A black Leica MD-2 camera without a lens, showing the top controls and textured grip.

LEICA MD-2

Leica MD-2 was introduced at Photokina 1976487, and manufactured between 1977 and 1987357. The camera was available from Spring 1977487. It had no rangefinder or viewfinder and was designed for scientific applications with microscopes, copy stands, and other equipment derived from the Leica M4-2357. This model was offered black chrome finish, along with an attachment for motor drive487.


Catalogue number

10105 - Leica MD-2, body only534.


Prototype

One unnumbered prototype in silver chrome finish was auctioned off the 3rd L&H Photographica Auction under the name of "MD-2 Chrome Prototype" (source). The lot was described as "This is a rare Leica MD-2 prototype in silver ch(r)ome finished, lacking "MD-2" and serial number engraving, with M4 type advance level, using rapid loading system of M4, it comes with body cap. This camera has been authenticated by Lars Netopil." (source).


Military

Some of known military cameras were:

  • Leica MD-2 "BUND" with serial number 1481543 D dated 1978. It was sold for 1300 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as "Camera body from the former inventory of the German Bundeswehr in nice condition. Inventory sticker on bottom plate partially removed. The serial number followed by a "D" for duplicate. Included: Original packaging with a different serial number (1502691 D)."425.


Special edition - Leica MD-22

Leica MD-22 was displayed at Photokina 1976487. This rare half-frame (18x24) camera was based on Leica MD-2487. The Leica MD-22 was primarily designed for producing film strips487. Aside from the recording capability, all other technical specifications are identical to those of the Leica MD-2487. The Leica MD-22 also included an option for multiple exposures487. This model was set to become available in mid-1977 and was offered in both black and chrome finishes, along with an attachment for motor drive487. 

Example engraved "Betriebsk. HF-001" was auctioned off Christie's on September 14, 2004 and later Auction Team Breker on September 26, 2008 and was described as "...metal plate inside: ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. SERIAL No. 001 MADE IN CANADA".

Example engraved "Betriebsk. HF-004" and dated 1979 was sold for 132000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 42th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 10, 2023381. This camera had a metal plate inside with "ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. SERIAL No. 004 MADE IN CANADA" engraved on it.

Example engraved "Betriebsk. HF-009" was auctioned off WestLicht Camera Auctions on May 29, 2010 and was described as "...metal plate inside: ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. SERIAL No. 009 MADE IN CANADA".

It was known that one example used to be in the collection of attorney and avid collector Brooke Gabrielson of Newport Beach, California529. The said collection was sold to KEH.com in (or before) January of 2000529. The newsletter article described it as "one-of-a-kind Leica MD-22, a prototype that was never manufactured"529.

One camera (albeit as "Leica MDa-22") was also referenced in the article titled "History of Leica IIIc to M4-2'' by Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa, published on page 35 of MIRROR IMAGE-PENTAX GALLERY NEWS magazine No. 35, 1977.


Closing Remarks

There were 1850 Leica MD-2 cameras made, with serial numbers ranging from 1468723534 through 1704800439.