Picture, courtesy Paul Salmon
Paul Salmon bought the second-hand Leica M2 in 1982 after finishing a documentary photography course in Newport, South Wales run by Magnum photographer David Hurn.
Paul used it on newspaper and magazine photo assignments worldwide – until 1984 when he sold it to a shop in Leeds as part of plan to upgrade his camera equipment.
Fortunately, Paul had decided to have his name engraved on the camera body beforehand.
‘I never saw my old M2 again… until now,’ Salmon told AP.
‘On Boxing Day 2013 I received an email from the new owner of my first ever Leica.
‘It transpired that he had bought the camera from a Spanish University lecturer living in Madrid, though [the new owner] is based in Paris.
‘Intrigued by the engraving on the back, he had decided to try an online search for “P Salmon” – and found my website.
‘The “reunion” was certainly a joyful one.’
The new owner, who had bought the M2 via online auction website
eBay, said the camera is in full working order and ‘beautifully worn’.
Asked whether he plans to buy back his old M2, Paul admitted that the thought had ‘crossed my mind’.
But, he added: ‘As the new owner is so happy with it, I guess he might as well carry on enjoying it.
‘It’s just nice to know that the camera has a life of its own.’
