Good evening. Seasons greetings. Just, watched your quite delightful, informative review of the Delightful Leica M2. As a dedicated, purely film man of Many Years ( 69 years young) 40 plus year's using mostly Nikon, after many year's of saving the £! .I've come to the conclusion, along with health issues, that the time has come to consider Part Exchange of my Beloved Nikon or at least some, too fund My Quest for the Leica M 2 with say 3 prime lenses. May, i take this opportunity to thank you for your absolutely First Class advice, and much-needed guidance. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn. P.s. Happy New year to you.
Thank you Colyn, I'm so happy my video helped. Appreciate the kind feedback. I'm 41... Spent hours today with M2 walking up and down big hills in the country side and the lighter weight of the camera and lenses made a big difference. Mostly it's the lenses...they weigh nothing unlike the heavy Nikon glass.
Just for the record, that loose rim around the return button is not a fault! It is actually an escape if you accidentally pressed the rebound button. You can lift the collar up and lift the return button. That is why it is loose....
Pretty good video 👍 I have the button rewind M2 as well I definitely prefer the clean look of it. I learned the hard way to not advance the film between shots the shutter release has a very light action! Often when laiding the camera in my bag I would press the shutter. I guess it better for the camera to not have the shutter cocked all the time anyways.
Exactly, and I was moving over to the M2 after decades of only using film and digital SLRs so it was a bit strange at first. But I've had the M2 a year or two now...and it's like second nature to not advance the film right away ...and the smaller size and way you focus is lovely. Won't ever sell it, as the pleasure of shooting an M2 is addictive
Small patches of missing skin can be replaced with filler. Clear epoxy with some black powder eg powdered poster paint will do the job, As it hardens, draw in the pattern with a cocktail stick or toothpick. Clean the metal first with a hard pointed rubber.
Good vid, hope you can get along with this machine. Some thing I feel like to point out: there is a reason why the advance lever on F, F2, F3, M2, M3... etc does not lock the shutter, as they were designed as PROFESSIONAL cameras, unlike FM or FE series. Of course I know there were plenty of legends who used FM & FE series for some historical moments and yes FM2 was one of the official cameras used in Antarctica areas, still, the ones without advance lever locks are designed for professional field usage. Personally, I prefer mistaking a shot rather than miss a shot, especially in the streets, and film is always much much cheaper than a beautiful moment of capturing. The issue of me using FM3a is that whenever I let the camera hang close to my body, the advance lever can be easily pushed to lock position, I have to give it up... What M film cameras really missed is a proper separated shutter lock so that people won't worry when they put an advanced camera into their bags. In addition, even if you push the rewind button, absolutely nothing will ever happen, and when you advance the film, you can go straight to take the next shot.
Yerr I just wish the M2 had a little locking collar for when it's in the bag as that's the only time it fires off a shot on its own. Although I'm now being more careful..and it's happening less
The M2 can be had for around £500 if you don't mind it being a user ...with a few dings like my one.. so is a bit more accessible than the others, it's an M3 with a few less features but a more popular set of frame lines...35 and 50...so a bargain really. The build quality and smoothness of the winder is now I have one...not hype or something being overrated ..I'm happy to say....it's as good as it gets really. Only the Nikon F3 feels as smooth...But otherwise as a camera ... I mean probably an Olympus 35SP is cheaper and easier to just go shoot with.. I think the Leica ..what it has going for it is... It can always be serviced, and will always hold its value. I suppose that's my honest justification.. if I ever find I'm not using it I'll sell it...and probably make money or break even...so it's like then I rented it for free ha ha
Lovley camera ☺️. I own an M4 my self. About the problem with rewinding the film; I belive it was first on the M7 it was possible to lock the shutterbutton. You’ll just have to learn 🤗
You are incorrect on the M2 "film release button" (just a friendly FYI). You can push it all day long and nothing will happen unless you turn the film take up winder, and still then it will just move the film (it should not stick down). You will not need to advance to release it. I have been carrying my push button M2 (mine is a 58 as well) in my bag for 4 years (never had a problem).......... Now when using my Nikon Fs I always advance right before I shoot because you are not suppose to leave an F advanced over night (just something I have read). So because of this... that habit it has trickled to the Leica M2. I dont keep the cameras "pre advanced" Anyhow thank you for the lovely video. Love all of your posts here and on IG.
Interesting stuff. Thank you. Although they there are two versions of the button press M2. Some you press and hold in whilst rewinding the film and some like my one you press once and it clicks in place. And only pops out when you advance the film. So would use up a shot.
