CW ID: 1493960 | Leica ID:
Leica M2 ST Black Paint 1075104
Grade: | System: | Medium:
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This Black Paint Leica M2 was made in 1963 and comes from an official production batch of cameras. Jim Lager confirms this batch as 1075001-1075300, from which he has personally seen several cameras. This one has heavy patina and features a special rewind knob made by Marty Forscher that has a unique telescoping rewind lever. The rewind knob underneath was later changed to chrome, likely when this rewind knob was added. The strap lugs have also been replaced at least one time in its life. The current lugs are worn, but remain solid. Also of note is an old brass headed screw on the top plate, near the counter. This was said to have been on the camera when it was acquired from the original owner. The past owner reports having the camera recovered in leather by Leitz Midland back in the mid 1980's. The vulcanite on the film door is original and all else on the camera appears original.
This camera was retained by its previous owner from 1968 until 2023, when it was sold to us and has a long history of photography. The previous owner was said to have acquired this from Photographer Jim Marshall. The two met at the "No Name" bar in Marin, very early in the career of the previous owner, and became friends over their common love of photography. At that time, it came with a Zeiss 21mm and finder. The previous owner supplemented the set with several Canon lenses. All lenses belonging to the camera were lost in a theft in London in 1971. Luckily, the camera body was dropped off for service at a dealer, earlier that day. At this point the camera received a set of Nikon lenses and currently wears a Nikon strap. This was a working kit until the whole set was stolen from the owner's car in the mid 1980's. At that point, all of the vulcanite had come off and the camera looked pretty ratty. The owner's sister found the camera in a bush a couple of days later. They suspected that the thieves figured that it was worthless due to the extensive patina and lack of body covering. At that point, the camera was returned to Leitz Canada for service and body re-covering. The camera presently has not been used in the last decade and it could currently benefit from a basic CLA and rangefinder alignment, although it is usable in its present state. Normally, I would service a camera before presenting it to the public, but this one has had such an interesting life, that I choose to respect the detritus in the cracks and crevices and to keep it exactly as found.
Leica M2 ST Black Paint 1075104
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Product information
We appreciate and encourage the resale of pre-owned gear. Well made gear is built to last, and despite a rapidly evolving market, frequent upgrades, and some companies phasing out gear quickly, we aim to constantly find new lives for pre-owned items. We are committed to ensuring the pre-owned gear you purchase from Camera West is in a condition that promises reliability for years to come.
Testing & Inspection
Each piece of pre-owned gear undergoes extensive testing and inspection to ensure it's in good working order. We meticulously note the finer details of an item's condition or function to maintain transparency. This attention to detail may deter some buyers when we mention "minor dust" in a lens, or "faint edge wear" on an otherwise mint condition camera. However, we note these details out of our responsibility to provide an accurate and wholistic representation of the item to you.
Real Photos & Description of The Specific Item
We provide a photo of each pre-owned item for sale, refusing to use generic images. Despite the time, effort, and cost saved, we consider using generic images dishonest. Each pre-owned item you view on our website includes specific photos and description written up by a real person, and photographed in house before we publish an item for sale.
24hr Inspection Period
All pre-owned items come with a 24-hour inspection period (beginning once the item is delivered) to ensure the item arrives as described. If any issues arise, we request you contact us immediately at support@camerawest.com so we can address the problem.
Our Cosmetic Condition Grading
All of our pre-owned items will contain a grade. This grade is a reflection of the cosmetics of an item only. (mechanics and function are noted in the description)
- 10- LIKE NEW | Item shows no visible signs of use. Usually includes some, if not all, of the original packaging. Item can be considered like new.9+VERY GOODItem shows very slight handling wear. Item is almost new, but used lightly.
- 9 GOOD | Item shows minor handling wear, usually shows some signs of edge wear.
- 8+ AVERAGE | Item shows regular signs of use, some edge wear, and normal cosmetic marks from general use.
- 8 BELOW AVERAGE | Item shows significant wear from normal use. Some paint loss, and edge wear. Regular cosmetic marks are visible.
- 7+ ACCEPTABLE BARGAIN | Item shows nominal signs of heavy use. Significant paint loss, edge wear and cosmetic marks are visible throughout the item.7AVERAGE BARGAINItem shows significant signs of heavy handling. Significant paint loss, edge wear, and visual marks can be seen throughout the item.
- 6+ EXTREME BARGAIN | Item shows extreme signs of heavy handling. Extreme paint loss, edge wear and visual marks can be seen throughout the item.
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We accept returns within 14 days of delivery, subject to a restocking fee of up to 15%. This fee is not for profit, but to cover the costs associated with selling an item. Each return is evaluated individually, and we strive to minimize this fee. In many instances, we waive it entirely if the refund credit can be applied towards another item in the store.
Please note, all returned items must be in the condition in which they were shipped. If the items are returned in a different condition, we will not be able to accept them.
