One of the better reviews on the M2, thank you. I have a later M2 lever rewind reset without a self timer. For ppl looking for older M’s try getting it without a self timer. It is seldom used but if you must the solution you suggest is preferable. CLA’s are more expensive with one and if your self timer sticks when counting down, you’re screwed because your shutter is now inoperable and you can’t advance your film. Although it’s rare for this to happen, I had this happen on my Nikon F some years back.
Dude! That M2 looks BRAND NEW!!! I really want to get an M at some point to play with and dont care if it has an internal meter as I know how to actually use a light meter. Lol. Thanks for this video. It is a wonderful tour of this iconic machine.
The M2 was the camera that got me into Leica. I adored that camera for what it was. I’ve since moved on to a 2022 M6, and it’s been a more enjoyable camera for me, but if money was no issue, I’d also have a M2.
M2 rocks. Great video! Also if you ever find yourself near an explosion…the manual counter is more reliable than the glass window of the M3. Thats why they used it on the original MP too 😀
I have a new MP and a M2. IMO the M2 shutter sounds smoother than the MP. My model is in excellent condition. The shutter speeds have been checked and all are perfect. I actually prefer the M2 loading as it feels guaranteed correct. I use a Doomo cold shoe meter and the readings are exactly the same as my MP. Cheers and regards.
Yes I have an MP as well. The M2 is more clicky sounding than the MP is is more metal like. Since you have both you probably know what I’m saying. BTW I’ll have a MP video very soon!
@@LensForgotten I have the Reveni Labs shoe mount meter. It is small but when you add anything to it you do realize how nice it would be to have a internal meter.
Affordable? LOL. Every Soviet and Japanese camera that used the Leica patents (Hooray for war spoils) is equally good and actually affordable. A camera and multiple lenses for less than a Leica M2, and all the equal to Leica.
I think you are referring to the older Barnack Leica’s like the I, II and III which were made before, during and after WW2. The Leica M3, the first M was released in 1954, 9 years after the war. The cameras you are referring to also used the LTM 39 mounting system so lenses were interchangeable. Japanese cameras were Canon, Nikka maybe Nikon and some others. Russian, most famous one is Zorki. The UK made the Reid which some say was better than the Leica. None of there, as far as I know ever made an M mount. Voitlander did later make an M mount camera, the Bessa series, not sure if the patents were still in effect. The Russian versions were not as well built but their lenses are very good. I think that the Russians took the machinery from Zeiss and maybe Leica back to the USSR. You can find some great buys for the older Barnack cameras. The IIIF prices are rising though but still cheaper than an M.
M3 although has a larger viewfinder, if you try focusing with a strong light source it’s very difficult as there’s terrible flare resulting in loss of the center focus patch square. The M2 is much more resistant to this effect
One of the better reviews on the M2, thank you.
I have a later M2 lever rewind reset without a self timer. For ppl looking for older M’s try getting it without a self timer. It is seldom used but if you must the solution you suggest is preferable.
CLA’s are more expensive with one and if your self timer sticks when counting down, you’re screwed because your shutter is now inoperable and you can’t advance your film. Although it’s rare for this to happen, I had this happen on my Nikon F some years back.
Thanks for watching!!! I appreciate it.
Great video! I’m in the market for an M4 - but the M2 is very appealing.
Dude! That M2 looks BRAND NEW!!! I really want to get an M at some point to play with and dont care if it has an internal meter as I know how to actually use a light meter. Lol. Thanks for this video. It is a wonderful tour of this iconic machine.
It’s awesome. If you liked that wait until what next camera I’m going to review!
Well done. I love my M2.
The M2 was the camera that got me into Leica. I adored that camera for what it was. I’ve since moved on to a 2022 M6, and it’s been a more enjoyable camera for me, but if money was no issue, I’d also have a M2.
Agreed. Plus you do gain a greater sense of reliability going to a new M6. Overall both wonderful cameras!
Downgrade from all brass to last to Zinc and plastic
M2 rocks. Great video! Also if you ever find yourself near an explosion…the manual counter is more reliable than the glass window of the M3. Thats why they used it on the original MP too 😀
Interesting. Don’t know the M3 frame counter was finicky like that. 🤔
Thanks...Amazing review on the Leica M2
Glad you liked it. That means a lot!
Got one this Month late Model 1965 without self timer and button rewind!
Great Video
Congrats!!! You’ll love it!! Such a solid camera and great performer!
1965 button rewind? How? I thought they went to the lever in 1960.
I have a 1958 BP button rewind and a silver 1966 lever rewind
Great review! Tks❤
Thanks Gustavo
Want a Leica film camera for less cost than the popular M6? Then look at the classic M2
I have a new MP and a M2. IMO the M2 shutter sounds smoother than the MP. My model is in excellent condition. The shutter speeds have been checked and all are perfect. I actually prefer the M2 loading as it feels guaranteed correct. I use a Doomo cold shoe meter and the readings are exactly the same as my MP. Cheers and regards.
Yes I have an MP as well. The M2 is more clicky sounding than the MP is is more metal like. Since you have both you probably know what I’m saying. BTW I’ll have a MP video very soon!
I love my M3, but yeah I do wish I had a internal light meter.
You should look at the Keks silver hotshoe light meter.
@@LensForgotten I have the Reveni Labs shoe mount meter. It is small but when you add anything to it you do realize how nice it would be to have a internal meter.
Great video about great Camera.
Thank you so much! It means a lot!
I just threw away my entire darkroom which had been occupying valuable storage space in my attic for far too long.
Threw away? Wasn’t able to sell any of it?
Affordable? LOL. Every Soviet and Japanese camera that used the Leica patents (Hooray for war spoils) is equally good and actually affordable. A camera and multiple lenses for less than a Leica M2, and all the equal to Leica.
What models are you referring to?
I think you are referring to the older Barnack Leica’s like the I, II and III which were made before, during and after WW2. The Leica M3, the first M was released in 1954, 9 years after the war.
The cameras you are referring to also used the LTM 39 mounting system so lenses were interchangeable. Japanese cameras were Canon, Nikka maybe Nikon and some others. Russian, most famous one is Zorki. The UK made the Reid which some say was better than the Leica.
None of there, as far as I know ever made an M mount. Voitlander did later make an M mount camera, the Bessa series, not sure if the patents were still in effect.
The Russian versions were not as well built but their lenses are very good. I think that the Russians took the machinery from Zeiss and maybe Leica back to the USSR.
You can find some great buys for the older Barnack cameras. The IIIF prices are rising though but still cheaper than an M.
M3 is much better
Sure unless you're a 35mm shooter then its Mr Goggles time!
M3 although has a larger viewfinder, if you try focusing with a strong light source it’s very difficult as there’s terrible flare resulting in loss of the center focus patch square. The M2 is much more resistant to this effect
@ofeykalakar1 I have both an M3 and a couple of M2’s, haven’t noticed the issue of losing the focusing patch as you mentioned.