Leica M2
Introduced in 1958191 (or 1957227) and discontinued in 1967191, the Leica M2 shares many similarities with the Leica M3, but it features a viewfinder designed for 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm lenses, rather than the Leica M3's 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses360. The first Leica M2 was designated with serial number 926001 and the last one designated with serial number 1165000227. It has a height of 77 mm, length of 138 mm, and width of 36 mm191. The viewfinder magnification is 0.72x, and the rangefinder base length is 49.3 mm191. Its weight is 580 g191.
Here are the key differences between the Leica M2 and the Leica M3, as well as the main features of the various Leica M2 models360:
- All Leica M2 models have a single-stroke film advance mechanism360.
- Early batches of Leica M2 do not have a delayed action mechanism. Starting from serial number 949101, some examples include this mechanism, and from serial number 1004151 onward, all models feature it360.
- Early Leica M2 models have a push-button rewind, while later models are equipped with a lever rewind360.
- The Leica M2 is compatible with the Leicavit MP rapid film advance accessory (code-named SYOOM-M227) without requiring any modifications360. The Leica M2's extended winding shaft allowed for this accessory to be fitted, while the Leica M3 did not support it. According to April 1959 Leitz catalog, the SYOOM-M was priced at 34.50 USD227.
- It includes an externally reset frame counter360.
The Leica M2 was designated with the code KOOHE (body only) and initially cataloged as #10300 for the early non-self-timer model. When the self-timer version was introduced in 1961, it was reassigned catalog number 10308. Leitz catalog from April 1959 lists the price as 216 USD for the body only and 390 USD when purchased with a 35mm f/2 Summicron lens (catalog number 10301)227.
Finishes
The M2 typically has a chrome finish, though some limited batches were finished in black360. Leica M2 cameras in black paint finish were produced in 1958 - 1960, 1964 - 1965, and 1968357. Only 1871 black paint Leica M2 cameras were produced, making them one of the rarest Leica M models227.
Variants
Leica M2 underwent some changes after introduction26. The following variants are known to exist26:
- Variation #1 features a rewind button that must be held down continuously while the film is being rewound. It is made only in chrome and includes a preview lever26
- Variation #2 features a rewind button that, when pressed, remains down until the advance lever is activated. It is also made solely in chrome finish and comes with a preview lever26
- Variation #3 features a lever rewind mechanism and is made only in chrome. It includes the preview lever as well26
- Variation #4 (referred to as Leica M2S) has a lever rewind and includes a self-timer. It is made in chrome and features a preview lever26. The M2S designation was used exclusively in U.S. catalogs to differentiate between M2S and M2X227. It is said that all Leica M2 cameras produced after serial number 1004151 in 1960 came with self-timers, but there are examples of Leica M2 cameras with self-timers made before this number, and some without self-timers produced after it 227.
- Variation #5 (referred to as Leica M2S) is similar to Variation #4 (referred to as Leica M2S), has a lever rewind and self-timer but is made in black. It also includes the preview lever26. The M2S designation was used exclusively in U.S. catalogs to differentiate between M2S and M2X227. According to August 1961 Leitz catalog, the Leica M2S in black paint finish (catalog number 10309) was sold for 276 USD227.
- Variation #6 (referred to as Leica M2X) offers a lever rewind without a self-timer and is made in chrome. It features the preview lever26. The M2X designation was used exclusively in U.S. catalogs to differentiate between M2S and M2X227.
- Variation #7 (referred to as Leica M2X) is similar to Variation #6 (referred to as Leica M2X), has a lever rewind without a self-timer but is made in black. It also includes the preview lever26. The M2X designation was used exclusively in U.S. catalogs to differentiate between M2S and M2X227.
