M2

The M2 was the second in Leica's line of M-bayonet cameras and was sold alongside the M3 as a lower cost variant. Sold between 1958 and 1966 (although production is known to have begun in 1957), the M2 featured redesigned rangefinder optics with a finder magnification of 0.72, which allowed for the inclusion of 35mm brightlines - a first for a Leica rangefinder (the full range of brightlines were 35, 50 and 90 mm). The M2 also differed from the M3 in using a top casing lacking the former model's ornate frames around the various windows, an external, manually reset exposure counter, and (initially at least) the deletion of the delayed action self timer.

There were a number of variations to the M2 produced during its production run, and at least two further versions sold after production had officially ceased. Initially the M2 was launched with a push-button rewind release, but this proved unpopular and was replaced within the first year of production with a lever. The self-timer was also offered as an option during the first year, before becoming standard equipment later in the camera's lifespan. Additionally versions of the M2 were sold together with the Leicavit rapid winder and marketed as the MP-2 (a replacement for the discontinued Leica MP).

In 1969 a limited run of M2s with the rapid loading system from the M4 were made available to the public, sold as the Leica M2-R. These cameras had been developed for the US military, and were effectively being sold as army surplus through Leica dealerships.

The M2 became the basis for all subsequent M-series film cameras.