Leica M2 grey paint Betriebskamera *

In 1960 twenty grey-painted M2 cameras were delivered to the US Air Force in Germany. Out of these only ten cameras are believed still to exist, which makes the grey M2 one of the rarest production Leicas ever. The offered camera is an original pre-production sample of the grey M2. It shows the same, exceptional grey-paint finish, and includes some unique features. The serial number 2071 is among a batch of Leica M2 Betriebskameras (2001-2082) produced between 1958-1962, of which the no.2071 is the only grey painted known to exist. Unlike the serial production cameras, it is missing the 135mm framelines. The technical highlight of the camera is, however, hidden inside. Both shutter blinds are not made out of the usual fabric but are made of metal, coated in black paint. Until now, only a few shutter prototypes have been known with this special feature - this is the first known complete Leica M camera with metal focal-plane shutter! Included in this lot is written expertise from Mr Ottmar Michaely confirming the originality of this unique camera. This is, without a doubt, one of the most special Leicas we have ever seen!