I have a black M2 and love it. Its battered with brass showing through but its my favourite camera. I also use the 7Artisans 35mm leans. For exposure I use sunny 16 and for focusing I use zone focusing which basically make the Leica a point and shoot.
The Leica m3 and m2 are my favorite Leicas, simple to use, completely liberating from any electronic assistance, just you evaluating your scene and making a photograph.
Nice video! BTW you can get and install a Quick load kits in the M2 so that you don't have to take out the film take up spool each time. I've put my first 5 rolls of film through my recently purchase M2 that came with the Quick load kit and loading it seem only a bit slower than loading a M6. Like yourself I'm really enjoying the single frame line viewfinder note sure why but having only a single fame line showing just make it seem bigger and brighter than the one on the M10.
I started in the 70s with an inherited M3 and 3 classic Summicrons (35, 50, 90). Then an M2, traded that for an M6. Added an M5, Minolta CLE and M7, plus many lenses. Went into the reflex cameras and lenses, too. Back in the 70-90s prices had not gotten insane for used gear. I never bought anything new, except the M7, which was a camera store demo model. Good luck with your baptism into Leciadom.
The humour and tone feels like if Kai and Lok adopted and raised a child together who turned out to like cameras and photography as well. 😂 Fab video nonetheless. 👌
I have an M2, M3 and an M6. Both the M2 and the M3 feel the same to me and are both much nicer than M6. The action of the film advance lever is sublime. The M3 has the superior and much more accurate rangefinder. These cameras are sublime, and I hope that I am not offending anyone, but hope that the M2 and M3 stay out of the hands of recent ' film shooters ', simply because they are not interested in photography but just the badge. Very good presentation.
I was going to say something similar as I've owned an M3 and M6 for a decade or so now. My metering wasn't that great back then so after initially purchasing the M3 I thought it best to get an M6 so I could still use my lenses. The viewfinder difference is night and day though using the M3 over the M6. I did end up getting the wee MR meter that goes on the top but didn't realise the last owner had filed off the brass pin that couples to the shutter dial. After burning through a few rolls over the years I did eventually just move to shooting without the meter. Still love the M6 but I literally only use it for funerals now and otherwise use the M3 for everything else with that massive bright viewfinder and a 50mm DR summicron. Not concerned so much with people buying just for the badge, but I get what you mean. In the beginning I worried that maybe I was buying it just for the badge but since it was long before electronic shutters on mirrorless cameras, it was difficult not to love the almost silent and buttery smooth shutter of an old film leica. That and the sense of 'knowing' that I had when I first picked it up that it would outlive me and probably be passed on to one of my kids. Can't really say the same about the dozen or so digital cameras (even the Leica - though it is still working fine).
Great review but I think you are pretty far off on the loading system. The take up spool is fantastic and allows no room for error (as far as the leader not catching). Once you are used to shooting an M3 or M2 with a take up spool it is a non issue and just as fast as an M4, M6, M7 or MP.
I own an MP (better than an M6, all brass, internal metal components, better shutter dial and better advance lever) I owned an M6 and sold it for the MP. My backup is (drum roll...) and Leica M2. And I have to say that both the cameras I own are better than the M6 for the reasons listed above. Here is the bigger travesty: folks are paying 5k for a Leica MA (essentially an MP without a light meter) Or put another way it's an M2 at a fifth of the price. For people in the US, I had the M2 loading system swapped out cheapy at DAG Camera out West, which he does promptly and send right back to you. So now it loads like the more recent Leica M cameras. It's a great camera. The M6 holds sway because it was the most commonly made in the 90's and early 2000's but it is not the better camera in the Leica M range at all. Last controversial point: the best Leica ever made is not even a Leica (ha), it's a Hexar RF. (I own that, too) But that is another post....
Hi sam thanks for the video! i owned the M2, and everything you said about it, it’s so true, including the sunny16 how we embrace M2 even more and no cluttered frame line is a plus.. onky thi g i disagree is, film loading, it’s just as easy as the rest of the more modern leica… oh wait… mine got the R, m2-r.. does it make any difference? 😂😂😂
I am probably 20 years older than you but we kinda look like brothers from different mothers, of course I am more handsome though. Anyway, keep up the good work and if you are in the market for a 50mm for your M2 check out the Jupiter 50mm f1.5. Amazing lens for the price and will look spectacular on your silver red dotted camera.
