Leica M2 black paint

Small quantities of the Leica M2 were also delivered in a black paint finish, mostly for professional photographers. In total, there were only 2,451 pieces, compared to a total production of more than 80,000 units of the Leica M2. Only the very first batch of 500 black-paint M2 cameras (Nos. 948601-949100) were equipped with a push-button rewind unlock, before the design was changed to the lever version.
Here a rare Leica M2 black-paint camera from this very first batch with all the original features: all-black bottom-plate lock, frameline illumination window with real glass and camera without self-timer. See lot 064 for an identical lens with consecutive serial number.

Photo credit: © WestLicht Photographica Auction