Custom M3: Would you Do an M2 viewfinder or M3?

[huntjump]

Okay I swore I'd never create one of these, but I need some help deciding.

I have a Black Repaint M3 body, and it needs an entire new prism. I am going to replace it with an original M3 or M2, but having difficulty deciding. SInce this is obviously a personal choice, I think this is arbitrary but it may help...

I primarily shoot 35 and 50mm, but I do not prefer one over the other. I shoot an Epson R-D1 and Leica M6 as well, so in some ways the .91 viewfinder and the 50-90-135 is tempting. I never shoot 90 or 135 though. THe m2 35mm makes more sense.

EDIT. Decision: I think I am going for the M2 for closer focus and 35mm framelines. For practical purposes

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

My first Leica was an M3 with an M4 viewfinder inside. Since then I've picked up an M3 for the bigger magnification and framelines but I always come back to the .72 viewfinder.

I don't think there will be much of a change in the value of the camera. You probably won't be able to recoup the amount spent with the conversion. The price will probably be based off an M2/M3 + black paint.

 

[Vickko]

um, an M3 is characterized by its large magnification finder and unfortunately, lack of 35mm framelines.

If it is going to be the smaller magnification finder, it may as well be an M2 (with external counter) or M4 (with its improved ergonomics).

I would propose that an M3 without the large magnification finder would be quite a bit devalued at resale time.

Vick

 

[JayM]

Go with the M2 finder. That would be one stylish and versatile camera.

edit: as a camera user I would find it much more valuable and a pretty cool find. I am in no way attached to the "purity" or whatever crap people attribute to magic consumer goods.

 

[robinsonphotography]

I would personally prefer the M2 in M3 body thing, that sounds incredible, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to recoup in resale...probably depends on how well you can spin it in the add if people will "bite" and believe it's worth a lot of money. I'd certainly think it is, I'd love one of those!!!

 

[mdarnton]

Big M3 fan here. If I could have had an M3 with an M2 finder as my second body, I would have jumped at it. I bet you could even sell it at a premium.

But, also, I think it's silly to look at resale value: you buy a camera to use and enjoy. If you can't squeeze $1000 of enjoyment out of it before you resell it, something is wrong. Are you investing in camera futures (in which case, buy one with the original box intact, and never use it), or buying equipment to enjoy?

 

[Rob-F]

I would pay just as much for an M3 with M2 finder, as for either in its original state. Maybe a bit more. In this case, the black paint job would be an added incentive.

 

[huntjump]

Thanks for everyones perspective. Helpful for someone as fickle as me ..

 

[msbarnes]

I don't think it matters. I'd be cool with either finder, really.

 

[celluloidprop]

I actually like the 50mm framelines in a M2 better than in a M3, so I'd go M2 and the 35 framelines are a bonus.

 

[Particular]

You give close focus ability as a reason to opt for the m2 finder, but m3s can easily be adjusted to focus (almost) to 0.7m. I would not use that as a criteria.
As you already use an m6, you can use that for wider lenses, and the m3 for 50mm and longer. This may be a boring answer, but that is my set up, and it suits me just fine.

 

[mfunnell]

Personally, I've always wanted to stumble across a DS M3 needing a new finder so I could fit it with an MP or M2 replacement (I wouldn't want to do anything bad to a good M3 finder). A black repaint would make it perfect. As a 2nd body to my much-loved DS M3, not a replacement 😱

It would be an indulgence - but I'd do it if the opportunity arose. You don't have an M3 with the "right" finder, though. That would make my decision harder, but perhaps not yours.

...Mike

 

[rolfe]

FWIW, I did a similar thing, but in reverse. I had an MDa body, and with the addition of an M4 shell and M3 finder it became an M4 on the outside but with the M3 finder, obviously. It still had the MDa innards. It is one of my favorite cameras.

Having said that, if it were my only M I'd miss the 35mm frame as it is one of my most frequently used.