Leica's M2 in Black Paint — later production without the first-batch button release.
The Leica M2 (Black Paint) is a 35mm film rangefinder in the rare and highly-collected black paint finish, produced from approximately 1957. The M2 added the 35mm frameline absent from the M3, making it preferred for use with 35mm lenses. Black paint M2 cameras are among the most sought-after Leica M bodies. Leica M mount.
35mm film rangefinder. All-mechanical shutter (1/1000s maximum). 0.72× viewfinder with 35mm, 50mm, 90mm framelines. No built-in light meter. Black paint finish. Trigger shutter release. At approximately 560g. Leica M mount.
Black paint M2 cameras are significantly rarer than chrome production — fewer were made and the black paint wears to reveal the brass beneath, which is considered aesthetically desirable ('honest wear'). The M2 differs from the M3 in having a 35mm frameline and manual film counter reset. No internal meter means external meter needed.
On the used market the Leica M2 (Black Paint) is a high-value collector and user camera. Condition checks: rangefinder patch and viewfinder, black paint wear pattern (assess genuine vs artificial aging), shutter at all speeds, advance lever. No meter — bring external meter. Leica M mount. Verify provenance via serial number.