Why the Leica M2 || Video Answers

[@MrRocchen]

I have been using the M2 for years. This is by far the best review of this camera on KZbin. Well done 👍

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! My favorite rangefinder camera.

[@jonlouis2582]

The most clear simple explanation of M2 I have seen. I love my M4, just got M2.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! I love my M2 but the M4 and the easy load is always in my mind.

[@cassiodimande4992]

now that you've pointed it out i'll never unsee the phallic film advance lever lol

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Im sorry, had to share...

[@leslumieres1237]

a dirty mind.....is a joy forever

[@ropersix]

One of the best things about any Leica RF for people who actually use them is, you can get them repaired pretty easily, and with confidence. Repairs aren't cheap, but at least it's 100% possible. As time goes on, it seems to me that won't be the case with less popular cameras. I do need a light meter though, and have an M6. I use the meter like I use exposure compensation on my DSLR: adjust it when the lighting changes (walk into the shade of a building, sun goes behind clouds, etc), and then not worry about it for individual shots so I can focus on the subject and composition.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Very true! I sadly had a M6 I was going to buy that was so used that it was not worth mending. Metering for me has become a eye thing and so far it works most of the times, I do carry the Sekonic and sometimes double check to see if Im right. Most times im close enough :)

[@hcbrito]

Love my M2. Perfect mechanics, amazing rangefinder (better than any other I’ve ever used). Elegant, simple, clear, classic, classy, silent, minimal. (Flash is the only downside.) abrazo!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Hahaha we think alike!! Abrazo!

[@TitoMariategui]

Hola! Conseguí una M2 al valor de 8 dólares, tengo que llevarla a revisar aún, pero lo único que veo que le falta es que el visor lo tiene malogrado, veo borroso y no tiene las líneas guías ni el cuadrado al centro, además no tiene la rueda de velocidad. He visto que sólo la rueda en Ebay está como 150 dólares. En tu experincia, ¿crees que me salga muy caro reparar estos dos problemas que te comento? Todo lo demás parece responder bien. Gracias!

[@hcbrito]

@@TitoMariategui i'm not sure, never quite needed to repair mine... i don't know the prices, maybe ask for a quote before repairing it. Abrazo

[@acidsnow5915]

i have a leica m2 as well and i love it to bits! it is one of the best cameras i ever owned thanks for sharing really enjoyed watching this

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! Its my one of my favorites too.

[@jameshazelwoodphoto]

Thanks for your several videos on the M2. I just inherited one. Had to send it off for a cleaning, lubrication, and a new Vulcanite case, but it's back and works great.

[@Pulsonar]

Your ramble irritated me at first but the oil warmed up on your talking machine and now Im hooked on the old M2!

[@aricrussom1050]

Such a fantastic, passionate rant. convinced, thanks for putting this into words!

[@erichartke4331]

nice video I agree 110%! My M2 is a very close to yours my serial starts with 929 a beautiful piece of workmanship and engineering.

[@1111undici1111]

That Leica M2 is a damn nice camera! Thank you for the video!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks!

[@philipnikolaidis4338]

This video convinced me to buy my M2 that i love so much ! i want to really thank you for that .

[@xesse1]

Just got mine from watching your previous reviews. I’ve sold all my other cameras, including a Pentax 67, Nikon fm2 and others. I love the m2 and I think I’ve made a good decision

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Glad my videos have helped. Im keeping my M2 if I ever need to sell everything.

[@CertainExposures]

Out of curiosity what made you want to let go of the Pentax 67?

[@xesse1]

Certain Exposures I shoot mainly street photography, I thought I’d buy the 67 and try out some portrait work, but it wasn’t my thing. It was a great camera to use though

[@bosozoku5558]

Congrats now you might just go bsck after finding out the prices of the lens'! One of the reasons i keep a nikon f2 and contax g1 around.

