see what it gives and check the shutter in between films.

[spydrxx]

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There's apparently something else wrong with your M2 if you're having to do such frequent repairs. Get it to a competent Leica trained repairperson and you'll probably never have to have it repaired again. My M4 went 40 years before needing repair, I dropped it onto concrete and that put an end to no-repairs. My M2, which I've only had about 10 years hasn't needed any repairs, and its former owner couldn't recall having it repaired either. Nevertheless, I do plan to send it off sometime next year and get it relubed and adjusted before my favorite USA repairpersons pass alone of old age.

[Mute-on]

As a dedicated film user, and someone who has obviously recognised the sheer perfection of the M2’s design, you could do the following (as I would, personally)

1. Buy a second M2, the nicest you can find. You should always have a backup/second body

2. As others have said, find a competent Leica specialist repairer (not Wetzlar) and have them overhaul both M2s (your original and the one you buy). 
 

3. Use all the money you save from not buying an M-A to purchase film

 

[TomB_tx]

Adjusting curtain tension without first disassembling, cleaning the old dried lubes, and then re-lubricating is asking for repeated problems. Have a good service done by a Leica technician.

[250swb]

A full CLA should be around £255. The Leica Store in Manchester can have a CLA done on an M2 for £195, have the light seals changed at the same time add another £60, and with regular use the camera shouldn't need servicing again for well over ten years. So whoever is advising the OP and adjusting the camera is clearly not qualified.

Unfortunately the idea that Leica M cameras always need adjustment has crept into the forum, the OP's camera clearly needs a CLA, but saying a camera needs a CLA every few years as often happens is just saying something for the sake of sounding knowledgeable, but maybe technicians are cashing in on it? I think the idea of 'precision made' is confused with 'delicate'. The British Army used modified Rolls Royce's as armoured cars in the desert during WW1, being precision made they were tougher than anything else available.

[Charles Morgan]

Just noticed the OP is in Brussels. I agree with every word posted about needing a CLA. It's expensive but I had mine serviced at van Manen in the Netherlands last year when I found it had a light leak. I'm sure there are other repairers, but it came back as new, with everything done apart from the body cosmetics of age. The idea that these things require regular adjustment is strange. Once it's right it will stay that way for years, my M3 serviced 4 years ago (not a full CLA) feels and works as good as new.

Edited October 24, 2021 by Charles Morgan

[patrickallo]

vor 3 Stunden schrieb Charles Morgan:

Just noticed the OP is in Brussels. I agree with every word posted about needing a CLA. It's expensive but I had mine serviced at van Manen in the Netherlands last year when I found it had a light leak. I'm sure there are other repairers, but it came back as new, with everything done apart from the body cosmetics of age. The idea that these things require regular adjustment is strange. Once it's right it will stay that way for years, my M3 serviced 4 years ago (not a full CLA) feels and works as good as new.

Thanks for reminding me of that option. Thought my only alternative for a better technician would be in Paris