@@dangerpowers123 Mine is about 8000 before yours and is a "smaller window" version but had never heard of the different versions of the button (learn something everyday). Well that feature sounds terrible ha ha. My other leica M2 is a lever film release and you can move it up and down as well, no need to advance to release it. Still I think you will love the camera. I have had other Leicas but always go back to the M2.
@@jsshayes1 I had no idea about the smaller window Version M2... Which window is smaller the range finder one ? Man with Leica I'm learning all the time ..so many versions
actually good leica lens is really expensive. But modern one. Even old summicron can cost 1k$ but sometimes You can find more like 500$ heh this one are mostly busted with dim, fog or even scratch. I saw the difference between old summar 50 f2 and new voightlander. There is a really big sharpness difference. Sometimes it is better to shoot with new 7artisan than busted sumilux.
Great video... I hope you enjoy your M2. If you like the Nikon F and the M2, then you may want to try a 1st model Leicaflex. Its like the M2 and F combined in a weird sort of way. I absolutely love mine, and you wont find a brighter finder. The build quality is much like the M series, perhaps better. And the meter....well, you get used to it :-) ....Cheers
I always understood that with a rangefinder, leaving it wound without shooting the frame leaves the shutter cocked, which will eventually weaken the shutter. Or was that only on my old Argus C2?
I often see them for under £650... Body only...as long as it's not mint... I paid under £600 for my one... Around £550 from memory. But then did spent a few hundred more on the service
Nice video. I have the M3, as well as some Nikon F2's. My question: where do you send your Nikons for servicing? I have one that needs servicing, and I want to send it someplace that is recommended. Thanks.
If it's a Nikon F2 then Sover Wong in the UK is the best person. And he takes ordered from round the world. But for any other Nikon I'm not too sure as I've not had to get those serviced... Sover did used to service the Nikon F too. But sadly no longer. Your best bet is to join a few Facebook groups for Nikon film cameras and ask the members
Fuji make some nice vintage looking gear. X100f or XT3 etc ... Also Olympus pen... Digital one is nice and retro... See my video on the Fuji XE1... It's great and about £100 used
@@jericotabz4262 I'd probably pass on the X10 and try and get an XE1 or XE2. Or a Fuji Xpro1 ...the prices keeping reducing on the used eBay market...so the X10 is probably not as worth it as it once was... Better Fuji cameras exist for not much more.
@@dangerpowers123 sounds great, ive seen some used xe1's for $200aud in great condition, the only thing im considering now are lenses. I only have a nikon series e pancake lens, what adapter can I get for that?
@@jericotabz4262 the best basic no frills adaptors are the K&F Fuji X to Nikon F ones. I own a large amount of manual AI and AIS Nikon glass so went for the K&F first. But then spent more and got the Zhongyi lens turbo ii adaptor as it's a focal reducer so a 50mm lens on a Fuji camera remains roughly 50mm. Where as a normal K&F adaptor due to the smaller sensor size will make a 50mm when adapted more like 75mm
Using a Leica M2 to make a photo is like returning to the Stone Age. It is a waste of money to buy a rangefinder camera in stead of a SLR. Only show off people like to walk around with an outdated camera. Forget the decisive moment shot by HCB with his Leica 50 mm lens. Your holiday snapshot made with a box camera can be a HCB photo. Camera brands and lens brands are not important to make a HCB.
Good evening. Seasons greetings. Just, watched your quite delightful, informative review of the Delightful Leica M2. As a dedicated, purely film man of Many Years ( 69 years young) 40 plus year's using mostly Nikon, after many year's of saving the £! .I've come to the conclusion, along with health issues, that the time has come to consider Part Exchange of my Beloved Nikon or at least some, too fund My Quest for the Leica M 2 with say 3 prime lenses. May, i take this opportunity to thank you for your absolutely First Class advice, and much-needed guidance. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn. P.s. Happy New year to you.
Thank you Colyn, I'm so happy my video helped. Appreciate the kind feedback. I'm 41... Spent hours today with M2 walking up and down big hills in the country side and the lighter weight of the camera and lenses made a big difference. Mostly it's the lenses...they weigh nothing unlike the heavy Nikon glass.
My '65 M2 just arrived, loving it so far
My M2 is off for s service....I miss it already.... Want it back ASAP
Just for the record, that loose rim around the return button is not a fault! It is actually an escape if you accidentally pressed the rebound button. You can lift the collar up and lift the return button. That is why it is loose....
