I was given a Leica - need to ID

[Roseha]

A family member gave me this Leica for Christmas! Someone had given it to him and he gave it to me to see if I could get it to work.

It seems functional but I can't ID the model as the meter seems to be stuck on the shoe mount and I can't get it off at the moment. But from looking at the lens serial number it seems to be at least from the 1950s?

Anyone know? I should look into having a CLA done here in NYC, the lens looks clean, it had a filter over it so that must have helped. Mainly curious about when you think this model was made. Thanks

 

[mshchem]

M2

 

[Roseha]

That was quick!! Thanks very much.

 

[mshchem]

MR meter removal instructions here

Leica Meter MR instruction manual, PDF user manual

Leica Meter MR instruction manual

butkus.org

 

[mshchem]

Very nice camera and lens. My guess is late 50's.

 

[mshchem]

According to Ken Rockwell website the lens was made in 1958.

 

[Roseha]

Thanks so much again. the camera's serial number is 1017996.

So apparently 1961. https://www.cameraquest.com/mtype.htm

 

[Nitroplait]

The lens is the DR (dual range) Summicron.

It would have been delivered with googles that could be attached on top of the lens, in front of the rangefinder windows.

That would have allowed for close range photography.
Without them it works like a regular rigid Summicron.

 

[Roseha]

thanks yes I think I have that also in a little case.

 

[RezaLoghme]

@koraks pls move to "Rangefinder" section

Nice camera. Have it CLA'd properly and you can enjoy it for many more years to come.

 

[mshchem]

As long as the glass is clean, and everything functions that's a first class setup.

 

[Steve York]

Classic. Lots of people feel the M2 probably the best shooter of them all. With a rangefinder, over time, most naturally gravitate to the 35mm focal length as a standard lens, and the 35mm frames on the M2 appear just by themselves. Sunny 16 and a handheld meter is easy to learn/use. M4's actually really well made too, but I prefer the loading system and the frame lines of the M2. My only camera these days, I have five of them; and yet still only two hands.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Your pristine 50mm Summicron-DR is a superb lens. Wonderful gift! I prefer mine to all my other 50s of various brands.

https://worldofdecay.blogspot.com/2018/05/1950s-excellence-leica-50mm-f20-type-2.html

Occasionally, I use a 50mm Summitar lens instead for a different look.

Warning: keep the goggle unit. They varied over the production life of the DR, and you may have trouble finding the right replacement unit for your particular lens.

 

[TomR55]

As noted, an M2. I used an M2 equipped with a 35mm Summicron lens for over 20 years. During that time, I believe I had the camera body CLA’d twice and the lens serviced once … the plastic focusing ring cracked and (I believe it was Mr. Yee) replaced it … and serviced the lens at that time.

I traveled extensively with that particular camera body; as I recall, equipped with the 35mm lens, it fit nicely in a small camera bag. Eventually “upgraded” to M4 and M4P bodies—the M4-Ps only because I preferred a native 28mm finder, and the hot-shoe made it easier to interface with “modern” camera lighting systems.

My advice: Use it!

 

[chuckroast]

Classic. Lots of people feel the M2 probably the best shooter of them all. With a rangefinder, over time, most naturally gravitate to the 35mm focal length as a standard lens, and the 35mm frames on the M2 appear just by themselves. Sunny 16 and a handheld meter is easy to learn/use. M4's actually really well made too, but I prefer the loading system and the frame lines of the M2. My only camera these days, I have five of them; and yet still only two hands.

+1

I have very nice copies of the M2, M4, and M5. All have been CLAed within the last few years. All work superbly.

The M2 has a special place in my heart - it was the first M I ever bought a few years ago (and then promptly dove down the rabbit hole These cameras are silk to shoot with. Paired
with the 35mm f/2 ASPH Summicron, it's about as perfect a camera as 35mm gets. M2s are also relatively good deals.

I like my M4 and M5 for different reasons, but if I had to keep only one of these, it would be the M2.

 

[Jeff Bennett]

That’s a great gift.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

M2

and in beautiful shape!