[@emanuelmartinfernandez4710]

Hola Nico! Gracias a tu asesoramiento adquirí una M2 y estoy disfrutando muchísimo! Gracias! Gran abrazo

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Me alegro! Es una gran camara.

[@AndyGarcia-oe5nf]

I’m new to shooting and started with a canon AE-1 (mainly cause I wasn’t sure if I would stick to shooting or just store the camera away forever no point in spending over $200 on something I’ll never use) and I feel the M2 is a nice step up from a basic canon AE-1 I fell in love with shooting film and this video makes me want to experiment more this video was exactly what I need to hear thank you

[@justcallmesando]

Hey many thanks for the mention! Greetings from Mexico City!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thank you for the question that made me do the video.

[@justcallmesando]

Great! As I told you I got the M3 due to the problems of that specific M2 but I will eventually look for a M2 which I really really liked. Thanks!

[@RodGSilva]

Great video as always! I fortunately have both M2 and M6 and I got agree with you on the meter getting in the way... When I have ON I would not shoot until those >< arrows are perfect haha So most of the time I use the M6 without batteries. For me the perfect M would be an black M2 since I shoot most 35mm

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I do the same on the M6 but the lines make go crazy too. Im spoilt with the clean screens on medium format.

[@splootan]

Or MA......

[@coffeebot3000]

My dad just sent me his old M2 which has travelled around the world. Was cleaning it up and I think it had Sahara sand in it. Haha. But really love how it feels. Amazing after half a decade. I just put in my first roll of film and snapped one sunrise pic so far. Waiting for this weekend to take it out and really put it to the test. The simplicity is so welcoming after getting so used to digital.

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

Thanks for making another great video. I would love to shoot a few rolls with any Leica some day.

[@MrBillboeing]

I love the shooting experience with the M2. The cocking is so smoooooooth ! Perfect Leica to start the Leica experience. My is from 1961 ...... The only disadvantage is for people with glasses. The viewfinder will scratch them. Other than that, I would buy it again.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

It really is great. Didnt know about the glasses. Maybe try Sugru on the viewfinder?

[@MrBillboeing]

Nicos Photography Show .... maybe I should try that. I was already looking for aftermarket plastic viewfinder. Thanks

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

It should work. Hope you get to enjoy the M2 soon.

[@Dieseleafe]

I use a DAG camera eyepiece guard on my M2. It’s a plastic disc that snaps over the eyepiece. Pricey at $15 plus postage, but it’ stops my glasses from being scratched to bits. They can be bought via www.dagcamera.com/store/p109/Plastic_Eyepiece_Guard_for_all_metal_M_eyepieces.html

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Great advice. Thanks Mark!

[@harrisjon1]

Excellent review. I am thinking of getting an M2 what kind of film do you use and what shutter speed do you set it to? Thank you!

[@zguy95135]

I agree 100%! They're much less expensive than the M6 as well, I haven't seen one for sale under $1000 USD in a while though

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Come to Europe!!

[@888influenza]

I just bought mine for 40€. And she works. The previous owner must be totally waco.

[@kb5ql]

M7 for me. I like Aperture Priority and the off switch locks the shutter so it doesn’t go off when in your bag.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Its a great one too, I have used it before and A is useful, I use a Zeiss Ikon ZM for that.

[@a7medalt]

I bought my leica m2 for 550$ on ebay and it's amazing although i miss my bessa r in camera light meter but it feels amazing and worth every penny

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Great buy. I understand the meter, but I love the freedom I get without it. I alternate the Zeiss Ikon on A (when Im lazy) and the M2.

[@CertainExposures]

What seller? Do they have more that cheap? Lol

[@worldpeace2764]

@@CertainExposures Lol I know right

[@Johan-vw2te]

I'd love to hear you rambling about the ZM. Always been curious about that one.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Ohhh. I got a lot to say about that one. Next on the list then!! Thanks

[@milandragojlovich5500]

Great comments; I enjoyed many of your videos; thank you, keep it up!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thank you!

