mikemgb Posted December 18, 2021 Share #1021 Posted December 18, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) My M2 is still getting plenty of use, I bought it a new lens recently. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 6 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/48604-i-love-my-m2/?do=findComment&comment=4334806'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 18, 2021 Posted December 18, 2021 Hi mikemgb, Take a look here I love my M2. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
TheBestSLIsALeicaflex Posted December 22, 2021 Share #1022 Posted December 22, 2021 (edited) Always want two when I travel, because once a camera broke on me during a trip. In order to have a reasonable chance of having two available, you need at least three at home, because once I had a camera become suddenly unavailable right before a trip. So minimum is three, and that's why I have a '58, '59. '60 and '63 (all M2's). Hmm, that's photographers math right there. Ha, ha, they've been good investments! Edited December 22, 2021 by TheBestSLIsALeicaflex 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hektor Posted December 22, 2021 Share #1023 Posted December 22, 2021 1 hour ago, TheBestSLIsALeicaflex said: Always want two when I travel, because once a camera broke on me during a trip. In fifty three years and six months I have never had a Leica fail. All my M cameras and 'flexes have been sent back to the factory every ten years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBestSLIsALeicaflex Posted December 22, 2021 Share #1024 Posted December 22, 2021 (edited) 41 minutes ago, hektor said: In fifty three years and six months I have never had a Leica fail. All my M cameras and 'flexes have been sent back to the factory every ten years. Over the last thirty years or so I've had about five cameras fail to the point they could not be used, and one them was on a trip. A Contax G was dead right out of the box. No big deal, just sent it back to the dealer. Three separate, previously serviced Leicaflex SL failed -- a film spindle broke (operator error), the viewfinder fell out from failing plastics, then just a complete catastrophic shutter failure on another -- and one of these happened on a multi-week trip. Then I had a Leica M3 where the prism blacked out. That was on a day outing. All these cameras were either new (the contax) or previously serviced w/in a year or two. Mostly just age related issues. I've had meter go wonky on cameras but that didn't prevent their use. It just made me work a little harder. A few other things like a TLTR scratching film. I've been shooting the Leica M2 model mostly for the last couple of years and hopefully the more simple camera will be more reliable too. One reason I keep a couple Nikon F around, because I figure they'll always work. Edited December 22, 2021 by TheBestSLIsALeicaflex Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hektor Posted December 22, 2021 Share #1025 Posted December 22, 2021 (edited) 38 minutes ago, TheBestSLIsALeicaflex said: Over the last thirty years or so I've had about five cameras fail to the point they could not be used, and one them was on a trip. I bought a Contax G for my wife and it too failed on its first outing and was returned to the dealer. My Leicaflex SL I bought new in 1969 and some time later had all the plastic components replaced by Leitz. Also the knobs replaced with those of the original Leicaflex as I thought the black was out of character. It was not as simple as one might think as all the connections for the through-the-lens metering had to be hand made on a laser lathe which was fascinating to watch. Its reliability I suspect is due to the abovementioned replacements as well as periodic serevicing. In fact I have a roll of Ektachrome in it at the moment: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited December 22, 2021 by hektor 7 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/48604-i-love-my-m2/?do=findComment&comment=4336671'>More sharing options...
TheBestSLIsALeicaflex Posted December 22, 2021 Share #1026 Posted December 22, 2021 (edited) 10 hours ago, hektor said: I bought a Contax G for my wife and it too failed on its first outing and was returned to the dealer. My Leicaflex SL I bought new in 1969 and some time later had all the plastic components replaced by Leitz. Also the knobs replaced with those of the original Leicaflex as I thought the black was out of character. It was not as simple as one might think as all the connections for the through-the-lens metering had to be hand made on a laser lathe which was fascinating to watch. Its reliability I suspect is due to the abovementioned replacements as well as periodic serevicing. In fact I have a roll of Ektachrome in it at the moment: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! For nearly a decade a Leicaflex SL was my favorite camera. Passed a lot of film through them. A big, bold, beautiful viewfinder where things just pop into focus in a dramatic way. Shooting this camera with a 60 macro or 90mm lens is something everyone should experience once in their life. And what great shutter damping. If it wasn't for the aforementioned reliability issues, and stenosis in my back, I may still be using them, exclusively. Still have a few floating around the house with some macro lenses but don't use them much anymore. Ha, ha, funny (or sad) your similar experience with the Contax G. That's what drove me to get away from the electronics into mechanical cameras, though I've learned they can fail too. However, really enjoying the Leica M2. Shooting that pretty exclusively for the last 2-3 years. I like the simplicity of just a rangefinder and 35mm lens. May not get every shot, but I'll get most to them, and the limitations force thinking, makes one focus on what's important. Ha, ha, and my back likes the lighter camera too. Edited December 22, 2021 by TheBestSLIsALeicaflex 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemgb Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1027 Posted January 14, 2022 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) I know I posted a photo of my M2 recently, but I really do love it, plus I just bought it a SLOOZ to go with its Elmarit 28mm. 😁 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited January 14, 2022 by mikemgb 7 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/48604-i-love-my-m2/?do=findComment&comment=4354487'>More sharing options...
