Leica's classic M2 rangefinder — the simplified M3 that became a photojournalism icon.
The Leica M2 was produced from 1957 to 1967 as a 35mm rangefinder camera for Leica M-mount. No built-in light meter. No self-timer. Framelines: 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm. Shutter speeds 1s to 1/1000, Bulb. At approximately 560g. 0.72× viewfinder magnification. Brass body with chrome finish.
35mm rangefinder, Leica M mount. Shutter: 1s to 1/1000 (cloth focal-plane), Bulb. Framelines: 35mm, 50mm, 90mm — the M2 frameline set does not include 28mm (unlike the M3's 50/90/135 set, the M2 drops 135mm and adds 35mm). No built-in light meter. No self-timer. Approximately 560g. 0.72× viewfinder magnification. Brass body with chrome finish. 35mm film format.
The M2 differs from the M3 (1954) in framelines: the M3 provides 50/90/135mm framelines (optimised for the Summicron 50mm), while the M2 provides 35/50/90mm, making it more practical for the 35mm Summicron. The absence of a built-in meter was standard for rangefinders of the era — a separate incident or reflected-light meter was used. Production ran from 1957 to 1967.
On the used market the Leica M2 Chrome is available at classic Leica rangefinder pricing. Condition checks: rangefinder patch clarity and alignment, shutter curtain for pinholes (hold to light), film advance mechanism, viewfinder clarity, foam light seals (likely degraded after 50+ years of age). No built-in meter. Framelines: 35/50/90mm. Compatible with all Leica M-mount lenses.