[@simonkeslake2782]

Great video.Just bought an M2, looking for a summicron 35mm, is that the first version of the lens you have? Ive seen the prices of them on eBay, I would love one but they are mega expensive, will have to settle for a version 2 or 3, Canada made one.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! Yeah, its the V1, I got a nice deal on it, but all version are pretty good. Even the new chinese 7Artisans is a decent lens for the price.

[@simonkeslake2782]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Looks a lovely lens. they are going for £2500 up to £4000 on eBay..crazy! I'm picking up a near mint version 3 this weekend for £1000, so a much better price, can't wait..maybe a version 1 one day!

[@michaelpardi4543]

Hey Nico, recently got an M2 (with only rewind button, and smaller grilled frame line window, 932xxx serial), was wondering if you had any tips or things I should get as accessories? I have a Sumicron 50mm DR with it, and the only thing I worry about is that it's so expensive and nice that I want to baby it, which will prevent me from really using it to it's full effect. Any tips on getting over that?

[@groovesme]

I like the old range finders. 50 focused at 3.5m and sunny 16 = awesome stuff.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

They are something else. Best built ever, would love a new trend of well built things. Everywhere.

[@hal4192]

Really excellent video. I bought an M2 but at the time I wasn't aware of the frame lines (For 35mm) . I got lucky. 🙂👍🏻👍🏻

[@stumpycatvm7115]

have an m2, with a 40mm voigt 1.2, 50mm frame lines, just compose for wider, works out ok, use a voigt meter on top, learned a lot from m2

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Nice setup! I used the voigt meter too for a while. Great meter.

[@bvista58]

great video...now you just convinced me what I was thinking all along of which one of the M's to get....no light meter for me either, as they will be incomplete cameras in the future to come...when their light meters give up the ghost

[@splootan]

Hey dude does it matter about slight cracked white lines inside the viewfinder...thanks

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Hey Splootan, probably not, but make sure it didnt affect the rangefinder calibration. Its not a simple thing to adjust if it took a big hit. I have a Leica CL with a cracked rangefinder window with no problem, but its a one on one situation.

[@danielb.7165]

Hola Nico, no he encontrado en ningun lado una Leica M2 a los precios que tu mencionas. Aparte de ebay, que tiendas (fisicas) de fotografia analogica recomiendas en Europa para visitar?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Se ven algunas en Kamerastore y en MK optics.

[@snaps777]

Been wanting a M2 for a couple years now...some day I will be able to get one.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

You wont regret it! If you are ever around Spain let me know and Im happy to go shoot with the M2!

[@snaps777]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Thank you very much.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Got to share the gear!

[@slimnics]

That is a beautiful camera. What version 35 is that?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! Its the V1 Summicon 8 Elements.

[@jameshall5556]

7:13 For those who want to get straight to the answer.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

But then they will miss my everlasting intro

[@ytdanielle]

I love my Kiev 4AM, aledgely it has the largest base, also I love Helios 103, in my opinion one of the greatest 50mm lens, but as a photographic tool nothing can compare with EOS - greatest camera on earth.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Never owned a EOS, but I do have some FD bodies. Great cameras.

[@ytdanielle]

EOS is digital control of the photographic process, auto-focus, instant spot meter, auto-exposure, 1/8000s, on view finder EV, 1 finger exposure change, 1 finger EV compensation, greatest lens selection including tele and image stabilisation (I say greatest because any EF type lens - Zeiss makes EF lens also - works and this is not the case with Nikon and others). I love shooting manual, but as a photographic tool that alow you to rapidly make precise adjustmensts EOS is far above. Plesure vs control :-) I try both.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I habe recently taken my Nikon F80 out and have enjoyed the added features for some fun but I still enjoy the more manual ways. ;)

[@ytdanielle]

The only insurmountable issue is the focal length (and image stabilization, and zoom). Over 135 mm you are out of range. There is not such a thing zoom foot, the required space can`t be available and the image change with distance as proportions and DOF. Joy vs Versatility.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Never got along with zoom but they are all capable tools for different benefits.

