M2vsM3vsM4; Which one would you keep?
- Thread starter Kozhe
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mojobebop
Well-known
m4
m4
i've had the m6-7-2 as well and really enjoy the m4. tho i do wish i had kept the m7 for those tough, on the moment to calculate meter shots. (also it's built really well).
m4
i've had the m6-7-2 as well and really enjoy the m4. tho i do wish i had kept the m7 for those tough, on the moment to calculate meter shots. (also it's built really well).
edmelvins
Beardless User
In times like these, when you can't decide which to sell, I always ask myself which one I love the most. Love to use, love to see, and love to hold. I totally ignore the features the other cameras have when I'm in love with a particular camera.
CSG123
Established
Between the 3/2/4 the 4 has the best of both. It's the one I picked for myself for my first Leica M. The 3 is more classic and the 2 is a bit simpler because of the frame lines but the 4 is in no way cluttered with the 35/135 lines.
To me, you have 3 of the 4 classic M user cameras... I would keep the one you like most, sell the other two and buy an M6 (IMO, the best of the user Ms).
umboody
Established
Looks like I'm in the minority, but I always prefered the rangefinder on the M3. Plus it was my first Leica so I guess I am a little biased in that respect.
Nescio
Well-known
Why people keep advising Kohze what to sell almost 2 years after his first post??? Last time we spoke, he was shooting with an 8...
bizarrius
the great
The M4, it even made my M6 TTL sit in its corner
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, Tmax400, silvergelatineprint.
Erik.
Erik.
Rui Morais de Sousa
Established
All of them are great cameras, as we all know here!
Having said that, I find the M4 to be the best ("?" - Maybe I should say most pleasing...) ever made Leica!
The company was still in full strength (meaning the rangefinder was still going strong) and they could refine on the experience of the former models. It's a wonderfull match with a 35mm (you can't say that about the M3...), and still usable with the 135mm without googles (the finder markings are negligible, don't disturb when you use other focal lengths).
The finder is great! The frame lines are, in my opinion, much better in the M4, and M2, than in the M3, meaning that I don't much like the round corners on the M3 on the 50mm frame (the M3 is obviously better on longer focal lengths!).
Look how beautiful and well made the engravings are: that shows how much care was put in that camera!
I find that it is much better to rewind the film than in the older models, and I find that the form of the advancing lever is much nicer, somehow faster to go to the next shot: I also don't mind at all the black plastic tip. Actually find it much more confortable.
The camera will be some years younger, beeing nevertheless a true Leica classic!
This is my general opinion, but in your specific case maybe I would decide a little different, as you say that there are signs of wrong maintenance from a former owner... I think that only holding all three cameras in the hand I could give you a honest opinion.
Your specific case apart, my vote goes for the M4!
Cheers,
Rui
AL-MOST-LY PHOTOGRAPHY
P.S.: Very important for your decision, should also be which lens you use most, due to the difference in the frame lines.
I
Having said that, I find the M4 to be the best ("?" - Maybe I should say most pleasing...) ever made Leica!
The company was still in full strength (meaning the rangefinder was still going strong) and they could refine on the experience of the former models. It's a wonderfull match with a 35mm (you can't say that about the M3...), and still usable with the 135mm without googles (the finder markings are negligible, don't disturb when you use other focal lengths).
The finder is great! The frame lines are, in my opinion, much better in the M4, and M2, than in the M3, meaning that I don't much like the round corners on the M3 on the 50mm frame (the M3 is obviously better on longer focal lengths!).
Look how beautiful and well made the engravings are: that shows how much care was put in that camera!
I find that it is much better to rewind the film than in the older models, and I find that the form of the advancing lever is much nicer, somehow faster to go to the next shot: I also don't mind at all the black plastic tip. Actually find it much more confortable.
The camera will be some years younger, beeing nevertheless a true Leica classic!
This is my general opinion, but in your specific case maybe I would decide a little different, as you say that there are signs of wrong maintenance from a former owner... I think that only holding all three cameras in the hand I could give you a honest opinion.
Your specific case apart, my vote goes for the M4!
Cheers,
Rui
AL-MOST-LY PHOTOGRAPHY
P.S.: Very important for your decision, should also be which lens you use most, due to the difference in the frame lines.
I
Rui Morais de Sousa
Established
Well, I see now that this is an OLD thread, and it seems that I had already given my vote...
The things I forget!
Sorry...
Rui
The things I forget!
Sorry...
Rui
katgut@earthlink.net
Established
I've used all 3. The M4 is the best of the lot.
M3 frame is not big enough to use a 35, and loading sucks.
M2 loading sucks, and so does the stupid film counter, which can be moved accidentally.
M4 is best of both worlds.
M3 frame is not big enough to use a 35, and loading sucks.
M2 loading sucks, and so does the stupid film counter, which can be moved accidentally.
M4 is best of both worlds.
Frontman
Well-known
I have all of them (and a M6). The M4 is the one I would keep.
David Murphy
Veteran
I'd keep the one in best shape, probably the M2 as you've described it.
Alpacaman
keen bean
Whaaaaa? It appears I have already voted, and it was for the M4! 😱
Let the record show I didn't mean it, the M3 will always have a special place in my heart.
Let the record show I didn't mean it, the M3 will always have a special place in my heart.
ZoomP
Well-known
I am always asking myself the same question. I love them all!!! M2, M3, M4s and M6 Millennium. Keep them if you don't need to sell.
literiter
Well-known
I kept the M2 when I traded off my M3 for my M4-P. I like the frame lines for 35,50 and 90. I never use the 90 or the 135 (which I have) in either of my Leicas, If I want a telephoto I'll use an SLR.
I'd keep the M2, hands down.
I'd keep the M2, hands down.
Falcon
Newbie
M2
M2
My choice is the M2 as I prefer the frame lines for 35mm and don't much care for the goggles. No argument the M3 is the older classic but I shoot more than collect. Nothing wrong with an M4 either.
M2
My choice is the M2 as I prefer the frame lines for 35mm and don't much care for the goggles. No argument the M3 is the older classic but I shoot more than collect. Nothing wrong with an M4 either.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Who would have thought the M3 would have come last in this poll! (and by a fair margin)
The icon has fallen! 😱
The icon has fallen! 😱
kevin m
Veteran
Whichever one is digital. 😀
