A modified Leica M2 — the classic rangefinder converted for motorised film advance.
The Leica M2 Converted for Winder M4 is a Leica M2 rangefinder body that has been modified to accept the Leica Winder M4 motor drive, which was designed for the later M4 model. The M2 was produced from 1958 to 1967 and is a classic Leica M body in the pre-digital era. The winder conversion adds a motor drive coupling that the stock M2 lacked.
The Leica M2 uses a 35mm film cartridge, Leica M bayonet mount for full compatibility with all M-mount lenses, manual film advance (on unmodified versions), coupled rangefinder, and the M2's characteristic simplified frameline set (35mm, 50mm, 90mm). The winder conversion adds motor drive coupling for the M4 winder accessory.
The M2 is regarded as one of the most refined Leica M film bodies — it shares the M3's mechanical quality but adds 35mm frame lines (the M3 lacked 35mm framelines without an external finder). The winder conversion is an aftermarket modification; its quality depends on who performed it. Collector value is reduced by modifications relative to original M2 specification.
Verify the winder conversion quality — the modification should be clean with no damage to the original body. Test rangefinder coupling accuracy at multiple distances. Check film transport (winder-driven and manual). Inspect shutter speeds across all settings. Note: winder modifications reduce collector value versus original unmodified M2.