[@karn8353]

Nice camera, but something I’m wondering. Could you point to me where can I find m2 with the price lease than 600€

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

You can find them in some stores in Europe, but less than 600€ is hard to find.

[@EKdlwoasred]

Some shops don’t have the best security. They’re pretty heavy too so knock the shop owner over the head with and leg it. Cost you only a bus fair

[@888influenza]

I just found you. I’m an amateur. Just bought my first M2 for 40€! I’m not kidding. Something like 50$ or so. And she works. I’m mesmerized, still can’t believe. I’m going to buy a film. Can’t wait to try her…

[@noonsound4894]

Hi Nico, sorry for commenting on a two year old video but I wanted to see some of your pics on the M2. I went scrolling through your Instagram and found lots of pics of the M2 but no pics taken. Do you have a video with some samples or maybe you don't post them because as you say they are all family photos. Your Instagram pics are fantastic. I'm trying to resist buying an M at the moment but as you know once you get the bug you've got to keep looking.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

No worries! 99% of my M2 pictures are family and I usually only print them in the darkroom, thats why there are no online pictures with the camera. But its an awesome camera and if you want an M body and love 35mm its the CAMERA!

[@noonsound4894]

@@NicosPhotographyShow thanks so much. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@09Sayandeep]

Are these as well built as the m3?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Considering they are "cheaper" versions of the M3 Leica would say not. But time has shown they are strong as an M3 in my opinion.

[@robertboyer5926]

M4 is literally everything you mentioned with "Why M2" except for frame advance and frame count/loading/unloading is way way more important than that for most people. Honestly either wind-on is fine with me, the re-wind and loading for a shooting camera is night and day. The M4 (NOT the M4-2/M4-P) is a much improved M2 (and I think even the VF is better than the M2 in terms of white-out resistance and clarity) Just because you said you never used an M4. M2 is my second choice as a shooting camera (as opposed to a decoration)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Robert, you better be happy, now I need an M4 to see if it might be my next favorite camera! ;)

[@robertboyer5926]

@@NicosPhotographyShow I like the M2 as well but when push comes to shove my M4 sees WAY more use just because of the film loading/unloading

[@jbmaillet]

Lots of good points. Though, sunny 16 may be fine for B&W, but for slides sorry but a camera without a light meter is an annoying limitation, the exposure latitude is much too narrow, and the film + processing too expensive to miss a shot. So I won't put 500€/700$ for a body because of this. (I usually carry 2 or 3 cameras for B&W and color and/or slide to accommodate all subjects, plus a hand-held light meter with both incident and reflection metering. Most often than not, my slide roll is in an 80s-90s area camera.)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

For slides you cant beat a modern SLR.

[@jbmaillet]

@@NicosPhotographyShow a miniature telemeter such as an XA, or a plain point-and-shoot maybe? Lighter, smaller, always in your pocket. William Eggleston used some Olympus mju with quite some success. (I did too with some other P&S once I left my ego "big cam" aside.)

[@nickfanzo]

I’d like one to go with my m3 and m6, but need it black

[@MANILAFILMCAMERACLUB]

Hi Nico, I finally sold my Leica M3 camera. It was hard to let go but had to do it!..

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Sad to hear! I will never sell my M2.

[@MANILAFILMCAMERACLUB]

hehe good for you nico

[@MANILAFILMCAMERACLUB]

Nicos Photography Show did’t you try to sell me your M2 a while ago?! Tsk tsk.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Haha. Never 😉😉

[@splootan]

Nice. It what about the MA !? 🤔

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

The MA is awesome but 6 times the price of a beater M2.

