M2 Black Paint, Button Rewind, Leicavit MP, Standard Base 948643

This Leica M2 Black Paint rangefinder camera body, #948643, is in well used condition with honest patina that really tells a story. The camera is mechanically sound and in proper working order; the shutter speeds are accurate, the finder is clean and clear, and the vulcanite is in good condition. The included Leicavit MP rapid winder is smooth and operates as intended.

This is a black paint M2 with button rewind from the first batch of black M2 bodies, which began at serial #948601 and ran through #949100. This was the only batch of black M2 cameras with the button rewind, and only roughly the first 350 of the 500 units built were button rewind. A smaller portion, likely the first 100 to 150, carried the all black base plate with a black painted locking lever, a feature otherwise found only on this version of the M2 and pre production black paint M3 bodies. This camera also retains its original glass, rather than plastic, viewfinder illumination window, which is original to these first batch cameras and was often upgraded on others. The Leica delivery record shows this camera was delivered to Brandt in Sweden in March 1958. This set was professionally owned, though the owner is not known. Much of its black finish was worn and was overpainted, not repainted, during one of its service visits, which was common on these early black painted cameras. This camera includes the Leicavit MP in black paint and the standard base plate in black paint. This camera is ready for use! Please refer to the photos for details.