A good story, and good for you Nico. You give so much of your time to the film photography community via the work that you do and the videos that you create - it's nice to see some good karma at play. Enjoy!
Congratulations on the super beautiful Leica M2. This camera is in exactly the right hands! I'm very happy for you and think it's great that people like you who selflessly make so many great videos are rewarded with such a great find! I was able to buy a beloved MP and have so much joy with it. It also already has beginnings of "patina".
Thanks a lot! Means a lot to own this camera and be able to share it with the people that have supported me all these years on here! Enjoy your MP its a wonderful camera.
The story is part of the appeal! I had a Leica M2, and it is all one would need - but M6/MP has the advantage of the built-in light-meter (which works very reliably). I reduced my Leica "collection" to a Leica IIIf and a couple of LTM lenses (different manufacturers, Leica, Canon, KMZ, Voigtländer), it suits my needs.
Hey Nico, very similar case here: I have what it looks (and acts) as a black paint M3, but in reality it's a MDa body with an M3 top plate, M4 visor and who knows what else, built from parts by a Leica technician that passed away a couple years ago (this is the story I was told and the technician name seems to be legit) and then painted shinny black. This camera actually works like a dream, has the density of good old Leica M's assembled by hand, it has been custom rebuilt by someone that new what he was doing and it also has a lot of history (even if fragmented), I am totally sure. So all in all, I can totally relate to your story. ¡Abrazote!
Greay story Nico! You know it's what brings you joy and that's more important than a hypothetical market value. After messing around with M4-2, M2, M3, M6 TTL, M6 Classic, M4 and a black paint MP, ~20 years ago, it's about what makes you feel good and what you want to take out with you to make photos. I needed to sell my last remaining Leica - an M4 and 35/2 - when my son was young. After years away, and lusting after a black paint Leica again, I'm enjoying the M10 Monochrom and the SL2S. Maybe one day I'll find another film M...
I got a Kanto repainted DS M3 and loved it. Some may say Kanto Camera’s paint job is the best, and I would totally agree on that. In fact I actually think its better then what Leica can offer these days. So no matter the M2 you have is original or not, as long as you love it, its fine.
Great story! I fell in love with rangefinders when I bought a Zorki IV with Jupiter f2 50mm at a flea market in Budapest. (ETA- I found your video on the M2!)
Wow..the best of ALL worlds...congrats on that find!! I would like one too...not at all because they are rare (I wish they weren't)...I just would love to get an old back paint one with some brassing. That black and brass look is just so cool...and well of course....having it in great CLA'ed working order, just a fun item that DOES need to be out and be used to shoot!! (not stored in a vault somewhere)
Congratulations Nico! What an amazing purchase and great story. Big purchase, but with any Leica owner, it’s all worth it. Continue growing the channel and keep up the great work. Looking forward on the next video.
I have the same thought about m2 in black paint despite not being original, it is very affordable! I have one m2 in R very lucky and it was painted in black… best of both world!
Hello ;) For example, I have always dreamed of owning a Leica m4. 4 years ago, when the quarantine began, I decided to start buying used or damaged cameras. I restored them to working order and then resold them for a good price. So, after 4 years from scratch, I managed to buy a Leica m4, but unfortunately it was damaged. It's being repaired now but it currently cost me $550. The repair will cost between $100 and $200 including duty and curtains. Now I use Fed 5c and it's great. Leica really let me down. I like IIIa better.
I don't know when Kanto started doing black paintwork but the paint and patina on this M2 look extremely similar to a button rewind M2 I had them repainted =) But since Kanto uses the same process as Leica, this might also just be a Leica official repaint. Wish we could know more about the original owner. Such a myth especially with the M4 parts.
Hey Nico, had a question for you. I recently came into possession of an M2 and an M3 (Always wanted early M, finally could afford so jumped on both) and both are in very good condition (M3 has a confirmed recent CLA by YYe and the M2 doesn't have confirmation, but seems like it was as it's running pretty flawlessly). One thing I am a little concerned about is the amount of force I need to mount and unmount lenses. Is this normal for these earlier M cameras? I have a Zeiss Ikon ZM and lenses mount and unmount buttery smooth. Is it just the style that Leica did for cameras of this era? The fact that both cameras seem to be like this (M2 is more so), makes me think it's normal.
