M6 vs M3

[brokencivilian]

Which would you choose and why? I currently have two M6's one classic one Ttl.85 and I was thinking of trading my classic for an m3 and cash from other person. Right now I have two bodies and one lens. With the money from the trade I was hoping to get a low end voigtlander lens so I have no need to worry about dings and such.

So anyway, if you were in my shoes what would you do? Keep te m6 and eventually get a lens of trade down for the m3 and get a lens sooner? I figure I can always get another m6 eventually. But then again I can also get an m3 without trading for it.

 

[boomguy57]

If you don't really want an M3, then why would you get an M3...?

 

[segedi]

I voted M6. While you'll get a lot of push to get an M3, what you really need is a lens. Save for that and keep the bodies you have.

 

[Pete B]

If your M6s are in good condition or well serviced I'd get an M3 to see if I like it, then think about selling the M6. That way you don't risk ending up with a dud M6 if you sell the M3.

I went from an MP and an M6 to 2 M2s. They're perfect for me.
Pete

 

[StillKicking]

For me its that big bright rangefinder on the M3.

There is also something about the build quality too.. The M3 just feels right in my hand..

 

[kevin_v]

I'd like an M6 (classic), but I don't think I'd give up my M3 for it... so I'm going to vote M3. But yes, segedi is right. Lenses generally matter more.

 

[Dan95]

Accidentally clicked M3.

I can't live without 35mms.

 

[kshapero]

I went from an M7 to an M6 to an M3 and my general opinion if you have a good working unit regardless of model then keep it. If only I had taken that advice. But then I am most happy with my M3.

 

[raid]

I'd like an M6 (classic), but I don't think I'd give up my M3 for it... so I'm going to vote M3. But yes, segedi is right. Lenses generally matter more.

I have the same feelings as Kevin does.
The M6 is faster for use due to its built-in meter, but I like the feel of the M3 more than what the M6 can offer.

 

[BobYIL]

M3 is the pinnacle of Leica workmanship.

 

[filmtwit]

How do I vote for obvious M7 choice here?
😎

 

[Vincent.G]

I voted M6 because I feel 0.72 VF is more versatile.

If 50mm is your favorite focal length, then either M6 0.85VF or M3 will be nice.

 

[sanmich]

M6 for versatility.
BUT:

IF you don't wear glasses, (I do)
AND you are an all 50mm shooter, (I'm not)
the M3 could make a lot of sense.

 

[bhop73]

I voted M6.. it's what I own actually. I've never shot film in an M3 but i've played around with a couple and they are very nice, but I don't like shooting without a meter, and I like the ease of film loading in the M6.

 

[kshapero]

I voted M6.. it's what I own actually. I've never shot film in an M3 but i've played around with a couple and they are very nice, but I don't like shooting without a meter, and I like the ease of film loading in the M6.

I have an M3 and mostly use a meter(my iPhone app). I just don't use a built in meter, which I find distracting.

 

[brokencivilian]

Well I am currently also trying to sell a Roanoke and if I sell that I will be able to buy almost any 35mm other than a summilux so I might juy wait on that. I would like an m3, hell, I want every M. I guess I could juy wait to see if one pops up for cheap

 

[hendriphile]

I abstained because you alone can determine how naked you'd feel without a built-in meter and without the 35mm framelines.

 

[N.delaRua]

I hoping to have this combo really soon. I second what others have said about the M3 for build quality and superiority of its VF. I primarily shoot a 50 Summicron DR, I can't use the goggle on the M6 TTL, so I would perfer to shoot the M3 with the DR.

That would free up my M6 TTL for wide angle work. I would just use it to meter as well, and if not just guess and use a handheld meter.

I think for 50 mm and longer lenses the M3 is puuurrrfffeeccttt....

 

[gliderbee]

The meter is one thing, but the M3 only has framelines for 50mm and larger lenses. I think the M2 would be more comparable in that respect; I sold my M3 and bought an M2, and I have the M6 TTL also. I prefer the feel of the M2 between these ...

BUT my M5 is unbeatable: build-in (semi)-spotmeter, all framelines you need, build quality as M3 and M2 ... but that's not what you were asking 🙂.

 

[jgran]

The M6 .85 and M3 are not optimal for 35mm lenses. If you plan on using that focal length, you'll want to trade the M6 .85 for the M3.
But hold off, buy the lens and get the M3 later. Because more gear is always better.