[@splootan]

Nicos Photography Show ok quick question I have a chance to buy a repainted M2 in olive ( professional done) with upgraded Leica MP rangefinder camera stripped down and built again. Or a brand new MA at half the price of retail........ HELP!!!!!!!??????????

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Wow, hard choice. I say the MA. The M2 is awesome but the repaint is only aesthetical and the MP rangefinder to me is worse. So the MA for 50% is awesome!

[@splootan]

Nicos Photography Show thanks my man!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Happy to help!

[@lionelpluss2165]

Now I can't unsee the phallic advance lever...

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Tell me about it! I cant unsee the post on facebook that made me see it in the first place.

[@Fjalll]

The M2 would be my choice if I didn't need 28mm and preferred a black camera. I got the M4-P instead. It's got a hot shoe aswell and cost about as much as an M2. The black ppaint M2 is the prettiest camera ever though.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Black paint is amazing, I had the black MP without batteries for a while and loved my 28mm on it. Sold both sadly. Miss 28mm a lot.

[@JakeBorchenko]

Tempting!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Try one! It got me hooked.

[@JakeBorchenko]

If the right deal comes, I just might.

[@erictrevino3781]

Thank you willem dafoe

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

You are most welcome.

[@wavensdorvad]

i wish i can find one nowadays at that price. 1500 and more now

[@azzalos]

Mint one today is close to 3K. How about that?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I still see them for around 1000$. 3K seems high for an M2.

[@azzalos]

@@NicosPhotographyShow show me :) I doubt they are mint?!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Probably not easy to find a mint 60 year old camera, but yeah, I have always been ok with a well loved camera. Mint or not it will take the same pics. So maybe the boxed ones are 3K. Good for collectors. From the two I own I didn’t pay 1K together. Both take great images, when I point the right way ;)

[@adidampf]

I have a Leica M2 too and the very first thing I've done was to buy a thing that called "Leica-Nippel" ;-) The original costs about 30 to 50 Euro, I've got mine by a local vendor of old photography stuff for 2 Euros directly out of a junkbox. There I also got a "Leica-Glocke" for the same money, but that was for my Leica IIIg. I just love both Leicas, but the M2 a little more.

[@jqueryrocks]

Your mint summicron worth at least $3500 now.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Damn, I hope its not, I still dont plan to ever sell it but it would be sad if it get out of reach of many.

[@Socrates...]

why is the M2 better than the MP?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Better wouldn't be the way I would say it. To me the lack of meter is not a problem and the fact that I can buy 4 to 5 M2 for the price of one MP. Also after using the MP for a year and then picking up my M2 it felt better when using. It was just the feeling it gave me.

[@Socrates...]

Leica MA

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Having only used the MA once its a great camera but if you find one for the price of a M2 let me know straight away! ;)

[@adamw.20]

Top Camera für puristen in 1A Qualität!!!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

It is!!

[@linjicakonikon7666]

For left eyed shooters, get a Canon VT Deluxe. You'll see why.

[@David-hk3ly]

Once you listen to the silky smooth shutter, nothing else will do....

[@GeoffreyEduard]

I'm a left eye shooter. Is it really that horrible on a Leica rangefinder? I've only shot a Minolta Hi-matic rangefinder and those rangefinder patches are absolutely rubbish. Focusing one of those compared to any decent slr is a complete joke.

[@1111undici1111]

Nope! Many Leica shooters are left eye shooters. It's not a problem at all.

[@plam135]

Conclusion : He uses M2 because it's just a mechanical camera and cheap not many features. And has 35 mm frame line

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Exactly. 5 second review. ;)

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Hard to find one under $1500 2022

[@maxhuber4064]

i bought mine this montch for 1000 Euros Button Rewind

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

You got some gear Nicos! I have the Yashica Electro 35 but after having played with the Leica M4 a few days ago I'd love to own one! Informative video. Cheers.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! The M4 is on my list, but I dont need it, still GAS doesn't listen to reason.