I have the same relationship with my zorki 4k's and Jupiter 8 leases, not the most extensive, but I love using them and don't mind dropping them or using them in the rain. They also make a great self-defense hammer if needed. They still work after.
@@nickfanzo I did... but it seems like he isn't sure... but if Leica isn't verifying the serial, and it has M4 parts, I suspect it's probably a M2 Black Repaint camera, and if that's the case I feel bad for the guy because $5000 Euros is far too much for a repainted M2. More like $2500-3000
So help me understand, this isn't a real black paint M2 because Leica can't confirm the serial number making it just an M2....and you paid $5.5K for a camera that goes for half that in the used market? If the black paint was aftermarket what made it cost so much?
If real and confirmed it would be in the 10-20K price range. So as it seems its not a repaint (or at least not modern) making it not the silver M2 price.
@@NicosPhotographyShow "if real and confirmed" is something you do prior to selling an item. The price of a collector's item comes from its verifiable rarity, not based on the possibility it MIGHT be.
Im aware, I accepted the fate of this item and its value or lack of value. I had no problem owning it as I liked the story behind it and where it came from. Im not looking to buy cameras to sell them at a gain, this one is mine to keep forever, so resale value or not it doesn't make a difference. Im a happy owner and user of this not confirmed black M2.
@@NicosPhotographyShow don't get me wrong, I have no issue with your reason for buying it. What I'm asking is how the value of the camera was reached by the seller since it's neither a collector black paint M2 and from my understanding, third party work done to these cameras doesn't mean added value.
Happy for you for the repaint M2, but if it is a repaint, it doesn't worth over 40K . anyways it has a story and you liked the camera, it's good for you.
@@NicosPhotographyShow IMHO, it is not a fake to a user like you and me, back in the days, Leica customize a lot of cameras for famous photographers , for example they converted an M3 to an MP for Ian Berry so that he can use the rapid winder . I have some friends modified their M, add some framelines and remove some framelines. I really really appreciate users like these who cares their work more than the value of their camera. It is how it supposed to be.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I wouldn't call it "fake", it's a custom job, nothing bad about that. Who cares who slapped that paint on there. Of course it's not a collectors item like the ones painted by Leica in the 60s, but from a users perspective that's not important.
I was going to comment if you cared if it was original or a repaint 😅 But I’m kind of surprised that they are so sure it’s not original as I don’t get the impression that they kept track of much. They couldn’t even definitively tell me the production year of my M6
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In Episode 2, Nico will visit Wetzlar factory and discover his camera is worth 3X the value 🙂
Imho, that black paint & weared down brass is the most beatiful finish a camera can have.
A good story, and good for you Nico. You give so much of your time to the film photography community via the work that you do and the videos that you create - it's nice to see some good karma at play. Enjoy!
What a great story. Thanks for sharing that. I have a Canadian M4 that I carry everywhere. I've had since new (bought it 50 years ago)..
..Avery
For someone who values old things make well, this was a great story Nico. I'm the same way with old Olympus OM1 film cameras.
The first sign of a repaint v/s black paint is the white lettering. Still looks pretty cool :)
Congratulations on the super beautiful Leica M2. This camera is in exactly the right hands! I'm very happy for you and think it's great that people like you who selflessly make so many great videos are rewarded with such a great find!
I was able to buy a beloved MP and have so much joy with it. It also already has beginnings of "patina".
Thanks a lot! Means a lot to own this camera and be able to share it with the people that have supported me all these years on here! Enjoy your MP its a wonderful camera.
The story is part of the appeal! I had a Leica M2, and it is all one would need - but M6/MP has the advantage of the built-in light-meter (which works very reliably). I reduced my Leica "collection" to a Leica IIIf and a couple of LTM lenses (different manufacturers, Leica, Canon, KMZ, Voigtländer), it suits my needs.
Hey Nico, very similar case here: I have what it looks (and acts) as a black paint M3, but in reality it's a MDa body with an M3 top plate, M4 visor and who knows what else, built from parts by a Leica technician that passed away a couple years ago (this is the story I was told and the technician name seems to be legit) and then painted shinny black. This camera actually works like a dream, has the density of good old Leica M's assembled by hand, it has been custom rebuilt by someone that new what he was doing and it also has a lot of history (even if fragmented), I am totally sure. So all in all, I can totally relate to your story. ¡Abrazote!