Thank you for sharing ill try that,. I always just wound it on a frame to get it to pop back out. But then loose a frame. 👍🏻
@@dangerpowers123 no need to. Try it you'll see...
Pretty good video 👍 I have the button rewind M2 as well I definitely prefer the clean look of it. I learned the hard way to not advance the film between shots the shutter release has a very light action! Often when laiding the camera in my bag I would press the shutter. I guess it better for the camera to not have the shutter cocked all the time anyways.
Exactly, and I was moving over to the M2 after decades of only using film and digital SLRs so it was a bit strange at first. But I've had the M2 a year or two now...and it's like second nature to not advance the film right away ...and the smaller size and way you focus is lovely.
Won't ever sell it, as the pleasure of shooting an M2 is addictive
Odd that, I've just bought (waiting for delivery) an M2 (already have 3 M9s). Enjoyed your video, thanks for posting.
Small patches of missing skin can be replaced with filler. Clear epoxy with some black powder eg powdered poster paint will do the job, As it hardens, draw in the pattern with a cocktail stick or toothpick. Clean the metal first with a hard pointed rubber.
Thank you
Good vid, hope you can get along with this machine.
Some thing I feel like to point out: there is a reason why the advance lever on F, F2, F3, M2, M3... etc does not lock the shutter, as they were designed as PROFESSIONAL cameras, unlike FM or FE series. Of course I know there were plenty of legends who used FM & FE series for some historical moments and yes FM2 was one of the official cameras used in Antarctica areas, still, the ones without advance lever locks are designed for professional field usage. Personally, I prefer mistaking a shot rather than miss a shot, especially in the streets, and film is always much much cheaper than a beautiful moment of capturing. The issue of me using FM3a is that whenever I let the camera hang close to my body, the advance lever can be easily pushed to lock position, I have to give it up... What M film cameras really missed is a proper separated shutter lock so that people won't worry when they put an advanced camera into their bags.
In addition, even if you push the rewind button, absolutely nothing will ever happen, and when you advance the film, you can go straight to take the next shot.
Thank you
Yerr I just wish the M2 had a little locking collar for when it's in the bag as that's the only time it fires off a shot on its own. Although I'm now being more careful..and it's happening less
@@dangerpowers123 It is a lack of feature but considering about the age of the camera, I dont think engineers thought that far back then...
Leica's are a foreign language to me.. but without even having used one, it just looks super well built.
The M2 can be had for around £500 if you don't mind it being a user ...with a few dings like my one.. so is a bit more accessible than the others, it's an M3 with a few less features but a more popular set of frame lines...35 and 50...so a bargain really. The build quality and smoothness of the winder is now I have one...not hype or something being overrated ..I'm happy to say....it's as good as it gets really. Only the Nikon F3 feels as smooth...But otherwise as a camera ... I mean probably an Olympus 35SP is cheaper and easier to just go shoot with.. I think the Leica ..what it has going for it is... It can always be serviced, and will always hold its value. I suppose that's my honest justification.. if I ever find I'm not using it I'll sell it...and probably make money or break even...so it's like then I rented it for free ha ha
Lovley camera ☺️. I own an M4 my self. About the problem with rewinding the film; I belive it was first on the M7 it was possible to lock the shutterbutton. You’ll just have to learn 🤗
It look a bit of time...but I've now learnt to not advance the film until I want to take a shot. Now it's second nature
This is such a beautiful camera. I own the same 1958 M2.
Excellent. Always great to hear from another M2 owner. Have a good weekend
You are incorrect on the M2 "film release button" (just a friendly FYI). You can push it all day long and nothing will happen unless you turn the film take up winder, and still then it will just move the film (it should not stick down). You will not need to advance to release it. I have been carrying my push button M2 (mine is a 58 as well) in my bag for 4 years (never had a problem).......... Now when using my Nikon Fs I always advance right before I shoot because you are not suppose to leave an F advanced over night (just something I have read). So because of this... that habit it has trickled to the Leica M2. I dont keep the cameras "pre advanced" Anyhow thank you for the lovely video. Love all of your posts here and on IG.
Interesting stuff. Thank you. Although they there are two versions of the button press M2. Some you press and hold in whilst rewinding the film and some like my one you press once and it clicks in place. And only pops out when you advance the film. So would use up a shot.
