Review 1 of 31
Price Paid:
$400.00
from Photografical fair Summary:This is about the M2. I brought this M2 a few months ago as I could afford to buy one again. My first and previous M2 I had to sell after 23 years of use. I like the M2 more than any other M model, since it does fulfill my needs. I used it with an 35mm Jupiter and Summilux (1st gen). I had an NC Summicron and 50mm Elmar. And an Summicron 90mm (1st gen) which was to heavy to use, although the pictures at 2.0 and 2.8 were great. I replaced it with an Elmarit 90mm which was also used with an Visoflex 2. A fine combination for almost everything. Metering was done with an Gossen Lunasix 3 and later the Leicameter MR and MC.
I took the camera everywhere and it was my biggest companion for all those 23 years. Quality of the Leitz lenses might be disputable, but it is the combination with the camera that does the magic. Simple, reliable and small. What else do you want?
I missed this camera so much, that I decided to buy one again, even against all digital developments.
And yes, I paid 500 guilders (around 220 euros) in 1978 and now I had to pay 400 euro's and oh man, how I felt lucky! My Summicron 50mm was in 1978 also 500 guilders and now I was lucky to get an collapsible Summicron for 225 euros.
I still do not own a decent 35mm and it might become an VC, since the Summilux is far to expense for my use.
Using a Leica M means that you have to look different at picture opportunities than with an reflex. You might tend to think, that you need a motor drive, but that is not true. At the supreme moment you know you can rely on your camera and that what you see is what you get on your negative! No delays, no time lag.
It is a pity that I cannot afford an Leica M9 (No interest for an M8)
But the M2 shows the strength of an Leica M and why it still does exist.
If you make a successful picture with an digital camera, you know it is about 80% electronics and perhaps 20% you. With an Leica M you know it is 80% you and 20% magic.
Strengths:Limited lens-range.
(In der Begrenzung zeigt sich der Meister) Limitations shows whether you are a real master or just fake)
Silent (but not as silent as my Lubitel II ;-)
Focusing spot on (compared to digital camera's, except an Leica M8 or M9)
Not intrusive. (Using an 90mm Elmarit for portraits is not taken as serious as an reflex-camera or an Zenza Bronica ETRS with an 150mm)
Full view of the place of action all the time. You will not miss if the action happens outside the view of your lens.
Reliable most of the time. No batteries needed. Weaknesses:Film loading with an quickload spool is slower than the standard 'N' spool.
No TTL (on the M2) Awkward use for macro (using an Visoflex 1 or Visoflex 2)
(Step down metering)
Expensive accessories, although the question arises how much do you need. Henri Cartier-Bresson used hardly ever an light meter and the most used lens was an Summitar lens. (He didn't crop much either)
Similar Products Used:Leica IIIc/f. Zorki 4K. No others that are comparable. Customer Service:Used once in 1980 for complete overhaul. (They changed the flash-connections at the same time) Slow, expensive but perfect.
(I used it as an excuse to pick up the camera in Wetzlar myself.)
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