As a fellow black paint m2 owner, I loved hearing the full story nico! Congrats again :)
Greay story Nico! You know it's what brings you joy and that's more important than a hypothetical market value. After messing around with M4-2, M2, M3, M6 TTL, M6 Classic, M4 and a black paint MP, ~20 years ago, it's about what makes you feel good and what you want to take out with you to make photos. I needed to sell my last remaining Leica - an M4 and 35/2 - when my son was young. After years away, and lusting after a black paint Leica again, I'm enjoying the M10 Monochrom and the SL2S. Maybe one day I'll find another film M...
I got a Kanto repainted DS M3 and loved it. Some may say Kanto Camera’s paint job is the best, and I would totally agree on that. In fact I actually think its better then what Leica can offer these days. So no matter the M2 you have is original or not, as long as you love it, its fine.
Great story! I fell in love with rangefinders when I bought a Zorki IV with Jupiter f2 50mm at a flea market in Budapest. (ETA- I found your video on the M2!)
Wow..the best of ALL worlds...congrats on that find!!
I would like one too...not at all because they are rare (I wish they weren't)...I just would love to get an old back paint one with some brassing.
That black and brass look is just so cool...and well of course....having it in great CLA'ed working order, just a fun item that DOES need to be out and be used to shoot!!
(not stored in a vault somewhere)
Congrats! Your videos have had me lusting for an M2 for years. Ended up few years back with an M3 with M2 viewfinder, so technically M2 I guess haha
Congratulations. what a find. 👍👍👍
The black paint M3/2/4 where made for the press photographers but you are right, Leica would also paint a camera black on request.
Nico : I just got my first Leica , an M3 and I love it.
Great story. Does this M2 have the normal framelines or are they like the newer models?
Congratulations Nico! What an amazing purchase and great story. Big purchase, but with any Leica owner, it’s all worth it. Continue growing the channel and keep up the great work. Looking forward on the next video.
Great story! If it wasn’t for family, friends, art and our passions/hobbies, then life would be very sad. If it makes you happy, it’s good! 👍🏽📸
I have the same thought about m2 in black paint despite not being original, it is very affordable! I have one m2 in R very lucky and it was painted in black… best of both world!
Congrats! Its a lovely looking camera and as you said the story and uniqueness adds to its value
Hello ;) For example, I have always dreamed of owning a Leica m4. 4 years ago, when the quarantine began, I decided to start buying used or damaged cameras. I restored them to working order and then resold them for a good price. So, after 4 years from scratch, I managed to buy a Leica m4, but unfortunately it was damaged. It's being repaired now but it currently cost me $550. The repair will cost between $100 and $200 including duty and curtains. Now I use Fed 5c and it's great. Leica really let me down. I like IIIa better.
Great story ❤❤❤
Great story Nico.👍 Congratulations on acquiring a superb camera.🏆
Nice story Nico. Good for you.
great camera. I wish my m2 was black too because no matter how you try to hide the silver one in your hands it always attracts attention :)
That's a great story Nico. Thanks!
Amazing story, congratulation!
And what happened to the black rigid Cron? Its serial no. was within the genuine black production range. Or was it repainted as well?
Its a genuine black paint. Thats for another story ;)
Beautiful story!!!❤
crazy that someone put an m4 finder and parts on it. probably much better that way.
Nice story. I love my M2. Would love it even more if it were black, but that'll never happen the way the prices are now.
I don't know when Kanto started doing black paintwork but the paint and patina on this M2 look extremely similar to a button rewind M2 I had them repainted =) But since Kanto uses the same process as Leica, this might also just be a Leica official repaint. Wish we could know more about the original owner. Such a myth especially with the M4 parts.
Is the M-4 viewfinder a different magnification than the M-2 was? I looked at M-2s due to the fact that it had magnification optimized for 35mm lens
The Leica M2 is the best 😊
Cool story. I would have snatched it as well.
