New/Old Leica

[srafoto]

So I just inherited 2 Leica M2 cameras from the mid 60's and a bunch of lenses for them. I'm not sure if they are in working condition, but they look in like they are in fairly decent shape. How difficult is it to clean the bodies and lenses to get them in working order. I want them in working condition because I really really want to use them. I am an amateur photographer in the Philadelphia area and I would love to some day become a professional. Film has always intrigued me since I grew up the the digital era. I currently have a Nikon d300s and I think it would be amazing to start using these Leicas and compare the images. I also started a website. If you would like to view it, it is www.seanashfordphoto.com. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[D Cox]

srafoto wrote:

So I just inherited 2 Leica M2 cameras from the mid 60's and a bunch of lenses for them. I'm not sure if they are in working condition, but they look in like they are in fairly decent shape. How difficult is it to clean the bodies and lenses to get them in working order. I want them in working condition because I really really want to use them. I am an amateur photographer in the Philadelphia area and I would love to some day become a professional. Film has always intrigued me since I grew up the the digital era. I currently have a Nikon d300s and I think it would be amazing to start using these Leicas and compare the images. I also started a website. If you would like to view it, it is www.seanashfordphoto.com. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

May not need any cleaning. Put some film in them and see what you get.

How will you develop the films? If you want to do it yourself, you will need a black "changing bag", a developing tank, some developer (Rodinal is a good one) and some fixer.

Don't forget you can use the lenses on a mirrorless camera such as a Sony NEX - and they will give good results - in my opinion, better than you get on film.

___________

Well designed web site with some cool photos. I think you will appreciate good lenses.

 

[KCK14]

Buy some film and try it. Leica equipment can still be serviced by experienced repairmen. Don't try it your self as it take special tools to get apart without damaging it. Internal cleaning of the lenses can be tricky if they have fungus. Again - hard to get apart.

 

[Virginia Bill]

Leica's North America HQ is in Allendale, N. J. The company website says, "If you require technical assistance about your Leica product or it requires servicing, repair or spare parts, please contact our professional team who will ensure you get best advice. In addition, where necessary, they will ensure that your Leica product will undergo professional servicing or repair with original Leica spare parts.
Address:
Leica Camera Inc.
1 Pearl Ct, Unit A
Allendale, New Jersey 07401
Contact person:
Sarah Mayville & Carmen Vargas
Phone:
800-222-0118 x 19930
Fax:
201-995-1686
E-mail:
[email protected]
They will be glad to clean, adjust, lubricate, and if necessary repair your cameras and lenses (for a fee). Give them a call. It's a small company which provides good, friendly support to Leica owners.
And, of course, shoot some film before you do anything else. Your gear may be fine. More likely, the rangefinder will need adjusting.

 

[Virginia Bill]

DPReview trimmed the email address from my previous post. Check the Leica website to get it.