Prototype Leica M2
Research shows that the first five Leica M2 cameras were assembled in October 1958 and featured specially engraved top plates. The standard Leica M2 identifier and serial number were replaced with a "PL-P" marking and a unique six-digit number. The original body number was engraved internally on the bottom of the shutter crate. The third Leica M2 assembled at Midland is displayed with a top plate engraved "PL-P 000 003." A view of the bottom of the fourth camera, "PL-P 000 004," reveals the original number on the shutter crate193.
The purpose of these special top plate engravings remains a mystery, although they may indicate some form of prototype status. The design style of the large "PLP" was carried over to later Midland cameras, specifically the "M2" and "M3," leading to the existence of "big" M2 or M3 models that appear in the Canadian serial number list193.
Conventional serial numbering resumed after the completion of the first five Leica M2 cameras. Total of 1620 (or 1625) Leica M2 cameras were produced in 20 lots, each containing between 50 and 100 units193.
Midland Leica M2
A small series of Leica M2 cameras was assembled by Ernst Leitz Canada in Midland, Ontario, between 1958 and 1966193, using component parts manufactured in Wetzlar31. These cameras were primarily intended for sale in Canada, the USA, and markets in the Far East31.
The Leica M2 cameras featuring Midland engraving in chrome finish with serial numbers ranging from 937621 to 937650 are quite rare140. According to one author, only 9 Leica M2 cameras made in Midland had "Ernst Leitz Canada" markings; virtually all others were marked with "Wetzlar" for market reasons168. According to a different source, 10 cameras engraved with "Ernst Leitz Canada" markings belonged to the batch of 1102501-1102510, that was released on November 15, 1965193. Either way, typically, the unmarked cameras can be identified by the prominent, oversized "M2" engraving on the top plate168.
Canadian Leica M2 Production Table193
|
Serial Number |
Engraving |
Production Date |
|
937621 |
PL-P 000001 |
October, 1958 |
|
937622 |
PL-P 000002 |
October, 1958 |
|
937623 |
PL-P 000003 |
October, 1958 |
|
937624 |
PL-P 000004 |
October, 1958 |
|
937625 |
PL-P 000005 |
October, 1958 |
|
937626-937650 |
Wetzlar |
11/10/58-12/02/58 |
|
942901-943000 |
Wetzlar |
11/13/58-01/07/59 |
|
946301-946300 |
Wetzlar |
12/15/58-09/17/59 |
|
946901-947000 |
Wetzlar |
09/17/59-10/30/59 |
|
948501-948600 |
Wetzlar |
11/12/59-03/23/60 |
|
987201-987300 |
Wetzlar |
03/17/60-06/08/60 |
|
995001-995100 |
Wetzlar |
06/09/60-10/13/60 |
|
1005351-1005450 |
Wetzlar |
12/01/60-01/27/61 |
|
1017901-1018000 |
Wetzlar |
01/26/61-03/09/61 |
|
1020101-1020100 |
Wetzlar |
04/28/61-08/24/61 |
|
1036001-1036050 |
Wetzlar |
08/24/61-12/20/61 |
|
1037951-1038000 |
Wetzlar |
01/25/62-08/29/62 |
|
1054901-1055000 |
Wetzlar |
08/29/62-02/22/63 |
|
1061701-1061800 |
Wetzlar |
02/25/63-04/23/64 |
|
1093751-1093800 |
Wetzlar |
04/23/64-08/14/64 |
|
1099801-1099900 |
Wetzlar |
09/08/64-02/10/65 |
|
1102501-1102510 |
Midland |
11/15/65 |
|
1104901-1105000 |
Wetzlar |
02/10/65-11/09/65 |
|
1132901-1133000 |
Wetzlar |
11/09/65-05/19/66 |
|
1138901-1138935 |
Wetzlar |
05/19/66-07/07/66 |
Motorized Leica M2 and Leica M2-M
Some motorized Leica M2 units were made, with early examples converted to special order and not bearing any markings on the top plate360. Later models that were specially manufactured are marked as Leica M2-M. Both types can operate independently of the motors360.
Gifts and Special Editions
Leica M2 with serial number 950000 was presented to Fulvio Roiter in 1959258.
