Considering a switch from Nikon D-SLR to an M3.

[mfogiel]

This whole thing only makes sense, if you are seriously interested in B&W photography, I mean "beautiful" B&W, not the pushed to EI 1600, not XP2, not lab developed B&W.
This means, you need to think about the scanner and developing before you go into the camera and lens.
As to camera and lens, the answer is obvious - with an M3, the lens to go for is the DR or Rigid Summicron 50. I suggest to stick to Tri X in D 76 1+1. If you won't like what you see after shooting several rolls, then sell back everything and just stick to what you do now.


2008050307 by mfogiel, on Flickr


2008051219 by mfogiel, on Flickr


20093624 by mfogiel, on Flickr


20093521 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[leicapixie]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139055

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139055

My M3 purchased new in 1967 is my main camera.
It has had the most repairs and services of all my rigs.
It has also traveled the most, from desert heats to icy snows.
I would not buy one now!
Like me, it is old!
A bad knock can finish off the viewfinder.
Yes! It is the nicest M ever.
The viewfinder simply the best.
Each new model, a further deviation from the perfect.
If one goes wide angle there are the Goggle lenses.
My Goggle Summaron has a moving rangefinder fault..
My previous Goggle Summicron had same fault..
So I suggest a M6 or MP.
Built in meter makes life bearable.
Use a standard film, Ilford HP-5 or another good 400 ISO film.
Learn to develop self(it really is easy) and a cheaper scanner will get you going.
If you prefer a lab, then go color negative c-41 and do hi-rez scans there.
A good 50mm lens, any Summicron,Elmar or Cosina will do fine.
Keep your DSLR rig..

Shooting a RF is way different to using a DSLR or SLR.
You will shoot fast.Very,very fast.
There is no zoom to make walking out dated.
In my case, photos simply jump out at me.
A roll in my SLR takes ages to finish.
My Leica exposure time is often minutes, for a few rolls!
I love those that talk of contemplation.
My RF images are magic.

 

[thawkins]

Your Nikon DSLR is actually a computer that takes very good pictures with minimal input from the photographer. An M3 will turn you into a real photographer. You have to participate and make all the decisions; f stop, shutter speed and focus. This way you will become a part of the photograph.
I went digital five years ago and a year later went back to the M3 because I felt I was no longer a photographer. There was no joy in the process of "creating files".
My wife and I are leaving later today for a weekend trip to Louisiana. The M3 loaded with HP5 will accompany me while the D90 will probably stay in its bag.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

It doesn't looks like OP did it yet.
Perhaps, digging snow and shivering in the cold, like me 🙂

 

[Smitty]

M3 has the best focus base and least cluttered of all the M cameras. Widest lens without an auxiliary finder is 50mm. Overhaul is generally a couple hundred if you find a decent one but classic Leica M's will last just about forever. They are well built, quiet and a pleasure to use.
The real question is what kind of work you like to do. Cameras are after all tools made for specific types of work. You are probably not going to shoot a football game with a Leica rangefinder but for quiet, up close work in poor light they are spectacular. Buy one with a return privilege and if you don't like it you can return. Leica glass is very expensive but there are Nikon, Canon, and Russian lenses in LTM (Leice Thread Mount) that are quite nice and can be had for short money. Also new offerings by Voightlander, Ziess in Leica M mount.
I have owned and shot with most cameras on the market, Leica M is by far my favorite.
my 2-cents Steve