Leica M2 + Leica-METER MC
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The Leica M2, introduced in 1957 as the “younger sibling” of the M3, is a 35mm rangefinder camera renowned for its practical design and exceptional usability. Rather than being a direct successor to the M3, the M2 was developed as a separate path—targeting the growing needs of reportage and street photography. While simplifying certain features, it retained Leica’s signature mechanical precision and durability, making it a true workhorse for both professionals and serious enthusiasts. Today, the M2 stands as one of the most well-balanced Leica M models and remains a favorite among film camera users.
One of the M2’s defining features is its viewfinder optimized for 35mm lenses. While the M3 was designed around the 50mm focal length, the M2 offers bright-line frames for 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm lenses, making it especially suited to street and documentary photographers. The 0.72x viewfinder magnification provides a wider field of view compared to the M3’s 1.0x finder, allowing photographers to better visualize the surrounding scene. Unlike the M3’s frame lines which switch one set at a time, the M2 displays multiple frame lines simultaneously—a design choice focused on practical usability.
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Structurally, the M2 shares the same robust construction as the M3, with top and bottom plates machined from solid brass. While some internal mechanisms were simplified to reduce production costs, these changes didn’t compromise reliability. For example, the automatic frame counter from the M3 was replaced with a manual reset counter, and early versions of the film rewind knob were flat-style (later upgraded). These design adjustments enhanced ease of maintenance and practicality in real-world use.
Film loading is nearly identical to the M3, involving a removable bottom plate and rear door flap for easier access. The rangefinder mechanism remains highly accurate, using a split-image focusing system for fast and precise manual focus. The cloth focal-plane shutter is mechanically operated and reaches speeds up to 1/1000 sec, all while remaining whisper-quiet—an advantage in candid or reportage photography.
Though often seen as a “simplified” version of the M3, the M2 in fact embodies a different philosophy: one of photographic efficiency and essentialism. For users who rely heavily on 35mm lenses, the M2 offers superior framing capabilities and handling. Its user-friendly design and outstanding mechanical quality made it the go-to choice for many professionals. Furthermore, it laid the foundation for later models like the M4 and M6, showcasing the M2’s enduring legacy in Leica’s design evolution.
The M2’s aesthetics are also a key part of its charm. The chrome models are elegant and timeless, while the black paint versions are now coveted collector’s items, prized for the unique patina that develops with age. The camera’s tactile experience—especially the film advance lever and shutter release—offers the satisfying precision only a fully mechanical camera can provide.
In short, the Leica M2 is a minimalist’s tool built for serious photography. It strips away excess features in favor of pure mechanical function, allowing photographers to focus on composition, light, and timing. Where the M3 represents refined perfection, the M2 symbolizes functional beauty—and remains a timeless masterpiece in the world of analog photography.
Leica-METER MC
The Leica-METER MC is a clip-on external exposure meter developed in the 1960s for Leica M-series cameras like the M2 and M3, which did not have built-in light meters. Highly praised for its utility, it brought practical exposure control to otherwise fully manual cameras—bridging the gap between traditional mechanical photography and modern convenience.
The "MC" stands for Meter Coupled, referring to the exposure meter’s ability to mechanically synchronize with the camera’s shutter speed dial. Installation is simple: the meter slides directly into the accessory shoe of the camera. Once mounted and aligned with the camera’s shutter speed dial, users can adjust exposure settings seamlessly, guided by the meter’s needle readout.
A notable feature of the Leica-METER MC is its selenium cell light sensor, which operates without batteries. It generates voltage from ambient light, allowing continuous use without power concerns. However, as selenium cells degrade over time, the accuracy of older meters may vary—so checking operational condition is essential when purchasing.
The meter’s compact, contoured design blends naturally with the Leica M body, maintaining the camera’s clean silhouette. The exposure scale is intuitive and visually easy to interpret, helping photographers quickly balance shutter speed and aperture combinations during manual shooting.
Today, the Leica-METER MC is a popular collector’s item and a functional tool for analog photographers seeking a more authentic shooting experience. When paired with a camera like the M2, it completes the system—adding modern functionality to a mechanical classic while preserving its elegance.
Leica M2 – Key Specifications
● Mount : Leica M bayonet mount (M-mount)
● Film Format : 35mm film (135 format)
● Viewfinder Magnification : 0.72x
● Bright-Line Frames : 35mm, 50mm, 90mm (auto-switching; simultaneous display)
● Rangefinder Base Length : 68.5mm
● Effective Base Length : 49.3mm (at 0.72x magnification)
● Shutter Type : Horizontal cloth focal-plane shutter
● Shutter Speeds : 1s to 1/1000s, Bulb (B)
● Flash Sync Speed : 1/50s (X-sync)
● Film Advance : Single-stroke lever
● Film Rewind : Knob type (early models had button release)
● Film Loading : Bottom plate + rear door flap
● Frame Counter : Manual reset
● Size : Approx. 138 × 77 × 33.5 mm
● Weight : Approx. 560g (body only)
● Finish : Silver chrome (also available in black paint)
Notable Features
● Wide-Angle Compatibility : Built-in frame lines for 35mm lenses—missing on the M3—make it ideal for street and documentary photography.
● Simplified Controls : Manual reset frame counter and basic rewind knob enhance reliability and reduce complexity.
● Durable Build: Solid brass top and bottom plates ensure long-lasting mechanical strength.
● Quiet Shutter : Cloth shutter is exceptionally quiet—ideal for discreet shooting.
● Lens Versatility : Compatible with all M-mount lenses and, via adapter, classic LTM (screw-mount) lenses.
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