Will Improving a Mint - M2 change its collecting value

[RDJ]

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I just purchased a beautiful 1960 M2.  When loading film a small flake of vulcanite separated from under the lens.  The camera has the original L seal and operates normally.  
The viewfinder is very clean with a flashlight test.  The focus patch is not yellow and has high contrast.   But….outside the patch the view is 1 stop or more dimmer than my 1963 M3.  The finder also has a heavier blue tint I would like to see lightened.

-  Will the value more fall if I have DAG patch the cover vs reskin?  
-  Will the value fall if DAG can brighten and reduce the blue tint similar to my M3?

-  Will the value fall if the L seal is changed to DAGs?
 

Love the aesthetics of this M2 but can’t live with the darker finder.  So its sell or see if it can be improved.  

 

 

Edited March 30 by RDJ
Spelling and refined content

[RDJ]

I bought the M2 for the experience.  I have a M5 and repaint M3.  I like each of them for different reasons but ultimately want to reduce to one body.  
 

I agree if the body cover is not changed it will flake off at the base plate attachment points.

I don’t want to lower the value too much as I will not keep the camera due to the finder being so blue.  I suspect the finder can be improved…but perhaps not the tint.  No reason a 1960 clean M2 finder is not as bright as a 1963 M3. 

Edited March 30 by RDJ
Clarity

[RDJ]

I assume a collector insists on originality and will allow a discount on condition.  Tell me if I’m wrong.  I’m a shooter but want as perfect a camera as reasonable.  
 

I have been considering a CLA and cover repair along with any potential finder cleaning improvements.  I’m ok with spending more money for a keeper but who knows if the finder can be improved to meet my standard.  Plus with the coming trade war using Camera Works may be very uneconomical.  If I go the repair path and I still dislike finder brightness than I sunk more dollars into the M2.  

[Shac]

Suggest you call Don Golberg and ask about the finder tint and if it can be changed

M2's are excellent user bodies

[RDJ]

Hoping a forum member has run into the finder issue vs calling Don.  He changed the battery compartment of my M5 and while in the Madison, WI area I picked it up at his house.  I read the recent interview with Don and he is busy enough I hesitate to bother him.  Youxin Ye is someone I have used for lens CLAs and will check by email with him. 

[RDJ]

I received a reply from Mr Ye.  He said there is a component tinted in the M2 which is not tinted in the M3.  He did not indicate anything can be done to brighten the finder.  

[oldwino]

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A DAG CLA'd M2 will be easier to sell than not, if you are considering selling.

[qqphot]

It is not a rare enough camera such that you'd be irresponsible to use it and put wear on it. If you don't like the way it works in actual use, you could sell it immediately and buy one more to your liking, or have it repaired to the point you like using it.  FWIW I have not observed M2 finders to be darker in general than M3 finders.

As @oldwino said, an M2 documented to have been recently serviced and in working order will have more resale value than one in unknown condition. Though I suppose we are already veering close to discussing monetary valuation, which is (imo for good reason) discouraged on this forum.

[RDJ]

Does anyone know if Sherry K is still servicing leicas?
 

This M2 seems to work flawlessly but has a raised L.  Thats 34 years without a service.  
 

[lifeandmylens]

From a strictly resale point of view - If it's black paint I wouldn't fix the vulcanite or break the seal.  If it's silver, a CLA will only help the resale value.  

[jc_braconi]

On 4/15/2025 at 12:48 AM, RDJ said:

Does anyone know if Sherry K is still servicing leicas?
 

This M2 seems to work flawlessly but has a raised L.  Thats 34 years without a service.  
 

Sherry K is retired
If you want this camera as a user make everything clear for your pleasure.,
I thinkit  is not an item for collection, items for collection are to stay sure in cabinet

[250swb]

@RDJ missing a piece of vulcanite means it isn't mint so have it serviced and don't worry about it's value. But my philosophy is 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. Run some superglue between the vulcanite and body to stop it spreading and if you still have the bit that fell out glue that in as well. At least use it before sending it for a service so you can report any concerns the service alone may not address.

Edited April 17 by 250swb