Leica M2 “Midland”

In response to requests from press photographers, the M2 with built-in 35mm wide angle viewfinder was introduced in 1957. The frameline for the 50 mm field in the viewfinder is smaller, which was generally appreciated by the M2 customers. As a camera made for professionals, it is equipped with the robust manually resettable frame counter. The Leica M2 was offered parallel to the M3. Only about 1,500 units of the Leica M2 were assembled at the Leitz plant in Canada, while total production of this camera numbered more than 76,000. Usually these cameras were equipped with top plates from the Wetzlar production. Just a handful of single units carry the “Leitz Canada“ engravings and were probably intended as samples.

Showcased, very rare Leica M2 produced in Canada, engraved “Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario’“ on the top plate. The body is in top condition, with matching chrome Summilux 1.4/35 mm no. 1765155 (yellow filter), OLLUX hood and chrome Tele-Elmarit 2.8/90 mm no. 2001842 (clean optics, UV filter, black 12575 hood, caps).

Photo credit: © WestLicht Photographica Auction