Leica M2 'HÖRZU Hamburg'

The Leica M2 'HÖRZU Hamburg' represents a specific variant of the landmark Leica M2 rangefinder camera, introduced in 1960. While the standard M2 was a significant refinement over the M3, offering a simplified viewfinder and more accessible price point, the 'HÖRZU' version was created through a collaboration between Leitz and the influential West German television magazine HÖRZU. Released as a premium promotion item, it featured distinct finishes and engraving, marking a direct link between a leading camera manufacturer and major media. This variant shares the core strengths of the M2: its exceptional build quality, the reliability of the Leica M bayonet lens system, and the precision of the combined rangefinder and viewfinder optimized for 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm lenses. Its production was limited, cementing its status as a distinctive footnote in Leica's history, reflecting the post-war marketing ties between technology and popular culture in West Germany.