Wondering of choosing a Leica M2 or M3

start with m2 then to M3.You cannot use 35mm lens with m3 without the external gogle.M3 is heavier.more for collectors not for daily use as the M2.I have both cameras.
 
I'm also in the process of choosing between M2 and M3 and have decided on M2, solely based on 35mm frame availability (need that).
M6 would be ideal though. Metering.

One question on M2 (sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread) - those who use it - how's that frame-count wheel? Does it rotate easily when you pull it in and out of the bag, thus making you miss the frame count? Or does it stay solid on the correct exposure count? That whel is the only thing that makes me cringe about M2, was almost thinking of going for M4, but that's a different price category.
 
The frame counter wheel on the M2 doesn't get inadvertently knocked out of place, in my experience (and it only turns in one direction anyway), so I wouldn't worry about that. What does trouble the compulsive in me, though, is the fact the counter doesn't quite line up squarely with the pointer. Others' cameras may not have this issue, or you may simply not care!

I trust you are aware of the different versions of the cameras: M3 single or double stroke; with or without preview lever; with or without depth of field markings. M2 is simpler -- with button or lever rewind; with or without selftimer.
 
I had an M3 for 17 years with a 35mm SBLOO finder permanently in place. I'd call it the ideal combination, better for focussing than the M2. However, the M2 is the perfect no-frills "I mean business" camera.
 
JSU said:
I would suggest finding the best example of either you can afford, hopefully one with a recent CLA by a reputable technician.
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This is what led me to an M3 over an M2 . My M3 had been returned from a CLA though it looks a bit rough it was well priced, about $250 less than the M2 I was looking for. Granted, the M3 was not priced correctly at the store and they honored the price they gave me initially @ $450. It had gone out for service months ago and it returned the day I walked into the store and had'nt been priced accordingly. Maybe it was just luck but I'm glad I found that deal. I often shoot with a 40/1.4 and have gotten pretty good results. That ended up being my compromise for the lack of a 35 frameline.
 
One difference: close focusing capabilities

One difference: close focusing capabilities

One thing to keep in mind is that a standard M3 only provides focusing down to 1 m. The M2 focuses down to .7 m. The M3 can be modified to focus down to .7 (I have no direct experience with this), but it is something you would have to do, or pay for.

That's the only thing that keeps me from wanting a M3 (I have a functioning M2 and another M2 that I bought cheap but needs the shutter curtains fixed), because I use external finders anyway and I figure I might like the bigger magnification of the M3 for even better focusing -- but then it hits me that I would lose focusing at closer than 1 meter, and that's that for me.
 
I think the decision should be based almost entirely on whether someone wants to shoot 50-90-135 (the M3) or 35-50-90 (the M2). Both cameras are really old, and I can't see that the chances that one will need repairs is any greater than the other.

In either case, two of the three framelines are going to be reduced in size. It's part of the rangefinder curse.
 
I read somewhere that you can replace the finder of the M2 with the M6 finder. Can't do that with the M3. Is this true? Just scared to plop the money on an M3 given what I read about the balsam separation thingy on the older Leicas. With the M2, at least there is some kind of "fix" if you can easily put in the M6 finder.
 
Hey guys,
this is thread necromancy. The original poster probably took his decision three years ago and hasn't posted on RFF ever since.
 
Opps!! Didnt check the date of last post. Sorry. :bang:But can somebody clarify if you can swap the rangefinder of M6 into M2? I think that was my question. 😛
 
cameratos said:
start with m2 then to M3.You cannot use 35mm lens with m3 without the external gogle.M3 is heavier.more for collectors not for daily use as the M2.I have both cameras.
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I have had my M3 in daily use for five years without a hitch. It's a great camera and does NOT need goggles for wide lenses. An accessory viewfinder in the shoe works great!
VS
 
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