Leica MD2, 15mm f4.5

The Leica MD-2 was produced from 1980 to 1986. The MD-2 was intended for use with the Visoflex or attached to a microscope or other instrument. The MD-2 lacks a viewfinder. Also, omitted was a self-timer but it does provide for a motor attachment.

The MD-2 may have been intended for industrial use but my example looks like it spent life watching from the safety of a shelf. The MD-2 and the other blind Leica (M1, MD and MDa) are strange animals. They are rare based on production numbers (only 1,800 serial numbers were assigned for the MD-2). But they are not rangefinder cameras. But they are Leica. Condition can vary, some seem to have seen little or no use and some look like they were used as hammers. What to do ...

I decided to put this MD-2 in service with a lens that required an auxiliary viewfinder and little or no focus. Enter the Voigtlander Aspherical Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f4.5. Super wide for sure, you can almost see behind yourself. No Leica M that I know of has frame lines for a 15mm lens. M4-P onward you get 28mm but at 15mm, you're on your own. As for focus, at f8 everything from infinity to .5m is in focus. F8 and be there!

My take: 

15mm was a new focal length for me. It was fun to play with and I think I could be very interesting for some shots. I don't see it being my preferred lens, more for specific shots or for a change of prospective. I liked how it made me think differently about framing. The MD-2 was a champ. Felt like a Leica, smooth and precise. And unlike the other blind M's, the MD-2 came in black (black chrome). 

I would not trade in a rangefinder M for the MD-2 (unless super wide angle is you jam) but if you have one or find one in good shape and have use of a dedicated wide angle body, the MD-2 is a great option. 

Lens: Voigtlander Aspherical Super Wide-Heliar 15mm f4.5

Film: Ilford HP5+ 400

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