Serial number in the 990,000 range, this Leica M2 black paint, without a self-timer, was shipped in March 1960. This particular M2 is the very one featured in the article "40 Years with My Companion, Leica M2 Body No.990716" from page 28 of Classic Camera Review, Special Issue No. 63.
This camera was acquired by photojournalist Ichiro Nakagawa in July 1961 at a camera store in New York and was used extensively for many years. It captured significant moments, including shots of John F. Kennedy and his close associates in the Oval Office at the White House. This is the M2BP that photographed JFK. The equipment used for those shots included an M3 with a Summicron 90mm f2 and this M2 black with a Summaron 35mm f2.8.
Moreover, it has documented other luminaries such as Louis Armstrong and Genichiro Inokuma, and even the highly secure gold vaults of the Federal Reserve Bank, making this M2 black paint a true witness to history.
How much use does it take for black paint to wear down like this? This camera is a perfect example of a black paint finish.
There are dings on the corner near the winding lever, next to the accessory shoe, and on the corner of the baseplate—one each. The black paint on the entire body has naturally worn off due to years of use, giving it a distinguished appearance. Where the black paint has worn off, revealing the brass underneath, there is a beautiful oxidation gradient, creating a scene reminiscent of an ink wash painting. The vulcanite (leatherette) is slightly worn in places, but it is all original with no missing pieces.
The camera was overhauled in May 2024. Thanks to meticulous maintenance, the winding and shutter release operations are now smoothly functioning. The viewfinder clarity is also exceptionally clear.
This is a camera that has documented historic scenes. It was acquired from our customer.
