A little game: MP or M3?

kshapero

kshapero

South Florida Man
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Used MP (the new version) usually goes for $3000-$4000 and has a meter, while an M3 CLA'd (the full deal, new skin, curtains, etc.) can run $1200-1700 but no meter and limited framelines.
Would you go for the M3 and pocket the difference or the newer body MP?
This is not necessarily a yes or no, if you wish to philosophize, go right ahead.:cool:
 
I'm with jsrockit. 35mm frame lines are a must for me, so that rules out the M3. I don't think I could ever justify paying $3000+ for a 35mm camera. I'd go with an M2 or an M6.
 
Neither. I agree the M6 or M6ttl is a better and more efficient model because:
1. Newer model than M3
2. Less expensive than MP
3. Has meter
4. Easier tot load
5. With .85 viewfinder about like M3
6. More framelines & lens compatibility
7. Easier rewind
8. M6 readily available in in high grades in chrome or black because many made
 
I went with an M6 Classic and M4-P, both LNIB for a total of $2500. Could'nt be happier. I'd rather spend my $$ on glass, and I have. Added a nice 35 Cron Asph in chrome.
 
I'm going with the M3, the only niggle I have with it is those baroque window edges... the smooth lines of an M2 look somehow more elegant. Mustn't think about that too hard though as I have no money!!

~S
 
Steve Bellayr said:
Neither. I agree the M6 or M6ttl is a better and more efficient model because:
1. Newer model than M3
2. Less expensive than MP
3. Has meter
4. Easier tot load
5. With .85 viewfinder about like M3
6. More framelines & lens compatibility
7. Easier rewind
8. M6 readily available in in high grades in chrome or black because many made
Click to expand...

I sold my M3 in favor of my M6TTL 0.85. After buying the M6 and selling the M3, I ended up only paying out $200...so I had the 75/135 lines masked and the finder upgraded to the MP finder.

That's my vote.
 
kshapero said:
yes, go right ahead, but you must wax why as well. OP makes the house rules.:D
Click to expand...

Well, it's simple for me. I like in camera meters and the M6 is the cheapest model with a meter (outside of the CL and M5 which aren't the classic style M camera design). I believe the MP is the ultimate Leica M. However, with so many deals on the used market these days, it would be hard to justify buying one.
 
kshapero said:
Used MP (the new version) usually goes for $3000-$4000 and has a meter, while an M3 CLA'd (the full deal, new skin, curtains, etc.) can run $1200-1700 but no meter and limited framelines.
Would you go for the M3 and pocket the difference or the newer body MP?
This is not necessarily a yes or no, if you wish to philosophize, go right ahead.:cool:
Click to expand...

Provided that 50mm is your most used FL:

Do you need to use your exposure meter frequently? Then M6, preferably .85 version. If not then M3 + a small exposure meter in your pocket.

A fine M3 (SS) can be purchased for $1.000 to $1.300. (Your eyes would love your decision.)

However if 35 & 50 are your equally favorite lenses: Then an M6 .72 or an M4 + pocket lightmeter with the same criteria as above. (M4 is the Bentley of classical Leicas, can be obtained within the similar cost range like the SS M3's..)
 
boomguy57 said:
I sold my M3 in favor of my M6TTL 0.85. After buying the M6 and selling the M3, I ended up only paying out $200...so I had the 75/135 lines masked and the finder upgraded to the MP finder.

That's my vote.
Click to expand...
Was it to get the built in meter, the framelines or just something newer? Or all of it?
 
MP
The philosophy behind this ; )
If your asking ,I'm thinking this is the camera you really want so why not get it ?
Faced with a similar decision I went with the M4 over the MP ............. The cash I saved is long gone .
The M4 is beautiful thing ........
 
For the price of just the MP...

If you have to have a meter: M6 + your favorite lens

No meter: M2 + 2, maybe 3 of your favorite lenses.
 
kshapero said:
Was it to get the built in meter, the framelines or just something newer? Or all of it?
Click to expand...

I wanted the in-camera meter, yes. I also like that I can get 35mm frame lines. With the 75/135 masked I now have 35/50/90 and an uncluttered VF, like the M3, really--but with a meter built-in and 35 lines.

The M3 is a great camera, but I had trouble getting along with a camera that had no meter built in. But that's just me. Honestly, the MP may be the greatest film Leica ever, bla bla bla, but the added cost (even saying $3000 for a used one, and I got my M6 for $1100) is hard, if not impossible, to justify. For that price I can add an X100 or an X-Pro 1 to go with my M6; I'm not 100% digital anyway.
 
I had one of my M3's fitted with a MP finder. Only thing lacking is a meter, but the hand held meter works ok, Also, you can measure the exposure, without bringing up the camera, which sometimes will cause you to lose the shot.
 
M3

You don't need 35mm frame lines, everything you see in the viewfinder is your 35mm area.
 
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