Leica M2 with serial number 1100000 was presented to Emil Schulthess in 1965258.
Military
The Armed Forces of Britain utilized Air Force grey coloured and military olive coloured Leica M2 cameras53.
Approximately 20 grey painted Leica M2 "Luftwaffe" were produced in 1960 for the German Air Force360. These cameras had illuminated frame lines for 35, 50, 90 and 135mm357.
Leica KS-15(4) and Leica M2-R
The US Army Leica M2, officially designated as the KS-15(4), resembles the standard Leica M2 model199. It does not bear any engravings or markings that indicate it is a special version199. The top cover displays the typical Leica script, along with the inscription "ERNST LEITZ GMBH, WETZLAR Germany," and features the Leica M2 serial number engraving199. Upon close inspection of the camera’s exterior, no distinguishing characteristics are apparent199. Even looking through the viewfinder reveals nothing unusual199.
To uncover the secret of the Leica KS-15(4), one must remove the bottom of the camera to examine the loading mechanism199. This model incorporates the rapid load system found in the Leica M4, which includes three distinctive prongs designed for quick and nearly foolproof film loading199. Anyone familiar with the more complicated film loading process of the Leica M3, Leica M2, or any earlier M model will quickly appreciate the speed and ease that this rapid loading system provides199.
The Leica KS-15(4) camera was part of a kit that included the camera body, an MR exposure meter, a 35mm f/2 Summicron lens, a 50mm f/2 Dual Range Summicron lens, a 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit lens, and a CEYOO Flash Unit199. All these components were housed in an ever-ready hold-all case, which was based on the Leica Universal Carrying Case III, catalog number 14807199. The case features a special identifying plate on the top flap199.
Interestingly, the Army decided to issue the Leica KS-15(4) with three standard contemporary M lenses instead of the specialized ELCAN optics designed for theLeica KE-7A199. This raises questions about the decision to develop and produce only 500 units of the special 50mm f/2 ELCAN lenses (with an even rarer 66mm f/2 ELCAN) for the Leica KE-7A to military specifications, especially since the Leica KS-15(4) included the optically superior 50mm f/2 Dual Range Summicron lens, which was readily available199.
To enhance the Leica KS-15(4) camera's capabilities for telephoto and macro photography, the LE-11 Photographic Accessory Kit was designed199. This kit included the following items199:
- (catalog number 11912) 280/4.8 Telyt199
- (catalog number 16497) Visoflex III, with (catalog number 16499) 4X Eye-Level Magnifier and (catalog number 16461) 5X Standard Magnifier199
- (catalog number 16464) Universal Focusing Mount199
- (catalog number 16556) Bellows II199
- (catalog number 16472) Extension Tube and (catalog number 16598) Adapter Ring199
- (catalog number 16462) Short Mount199
- (catalog number 16466) OUBIO Adapter199
- (catalog number 14100) Table Tripod199
- (catalog number 14121) Ball Head, Cable Release, and Electronic Flash, all housed in a fitted Halliburton aluminum case.199
In 1969, surplus production of the Leica KS-15(4) was disposed of through Ernst Leitz in Rockleigh after the Army canceled its contract199. These surplus models were engraved with the M2R designation199.
According to Jim Lager, the Leica KS-15(4) was produced in 1966 in two batches, with serial numbers 1163150-1163770 and 1164046-1164300199. It is important to note that the production of the M2R significantly exceeded that of both the Leica KS-15(4) and the Leica KE-7A combined, totaling approximately 2,000 units199. Production of the Leica M2R began with serial number 1248201 and concluded with serial number 1250200199 in 1969360. The "R" in "M2-R" stood for "rapid"360. The Leica M2-R features a delayed action and has been updated with a rapid-loading M4-type system360. As mentioned earlier, initially created for the United States Army as Leica KS-15(4) , these Leica M2-R cameras were later offered to the general public after the military canceled its order360.