Very rare Leica M2 Betriebskamera (for factory use only), in fully original condition, top plate engraved “Betriebsk. M2 – 2031”, with matching Leicavit MP.

Literature Lars Netopil, „Die Betriebskameras“, in: VIDOM, no. 58, Leica Historica e.V., Germany, September 1994, p. 6ff; Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck (ed.), Leica, a history illustrating every model and accessory, p. 167.

By the end of the 1950s, Leitz Wetzlar had about 7,000 employees. Leica cameras were used also internally in various departments where cameras were needed, and there was a well-organised camera lending service for temporary private use, as a courtesy to those members of the company who couldn’t or didn’t want to afford a Leica camera. Beginning with the Leica model A marked “Leih-Kamera” (camera on loan), the stock of these internal factory Leica cameras marked “Leih-Kamera” (loan-camera) by engraving.
After the war, the term “Betriebskamera” was used, beginning with Leica model IIIc. Not only in total sales, but also for internal use, the number of Leica M2 cameras was much less than of the M3 in proportion. A maximum of 82 Leica M2 “Betriebsk.” cameras were completed, beginning with no. 2001.

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