0:49 [Insert annoying buzzer sound here] WRONG! :) The viewfinder has a better magnification on the M3 for 50mm or longer lenses. The effective rangefinder base length on the M3 is larger than on any other Leica M (or any M mount body really), hence focusing manually is more precise on the M3 than with any other M mount body. The M3 is the best M for 50mm or any longer focal length when rangefinder focusing. On digital M cameras starting with the M10, this is quickly becoming a moot point as the EVF with screen magnification and focus peaking is actually the better choice. 4:30 The film loading system on the M2/3 is brilliant. I own both the MP and the M3. I have more faith in my M3 than my MP ("mechanical perfection" = lol) for loading and transporting film correctly. Yes, it takes longer. But it's more reliable. And on my M3, I get 39 full frames on EVERY roll, EVERY time. Subscribed, enjoyed your video!
@@slothsarecool you just have to put your eye exactly center or else it disappears. It's the one design compromise for having the brightest, most beautiful viewfinder on any rangefinder camera to date.
The loading crap problem is just that! I can load in dark! If you struggle don't ever go to a Hasselblad! Leica spool loading, NEVER fails. M6 and M7 have! My Pentax K-1000 is very difficult! One needs to make sure cassette can move up and down.. So truly wake up!
No that is not a good lens.. Look into vintage Canon lenses.. . I would venture to say that some of the early Canons are at least as good as the early Leicas. Showing shots taken with that lens defeats the point of your review..
Great humour indeed! Great video as well mate 🥳
I have a black M2 and love it. Its battered with brass showing through but its my favourite camera. I also use the 7Artisans 35mm leans. For exposure I use sunny 16 and for focusing I use zone focusing which basically make the Leica a point and shoot.
The Leica m3 and m2 are my favorite Leicas, simple to use, completely liberating from any electronic assistance, just you evaluating your scene and making a photograph.
love your video. its nice to here you praise my camera choice - watched a few times - always cool
Nice video! BTW you can get and install a Quick load kits in the M2 so that you don't have to take out the film take up spool each time. I've put my first 5 rolls of film through my recently purchase M2 that came with the Quick load kit and loading it seem only a bit slower than loading a M6. Like yourself I'm really enjoying the single frame line viewfinder note sure why but having only a single fame line showing just make it seem bigger and brighter than the one on the M10.
Thank you for this video. What a joy the tone you use, it’s so right. I will follow your channel
I started in the 70s with an inherited M3 and 3 classic Summicrons (35, 50, 90). Then an M2, traded that for an M6. Added an M5, Minolta CLE and M7, plus many lenses. Went into the reflex cameras and lenses, too. Back in the 70-90s prices had not gotten insane for used gear. I never bought anything new, except the M7, which was a camera store demo model. Good luck with your baptism into Leciadom.
Great street shots man!
thank you! hoping to start doing more street videos
i was pleasantly surprised by how funny this was. would love to see more
I have an M2 (and Chinese lenses) and 100% agree with everything you said. I just love the thing. Great vid btw
The humour and tone feels like if Kai and Lok adopted and raised a child together who turned out to like cameras and photography as well. 😂
Fab video nonetheless. 👌
Adding the sò called quick loader is definitely a good idea. No need to remove the spool and with a bit of practise is fairly efficient.
Love my M2. 35 and 50 are my favorite focal lengths. So it's perfect for me.
WIAT LOL DID HE PUT THE HP5 CARDBOARD ON THE COLD SHOE??? LMAO THATS HILARIOUS
where else would you put it? ;-)
Obviously being used as a film reminder.
Works for me
I do this on my Barnack and my Zeiss folders to keep my Voigtlaender light meter from falling onto the street and ruining my day.
I have an M2, M3 and an M6. Both the M2 and the M3 feel the same to me and are both much nicer than M6. The action of the film advance lever is sublime. The M3 has the superior and much more accurate rangefinder. These cameras are sublime, and I hope that I am not offending anyone, but hope that the M2 and M3 stay out of the hands of recent ' film shooters ', simply because they are not interested in photography but just the badge. Very good presentation.
I was going to say something similar as I've owned an M3 and M6 for a decade or so now.
My metering wasn't that great back then so after initially purchasing the M3 I thought it best to get an M6 so I could still use my lenses. The viewfinder difference is night and day though using the M3 over the M6. I did end up getting the wee MR meter that goes on the top but didn't realise the last owner had filed off the brass pin that couples to the shutter dial. After burning through a few rolls over the years I did eventually just move to shooting without the meter.
Still love the M6 but I literally only use it for funerals now and otherwise use the M3 for everything else with that massive bright viewfinder and a 50mm DR summicron.
