Why I chose the Leica m2 (Review + Sample Photos)

The long awaited Leica M2 review video is finally here and in this episode I talk to you guys a little bit about why I chose this body over the Leica m6, M3 and the other beautiful Leica bodies out there. This camera is just right for me and even though it was a change from what I shot prior the transition was very smooth as I wanted to simplify my setup to something that reliable, efficient and will last me a lifetime. So here is my review on the Leica M2.

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Filming Equipment used:
Sony A7II
Manfrotto tripod

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[KingJvpes]

Thank you to everyone who commented on the laggy video. For some reason when it renders it looks fine but once it’s uploaded the frame rates seem to be off. I can assure you moving forward the videos will be smooth with no lag! Thanks everyone for understanding 👊🏼⚡️

[LaurentBourrelly]

I searched your serial number, and your M2 was made in 1964.
As far as differences with earlier versions of M2, you can use the Leicavit MP, and you have the self timer.
I think it's the most beautiful M design ever, especially the first batch without the self timer lever, a true part of the Bauhaus movement in design of the era.
You can get your M2 or whatever model repainted black.
It will cost around $500, and you have to pick carefully the master craftman who will do the job.
Not only he will do the paint job, but can make the camera feel brand new inside out.
The experience of shooting with this camera is truly amazing.
Good pick.

[CarlLaberfeld]

am i the only one experiencing laggy video?

[edpavez]

I gotta be honest: I've been tempted to change my M3 for an M2 because of those 35mm framelines. The shutter counter is what's keeping me in check. I move my cameras around too much, and I would certainly move that wheel, and have no clue in which frame I'm in!

[lightloving]

Your M2 is one of a batch of 1600 that was released on August 4, 1964.
I simply adore mine. Mounted with a 35mm f2.8 Summaron that was originally purchased with body. It has that classic glow and rendering that Red Dot users expound about, especially in BW. Typically more affordable as well.

[cdl]

KingJvpes, it is really nice to see how happy and excited you are with our new camera. It looks like this one will give you pleasure for several decades, and I really hope it does.

[KEHcamera]

That's a great looking M2! Awesome combo with the Voigtlander 35mm f2.5—love that lens for its size and price.

[leonarddavis]

It would only take a few minutes of your time to go online and find year of
manufacture, description and operation details. You should know your
camera before making videos about it.

[KingJvpes]

If you were to choose one M body for the rest of your life, what would it be? 🤔

[xesse]

I want to make a video giving reasons as to why i SOLD my leica m6... and replaced it with an olympus xa2

[gobgobcachoo]

Can't go wrong with any M mount Leica. Even the M5 or MD (the film body without a viewfinder) have a place with particular shooting styles.

[chenmunn]

Oh man.... I was wearing my Giants hat when I watched this video while researching for the M2! I think it's a sign....

[danshapiro]

Fellow Bay Area film shooter here and just bought one of these largely thanks to your endorsement. Hope to see you shooting around SF!

[erichartke]

Good review I have yet to shoot colour in my M2, but I really should. I use a Canon 35 1.8 ltm and love it!

[dlarge]

The caps on the back are covering up ports that connect to a flash. There are two ports as back then there were two different types of flash. I think today you would just need to plug into the one with the lightening symbol. The other one I think is for single use flash bulbs. Other cameras have these ports labeled with 'X' and 'M' with 'X' being the type we generally use today.

[deeboooogie]

Great review! Just joined the Leica family 2 weeks ago, I love my M2 definitely my favorite of the Leica M

[andychandler]

I actually thought the lag was on purpose and thought "damn that's cool."

That being said: a twist to the m2/m3. I shot with an m3 for the very reason you choose m2, your focal point of choice. Every so often I'll wish I had an M2 with a 35, but mostly I'm a 50 shooter.

Funny thing: a few weeks ago, I purchased a Rokkor 45mm f2.8 and realized that 45 goes just outside the framelines, and I've really noticed the benefit of the extra field, only thing I had to do was realize that now I was using the whole viewfinder.

[xyzhou]

Same here, first m is an m2. I've been using it for nearly a year, no complaints. It is still a bit overpriced I've got to say, but at the end of the day, it is the camera I'd like to walk around with and that make it worth it. If you want a first summicron, try to find a v2/v3/v4, these are small enough and the redition goes well with film leica. Just my two cents.

[PaulN]

The Leica III also has external film counter as well, and if you were looking for more of a budget Leica, the Leica III is one of the most affordable. Anyways thanks for the video great work.

[genterasaki]

Picked up my first film camera around a month ago: a 1984 X700, all thanks to you, keep it up man 🙏 #minoltagang