logan2z Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1028 Posted January 14, 2022 1 hour ago, mikemgb said: I know I posted a photo of my M2 recently, but I really do love it, plus I just bought it a SLOOZ to go with its Elmarit 28mm. 😁 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Beautiful camera. I've got a SLOOZ and I use it with my Elmarit 28mm ASPH on my M4. I actually prefer using the SLOOZ on my M4 to the 28mm framelines in my M-A. The framelines in the SLOOZ are easier to see. I keep debating about whether to buy an M2 or an M3. Prices for both have been going up so I've probably already missed the opportunity to pick up either for a reasonable price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemgb Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1029 Posted January 14, 2022 33 minutes ago, logan2z said: Beautiful camera. I've got a SLOOZ and I use it with my Elmarit 28mm ASPH on my M4. I actually prefer using the SLOOZ on my M4 to the 28mm framelines in my M-A. The framelines in the SLOOZ are easier to see. I keep debating about whether to buy an M2 or an M3. Prices for both have been going up so I've probably already missed the opportunity to pick up either for a reasonable price. I’m actually thinking about buying an M3 to go with the M2, but I realize I need to move fast, prices are going crazy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan2z Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1030 Posted January 14, 2022 34 minutes ago, mikemgb said: I’m actually thinking about buying an M3 to go with the M2, but I realize I need to move fast, prices are going crazy. M3s seem to be breaking the $2K mark these days. It seems like it was just yesterday the they were half that. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hektor Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1031 Posted January 14, 2022 With the inherent depth of field and applying zone focusing I prefer the: SLOOZ / 12017 = 28mm SBLOO / 12010 = 35mm (as did David Douglas Duncan) SBOOI / 12015 = 50mm With Leica photography one has "seen" the picture before lifting one's camera to the eye, previsualising so to speak where one only needs to frame before releasing the shutter. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 3 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/48604-i-love-my-m2/?do=findComment&comment=4354644'>More sharing options...
TheBestSLIsALeicaflex Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1032 Posted January 14, 2022 (edited) 8 hours ago, logan2z said: Beautiful camera. I've got a SLOOZ and I use it with my Elmarit 28mm ASPH on my M4. I actually prefer using the SLOOZ on my M4 to the 28mm framelines in my M-A. The framelines in the SLOOZ are easier to see. I keep debating about whether to buy an M2 or an M3. Prices for both have been going up so I've probably already missed the opportunity to pick up either for a reasonable price. Although M2 is my fave of all the M's I've used in my life (virtually all the film M's), the M3 is so unique with that high magnification. Don't shoot the 50mm focal length much anymore, but I think every rangefinder guy (or gal) should try an M3 (or Nikon S2. S3) once in their life to experience that big viewfinder. Ha, ha, then you'll need to bet a super fast 50 to fully exploit it! Not nearly as versatile as your M4, M-A ect. Edited January 14, 2022 by TheBestSLIsALeicaflex 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBestSLIsALeicaflex Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1033 Posted January 14, 2022 6 hours ago, logan2z said: M3s seem to be breaking the $2K mark these days. It seems like it was just yesterday the they were half that. Go for it! You won't know until you get it in your hands, but of all the film M's out there, an M3 (and I suppose other 0.85 mag) is unique. Be careful though, may slippery slope. I see a Noctilux in your future, ha, ha, ha. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBestSLIsALeicaflex Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1034 Posted January 14, 2022 6 hours ago, logan2z said: M3s seem to be breaking the $2K mark these days. It seems like it was just yesterday the they were half that. Thank you inflation. Think the continuing demand may be there, relatively speaking. Wish I hung onto my SS, but I'm not much of a 50mm shooter anymore. I like your website. Good photography. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayD28 Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1035 Posted January 14, 2022 I the use the Leica 28mm plastic version finder (the one with the switch that makes the finder fit tighter in the hotshoe) with my M3. A joy to use. Going from the internal finder for focus to the external finder for framing is no big deal for me. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan2z Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1036 Posted January 14, 2022 5 hours ago, TheBestSLIsALeicaflex said: Thank you inflation. Think the continuing demand may be there, relatively speaking. Wish I hung onto my SS, but I'm not much of a 50mm shooter anymore. I like your website. Good photography. The demand does seem to be there. Every time I see an M3 come up for sale at a dealer it is quickly sold - despite the ever-rising prices. Thanks for the feedback on my photographs, much appreciated! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemgb Posted January 14, 2022 Share #1037 Posted January 14, 2022 12 hours ago, logan2z said: M3s seem to be breaking the $2K mark these days. It seems like it was just yesterday the they were half that. The M2 has gone the same way, I’m just glad I bought mine when I did, about 4 years ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BalticSea Posted February 1, 2022 Share #1038 Posted February 1, 2022 She arrived today. Near mint condition and 10 years older than myself. My first ever Leica and the first non-digital after about 20 years. I am more than impressed by this piece of art. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 10 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/48604-i-love-my-m2/?do=findComment&comment=4373730'>More sharing options...
Michael Hiles Posted February 1, 2022 Share #1039 Posted February 1, 2022 Congratulations - a wonderful camera. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
archive_all Posted February 3, 2022 Share #1040 Posted February 3, 2022 On 2/1/2022 at 6:59 AM, BalticSea said: She arrived today. Near mint condition and 10 years older than myself. My first ever Leica and the first non-digital after about 20 years. I am more than impressed by this piece of art. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Congrats! Great camera, I also started out in the M system with an M2. I still remember when I unpacked it and the wow factor. Compared to the MP and M-A it's still as nice or maybe even nicer if serviced when needed. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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