Not concerned so much with people buying just for the badge, but I get what you mean. In the beginning I worried that maybe I was buying it just for the badge but since it was long before electronic shutters on mirrorless cameras, it was difficult not to love the almost silent and buttery smooth shutter of an old film leica. That and the sense of 'knowing' that I had when I first picked it up that it would outlive me and probably be passed on to one of my kids. Can't really say the same about the dozen or so digital cameras (even the Leica - though it is still working fine).
Great humor 😂
Great review but I think you are pretty far off on the loading system. The take up spool is fantastic and allows no room for error (as far as the leader not catching). Once you are used to shooting an M3 or M2 with a take up spool it is a non issue and just as fast as an M4, M6, M7 or MP.
I own an MP (better than an M6, all brass, internal metal components, better shutter dial and better advance lever) I owned an M6 and sold it for the MP. My backup is (drum roll...) and Leica M2. And I have to say that both the cameras I own are better than the M6 for the reasons listed above. Here is the bigger travesty: folks are paying 5k for a Leica MA (essentially an MP without a light meter) Or put another way it's an M2 at a fifth of the price. For people in the US, I had the M2 loading system swapped out cheapy at DAG Camera out West, which he does promptly and send right back to you. So now it loads like the more recent Leica M cameras. It's a great camera. The M6 holds sway because it was the most commonly made in the 90's and early 2000's but it is not the better camera in the Leica M range at all. Last controversial point: the best Leica ever made is not even a Leica (ha), it's a Hexar RF. (I own that, too) But that is another post....
Hi sam thanks for the video! i owned the M2, and everything you said about it, it’s so true, including the sunny16 how we embrace M2 even more and no cluttered frame line is a plus.. onky thi g i disagree is, film loading, it’s just as easy as the rest of the more modern leica… oh wait… mine got the R, m2-r.. does it make any difference? 😂😂😂
M2 is best Classic Leica film camera, BUT the best overall is the M-A. Is like a M2 but more refined, modern, new and with best viewfinder
Great vid, keep it up! Subscribed
I am probably 20 years older than you but we kinda look like brothers from different mothers, of course I am more handsome though. Anyway, keep up the good work and if you are in the market for a 50mm for your M2 check out the Jupiter 50mm f1.5. Amazing lens for the price and will look spectacular on your silver red dotted camera.
yup brass is brass ;3 Dent from little poke ;)
0:49 [Insert annoying buzzer sound here] WRONG! :) The viewfinder has a better magnification on the M3 for 50mm or longer lenses. The effective rangefinder base length on the M3 is larger than on any other Leica M (or any M mount body really), hence focusing manually is more precise on the M3 than with any other M mount body. The M3 is the best M for 50mm or any longer focal length when rangefinder focusing. On digital M cameras starting with the M10, this is quickly becoming a moot point as the EVF with screen magnification and focus peaking is actually the better choice.
4:30 The film loading system on the M2/3 is brilliant. I own both the MP and the M3. I have more faith in my M3 than my MP ("mechanical perfection" = lol) for loading and transporting film correctly. Yes, it takes longer. But it's more reliable. And on my M3, I get 39 full frames on EVERY roll, EVERY time.
Subscribed, enjoyed your video!
Every other camera is a medallion
So why the M2 over the Ikon which you subliminally flashed? They are similar in price.
When I bought my M2 the Ikon was about £800 more expensive.
The Ikon has a pretty mediocre range finder patch, I found it very hard to see in some lighting conditions but otherwise it’s a great camera!
@@slothsarecool you just have to put your eye exactly center or else it disappears. It's the one design compromise for having the brightest, most beautiful viewfinder on any rangefinder camera to date.
Leica M2 is the best analogue range finder camera. Canon New F-1 are the best analogue SLR Camera.
The loading crap problem is just that! I can load in dark! If you struggle don't ever go to a Hasselblad! Leica spool loading, NEVER fails. M6 and M7 have! My Pentax K-1000 is very difficult! One needs to make sure cassette can move up and down.. So truly wake up!
❤ England 2.8 ❤
5:10 😂😂 accurate
You think loading the M2 is rough, wait until you try a Leica II or III
Good old Philly's Best! I just ate there a couple of weeks ago lol. I didn't have my M2 with me at the time.
No M5 hate pls 😢
Oh yeah specially the m5 comment - subbtal howie
Welcome to the 🔴
M2 is the best
Hey, You can mod your m2 to get quick load ;) But in mmy opinion don't do it ;3 Sometimes this quickload sht just doesn't work...
Consider Leica Rs
No that is not a good lens.. Look into vintage Canon lenses.. . I would venture to say that some of the early Canons are at least as good as the early Leicas. Showing shots taken with that lens defeats the point of your review..
it actually is a pretty good lens