Hey Nico, had a question for you. I recently came into possession of an M2 and an M3 (Always wanted early M, finally could afford so jumped on both) and both are in very good condition (M3 has a confirmed recent CLA by YYe and the M2 doesn't have confirmation, but seems like it was as it's running pretty flawlessly). One thing I am a little concerned about is the amount of force I need to mount and unmount lenses. Is this normal for these earlier M cameras? I have a Zeiss Ikon ZM and lenses mount and unmount buttery smooth. Is it just the style that Leica did for cameras of this era? The fact that both cameras seem to be like this (M2 is more so), makes me think it's normal.
What strap is on the camera? :)
Great video
Full nerd. A good thing! Thx.
cool story thanks for sharing
Thanks! I love the camera and the story behind it.
you're welcome @@NicosPhotographyShow
have you ever tried a quick load system (leica or from Cameraworks UK) in any of your M2's? any thoughts?
It is useful and makes it easy to load.
@@doubleletterAgreed.
Lovely m2.
The stuff of dreams for photographers who lust after unique cameras.
Is it the original learherette you think? If not I’d like to get one. Got an M6 for cheap but it has an unoriginal quite coarse leather replacement
Love the camera btw. Great story and great find
I would love one, but they are eather fake or too expensive or both. Long ago leica would do a repaint in black
I have the same relationship with my zorki 4k's and Jupiter 8 leases, not the most extensive, but I love using them and don't mind dropping them or using them in the rain.
They also make a great self-defense hammer if needed. They still work after.
Fascinating tale………..
Is it a repaint?
looks like it
Watch the video? 😝
@@nickfanzo I did... but it seems like he isn't sure... but if Leica isn't verifying the serial, and it has M4 parts, I suspect it's probably a M2 Black Repaint camera, and if that's the case I feel bad for the guy because $5000 Euros is far too much for a repainted M2. More like $2500-3000
@@FrankDavalos he likes it , I guess that’s all that matters
@@nickfanzo for sure, but wouldn’t he like to have one and an extra $2000 in his pocket? All I was asking is if it was a repaint my friend!
So help me understand, this isn't a real black paint M2 because Leica can't confirm the serial number making it just an M2....and you paid $5.5K for a camera that goes for half that in the used market? If the black paint was aftermarket what made it cost so much?
If real and confirmed it would be in the 10-20K price range. So as it seems its not a repaint (or at least not modern) making it not the silver M2 price.
@@NicosPhotographyShow "if real and confirmed" is something you do prior to selling an item. The price of a collector's item comes from its verifiable rarity, not based on the possibility it MIGHT be.
Im aware, I accepted the fate of this item and its value or lack of value. I had no problem owning it as I liked the story behind it and where it came from. Im not looking to buy cameras to sell them at a gain, this one is mine to keep forever, so resale value or not it doesn't make a difference. Im a happy owner and user of this not confirmed black M2.
@@NicosPhotographyShow don't get me wrong, I have no issue with your reason for buying it. What I'm asking is how the value of the camera was reached by the seller since it's neither a collector black paint M2 and from my understanding, third party work done to these cameras doesn't mean added value.
Happy for you for the repaint M2, but if it is a repaint, it doesn't worth over 40K . anyways it has a story and you liked the camera, it's good for you.
I consider it a fake for obvious reasons, but have that unreasonable % of hope one day I might be able to find out its real story.
@@NicosPhotographyShow IMHO, it is not a fake to a user like you and me, back in the days, Leica customize a lot of cameras for famous photographers , for example they converted an M3 to an MP for Ian Berry so that he can use the rapid winder . I have some friends modified their M, add some framelines and remove some framelines.
I really really appreciate users like these who cares their work more than the value of their camera. It is how it supposed to be.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I wouldn't call it "fake", it's a custom job, nothing bad about that. Who cares who slapped that paint on there. Of course it's not a collectors item like the ones painted by Leica in the 60s, but from a users perspective that's not important.
The Leica M5 is the best M.
Could be, if people actually got their hands on it. But most seem scared of the design.
@@NicosPhotographyShow very true, but then again it is just a camera, the lens and film are usually much more important!
OK Nico, how did you ever find a wife that was OK with a Leica black paint purchase?
I was going to comment if you cared if it was original or a repaint 😅
But I’m kind of surprised that they are so sure it’s not original as I don’t get the impression that they kept track of much. They couldn’t even definitively tell me the production year of my M6