Here’s an update: My observations: • Unknown top plate • 6 digit Internal chassis number engraving • M2 name & serial number • M2 frame lines • M2 style film loading (also like M3) • M2 style film rewind knob (also like M3/MP) • M2 type screws left of self timer (2x screws as M2/M3, 3x screws on M4) • M2/M4 flat-style front facade (no distinct “frames” like Leica M3) • M4 style frame counter (also like M3) *wow! • M4 lens release (no M3 collar & no large cut out like M2, small cut as M4) • M4 frame advance lever, rewind lever, self timer, frame selector, & shutter speed dial • All functions work properly but shutter speeds are not not correct.
Nice detail about the screws! But I'd formulate a couple of points differently: • M2 top plate with a larger hole for the counter like the M3 has (easy modification at factory or even with a skilled technician) • M4 has M3 style counter so let's just call it "M3 counter" :D • Lens release, advance, rewind, timer & frame selector are easily swappable without opening up the body, they were updated after 1967 (when M4 was out) but not in 1962 (when this camera was produced). shutter speed dial
@@Stanlyok thanks again! Have you ever seen or heard of a modification like what this may be? And while the levers and all that can easily be replaced, its also possible (though less likely without further evidence) that these parts are original and were made during M4 experimentation/development.
@@Cameraville the chances of that are very thin because that would mean parts remained unchanged for 5 years until M4 was released. Also why would they do that? There is a reason for frame counter, but why install different levers? Can't be motivated by development purposes and for sure could not have been done for sale. I know that even today Leica installs alternative viewfinders to old cameras, sometimes even not compatible like new 0.72 MP viewfinder in a Leica M3. It is also possible to add / remove timer and even install a light meter.
I was literally looking to see if anyone had done this to an M3/M2 as it's my ideal set-up. DM me if you're interested in selling. I'd rather buy one than do it 'myself'
Looks to me that it is a M2 body with a hybrid top plate (engraved M2 but seem to have a M3 film counter), with a film advance, the frame selector lever and the timer lever from a M4.
Well Done Video, A M2 Camera with M4 Parts - Go Fig? I will be possible to get some film through them, the Santa Rae film in both formats... I love this place...
Jordan asked Leica and they didn’t have anything special in their books, just a marking that it had been shipped out of the factory. He asked around and it seems to be really auction worthy, they had seen a few almost similar to it before.
@@Cameraville or this Frankincamera was built like this on April 1, or parts just got mixed up on a Friday. There were a few messed up M4-P 70 th anniversary editions that rather having the proper 1913-1983, had the birthday of Napoleon M4-Ps engraved with “1813-1983”
Here’s an update:
My observations:
• Unknown top plate
• 6 digit Internal chassis number engraving
• M2 name & serial number
• M2 frame lines
• M2 style film loading (also like M3)
• M2 style film rewind knob (also like M3/MP)
• M2 type screws left of self timer (2x screws as M2/M3, 3x screws on M4)
• M2/M4 flat-style front facade (no distinct “frames” like Leica M3)
• M4 style frame counter (also like M3) *wow!
• M4 lens release (no M3 collar & no large cut out like M2, small cut as M4)
• M4 frame advance lever, rewind lever, self timer, frame selector, & shutter speed dial
• All functions work properly but shutter speeds are not not correct.
Nice detail about the screws! But I'd formulate a couple of points differently:
• M2 top plate with a larger hole for the counter like the M3 has (easy modification at factory or even with a skilled technician)
• M4 has M3 style counter so let's just call it "M3 counter" :D
• Lens release, advance, rewind, timer & frame selector are easily swappable without opening up the body, they were updated after 1967 (when M4 was out) but not in 1962 (when this camera was produced).
shutter speed dial
@@Stanlyok thanks again! Have you ever seen or heard of a modification like what this may be? And while the levers and all that can easily be replaced, its also possible (though less likely without further evidence) that these parts are original and were made during M4 experimentation/development.
@@Cameraville the chances of that are very thin because that would mean parts remained unchanged for 5 years until M4 was released. Also why would they do that? There is a reason for frame counter, but why install different levers? Can't be motivated by development purposes and for sure could not have been done for sale.
I know that even today Leica installs alternative viewfinders to old cameras, sometimes even not compatible like new 0.72 MP viewfinder in a Leica M3. It is also possible to add / remove timer and even install a light meter.
That M2 top plate with M3 style frame counter is GORGEOUS! I would take it and change the advance and front levers back to the regular M2 / M3 ones 😂
I was literally looking to see if anyone had done this to an M3/M2 as it's my ideal set-up. DM me if you're interested in selling. I'd rather buy one than do it 'myself'
An absolutely fascinating video! Thanks!!!
Maybe ask Lars Netopil about it. He knows more about Leica, than Leica itself.
Very interesting about the Leica.
It looks like an M4 but with a flush rewind knob. The top plate is unique and couldn't have been put together with spare parts.
Yeah, it seems to be a unique top plate.
My dream camera!
Update: Camera was sold on Wetzlar Camera auction 2022 for 5000€
DAMN
Looks to me that it is a M2 body with a hybrid top plate (engraved M2 but seem to have a M3 film counter), with a film advance, the frame selector lever and the timer lever from a M4.
isn’t the film advance lever the one from the M4? really weird but also cool Leica
Yes and all the levers
Maybe a walkthrough of a Leica CLA.
Well Done Video, A M2 Camera with M4 Parts - Go Fig? I will be possible to get some film through them, the Santa Rae film in both formats... I love this place...
If it was serviced by Leica seal could be after this franken made ;3
Does it also come with the fast loading system?
No, stock M2/M3 loading and M2 framelines
I want that Leica. What do I have to do, to buy it?
It might get auctioned in the future, I will update everyone in the next video!
Update on the m2?
Jordan asked Leica and they didn’t have anything special in their books, just a marking that it had been shipped out of the factory. He asked around and it seems to be really auction worthy, they had seen a few almost similar to it before.
Current evidence points to it being an internal experimental build.
@@Cameraville or this Frankincamera was built like this on April 1, or parts just got mixed up on a Friday. There were a few messed up M4-P 70 th anniversary editions that rather having the proper 1913-1983, had the birthday of Napoleon M4-Ps engraved with “1813-1983”
@@ofeykalakar1 I almost bought one of the those 1813 Leicas 2 years ago.. I wish I would have :.o
my leica m2 is a little similar to this its mostly m2 parts but the top plate is from a m1
Wait what? Isnt the rangefinder patch window blocked in the m1
@@HansRutenbrecher well normally yes but on my case the covering has been removed to fit the patch
Ngl, if I could get any Leica with a m3 finder I would not have to hesitate on getting one.
I bet this video recording was done in Poland or in check republic
Finland!👍🏻
Your accent detection is way off. Keep practising in private...