Leica M2
delayed action, lever rewind
Introduced in 1957 the Leica M2 was the second M model produced by Leica, confusingly following the Leica model M3 and predessor to the M4.
The M2 often commands a lower price then M3 or M4s as collectors seem to shun the M2 in favour of the others, one exception is the M2R which is a later model M2 that is factory fitted with the rapid load style system of the M4 and later models.
The M2 is a good user many reasons, one the lower price, secondly because it has the simplet set of framelines of all Ms, displaying independently only 35mm, 50mm and 90mm framelines, there are no multiple bright lines as with the M3 and later Ms such as the M7 and MP, furthermore there is the fantastic depth of feild arrows in the viewfinder which were not used again on any later M.
One possible reason for the lower perceived collectable value of the M2 is that it was originally introduced to the market as a cheaper version of the M3, as it had a less complicated rangefinder system, an external manually reset frame counter and was originally introduced with less features. However the M2 has proven itself as a well built and reliable model, the original MP - designed for professional press use - bears striking resemblance to the M2, including the external frame counter.
The M2 came in many iterations, including button rewind models, then later with delayed action timers and lever rewind, then eventually the rapid load system that replaced the tedious separate leading spool system.
The model displayed here is a late model with both delayed action release (self timer) and lever rewind. Supposedly the lever rewind models are more reliable than the earlier button rewind.
Leica M2 (circa 1965)
late model with lever rewind and self timer
Professional press photographers generally preferred the M2 to the M3 because of the M2s 0.72 viewfinder which accommodated the 35mm framelines, the M3 could only display 50mm framelines due to its high viewfinder magnification. This is one of the reasons why the original MP was based on the M2 rather than the M3. With an M3 you could buy special 35mm lens with adaptive goggles or use a regular 35mm lens with an external viewfinder such as the Leitz SBLOO brilliant line finder.
The famous image of Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara, now reproduced on everything from t shirts to mouse pads was captured by photographer Alberto Korda with a Leica M2.
Leica M2 with Leica Meter MR-4
The Leica M2 doesn't have a built in light meter. You can use a hand held light meter or as pictured above a LeicaMeter MR-4 which couples to the camera mechanically.
3
Abandoned Orphanage. Leica M2, MR4, 40mm Summicron-C