@@dangerpowers123 Mine is about 8000 before yours and is a "smaller window" version but had never heard of the different versions of the button (learn something everyday). Well that feature sounds terrible ha ha. My other leica M2 is a lever film release and you can move it up and down as well, no need to advance to release it. Still I think you will love the camera. I have had other Leicas but always go back to the M2.
@@jsshayes1 I had no idea about the smaller window Version M2... Which window is smaller the range finder one ? Man with Leica I'm learning all the time ..so many versions
actually good leica lens is really expensive. But modern one. Even old summicron can cost 1k$ but sometimes You can find more like 500$ heh this one are mostly busted with dim, fog or even scratch. I saw the difference between old summar 50 f2 and new voightlander. There is a really big sharpness difference.
Sometimes it is better to shoot with new 7artisan than busted sumilux.
Great video... I hope you enjoy your M2. If you like the Nikon F and the M2, then you may want to try a 1st model Leicaflex. Its like the M2 and F combined in a weird sort of way. I absolutely love mine, and you wont find a brighter finder. The build quality is much like the M series, perhaps better. And the meter....well, you get used to it :-) ....Cheers
Thank you,. Hmmm I'll have to definitely check out the Leica flex. I came close to buying one a few years ago. I'll check out the 1st model 👍🏻
You can still fire the shutter with the reload button down.
I always understood that with a rangefinder, leaving it wound without shooting the frame leaves the shutter cocked, which will eventually weaken the shutter. Or was that only on my old Argus C2?
From what I know rangefinders and SLRs both should not be left cocked and ready
Most Leica m2 cameras I see on eBay are from 1500 usd to 2500 usd for the body only!
I often see them for under £650... Body only...as long as it's not mint... I paid under £600 for my one... Around £550 from memory. But then did spent a few hundred more on the service
Film Camera Reviews I must keep missing those. I look all the time because I don’t own a Leica yet and they’re always 1200 and up
@@nickfanzo this one maybe
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F333418496670
Hey! Great video. I have the sync caps you need that work in an M4 and M6. I'd gladly trade you x2 of mine for yours to put in my M2!
Thanks... But I've since managed to get the caps I need.
@@dangerpowers123 np! Glad to hear :)
Up the volume a bit more please.
Always trying to get it right. ...turn it up on your phone ha ha ...
Will try and level the sound up for the next video, thanks for watching 👍🏻👍🏻
Nice video. I have the M3, as well as some Nikon F2's. My question: where do you send your Nikons for servicing? I have one that needs servicing, and I want to send it someplace that is recommended. Thanks.
If it's a Nikon F2 then Sover Wong in the UK is the best person. And he takes ordered from round the world. But for any other Nikon I'm not too sure as I've not had to get those serviced... Sover did used to service the Nikon F too. But sadly no longer. Your best bet is to join a few Facebook groups for Nikon film cameras and ask the members
Vintage Camera's look dope! You reckon theres any mirrorless/dslr cameras that look like these for decent/cheap prices?
Fuji make some nice vintage looking gear. X100f or XT3 etc ... Also Olympus pen... Digital one is nice and retro... See my video on the Fuji XE1... It's great and about £100 used
@@dangerpowers123 what do you think of the x10? Rangefinder looking mirrorless looks so cool
@@jericotabz4262 I'd probably pass on the X10 and try and get an XE1 or XE2. Or a Fuji Xpro1 ...the prices keeping reducing on the used eBay market...so the X10 is probably not as worth it as it once was... Better Fuji cameras exist for not much more.
@@dangerpowers123 sounds great, ive seen some used xe1's for $200aud in great condition, the only thing im considering now are lenses. I only have a nikon series e pancake lens, what adapter can I get for that?
@@jericotabz4262 the best basic no frills adaptors are the K&F Fuji X to Nikon F ones. I own a large amount of manual AI and AIS Nikon glass so went for the K&F first. But then spent more and got the Zhongyi lens turbo ii adaptor as it's a focal reducer so a 50mm lens on a Fuji camera remains roughly 50mm. Where as a normal K&F adaptor due to the smaller sensor size will make a 50mm when adapted more like 75mm
Using a Leica M2 to make a photo is like returning to the Stone Age.
It is a waste of money to buy a rangefinder camera in stead of a SLR.
Only show off people like to walk around with an outdated camera.
Forget the decisive moment shot by HCB with his Leica 50 mm lens.
Your holiday snapshot made with a box camera can be a HCB photo.
Camera brands and lens brands are not important to make a HCB.