I have a difficult choise: R3M or M2?

[FranciscoPinheiro]

Many people say that I should to choose the Leica M2. I have US$800,00 for I buy my first rangefinder. I'm confuse because the Bessa R3M is a new and technology camera and the Leica M2 is a very classic camera. Some people say that the Leica M2 is more worthwhile because it's got a good body and others things about Leica. Others people say that the Bessa R3M is more interesting because is new and more technologic. The downside of M2 hasn't got light meter and I'll need to search a good body because in my country is more difficult. Whatever, I need help.

Thank you all.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

If you prefer no internal meter and clean lines for three perfect focal lengths in a beautiful machine, the M2 is your best tool.

If you prefer internal meter and more lines (sometimes two frames together) in a new great camera with superb finder, 1/2000th for easier fast aperture shooting, and easier/faster film loading, get the R3M...

Both are wonderful cameras... (Equally great: 2 of the best ever, in my opinion...) No matter which one you decide to buy, you'll be VERY happy... Get the M2 and in some time add an AE Bessa for those situations it's a better option than guessing or metering... Any of them will be with you for long because they're great as tools...

I'd buy the M2, because I own 4 Bessas, 1 Barnack and no M... The M2 is the M I like the most... But I want it black, so it won't be easy... 🙂 Some dreams are designed to last for ages!

Cheers,

Juan

 

[boffen]

I owned the R3M but sold it to buy the M2. I do not regret it at all, but the R3M is a great camera, and I would recommend it over the M2 for most people.

 

[gilpen123]

I had the R3a and it's a good RF camera 1:1 finder can shoot with both eyes open. Unfortunately, I'm a left eye shooter and my eyes are not that good to see the lower contrast RF patch of R3M. I got the M2 and I believe Leica M are the most ideal for me. Now have the M3 and M6 0.85.

 

[Rob-F]

The lack of a built-in meter need not be a problem. I shot Kodachrome for years in my M2 before getting an M6. I had no exposure problems. The M2 has a longer rangefinder base: helpful if using long lenses or fast ones (or both). I'm sure I would not trade my M2 for an R3M. I still shoot both black & white and color in the M2.

I'll vote for the M2.

 

[FranciscoPinheiro]

I never took a picture with a camera without light meter, and I stay thinking that I would have problems to take good pictures because I would lose time with the external light meter and I'll lose good compositions in the street.

 

[boffen]

That is a legitimate concern. I say go for the R3M. You'll always be able to upgrade to a meter less Leica later.

 

[rsosa]

IMO, prices of M2 will go higher, not sure about the R3M if you want to add that detail to your evaluation.

I use an M4 and B&W film, have a digisix for "first" measures and then estimate changes, works fine, forget the meter.

 

[segedi]

The other question you might not have thought of is R3A vs R3M. For street, I like the ability of the camera to pick the shutter speed. Makes working very fast. You may also consider your focal lengths.

If 35 and 50mm lenses are to your liking the R3 is great. If you want to go wider however, Try an R4 (m or a) as they have framelines for 21, 25, 28 and 35mm. It has a 50mm frameline, but that isn't ideal on this camera.

Either way I would choose a Bessa over the M2. Newer, will have warranty when bought new, no possible service needed on it, they are lighter and take a more common battery. A real pleasure to use. Not to knock the M2, but as a first rangefinder, you'd be best to get one with a built-in meter and AE.

 

[taylan]

I used both of them and my vote goes to M2. It is so smooth and silent. Also its rangefinder is more brigther than R3M.

 

[FrankS]

If you feel that you need an internal meter, then your choice is clear.

For myself, I have 2 M2's, but not everyone is the same, or on the same spot in their journey, or even on the same journey.

 

[elmer3.5]

M2!

M2!

Hi, the m2 is a safe bet, you´ll be able to sell it fast and at a good price if you need to.
Besides that the m2, is sturdy piece of equipment, be sure the vf and rf are perfect cos it may have some trouble due to age.

I can´t say anything about the VC cameras but my past rd1s that shares some VC parts almost identical RF and framlines i must say the framlines accuracy was annoying, never matched actual composition and lost a lot of info on every shot, even had to shoot several times when precise composition was needed.

The m2 is beautiful i love the fact it has the pics counter like the old screw mounts cameras!

Bye!

 

[thegman]

Both great cameras, if I were you, I'd think about whether you want a built in meter or not. If you're shooting black & white film, or colour negative, a meter is not quite so necessary. However, if you want to shoot slide film, you will certainly want a meter, and the TTL meter of the R3M or R3A is perfect.

 

[rpsawin]

If you prefer no internal meter and clean lines for three perfect focal lengths in a beautiful machine, the M2 is your best tool.

If you prefer internal meter and more lines (sometimes two frames together) in a new great camera with superb finder, 1/2000th for easier fast aperture shooting, and easier/faster film loading, get the R3M...

Both are wonderful cameras... (Equally great: 2 of the best ever, in my opinion...) No matter which one you decide to buy, you'll be VERY happy... Get the M2 and in some time add an AE Bessa for those situations it's a better option than guessing or metering... Any of them will be with you for long because they're great as tools...

I'd buy the M2, because I own 4 Bessas, 1 Barnack and no M... The M2 is the M I like the most... But I want it black, so it won't be easy... 🙂 Some dreams are designed to last for ages!

Cheers,

Juan

x1...well put, Juan. I own an M2 and it is my favorite camera. However, the Bessa is a very nice camera as well. I don't think you can make a bad choice between these two.

Good luck!

Bob

 

[mto'brien]

I have an M2 and an R3A. I really appreciate the 1:1 finder, the internal meter, and the AE of the Bessa. However, if my house was on fire and I could only grab one camera, I would grab my M2 without a single thought. And I'd carry my M8 out in my teeth. And stuff all my lenses into my pants. I may just stuff them all into my pants right now for no good reason at all...

What ever you get, enjoy the heck out of it! (btw, there is a beaut of a Zeiss Ikon in the classifieds right now...not to complicate things)

 

[Pikapig]

If u prefer light meter, faster and easier to focus, then choose the bessa

if u prefer something more solid...quiet(which i tot is gd), then choose de m2

 

[David Murphy]

The M2 will allow you to use all M AND M39 thread mount lenses: collapsible models, models with eyes, etc. The R3M will not. Both are very worthy cameras however.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Another consideration, Francisco:

Surely you'll have both cameras one day: a meterless one, and a metered one... So, as AE can be very useful or even necessary sometimes, you should "plan" including AE for the moment you buy the metered camera, because meterless cameras won't offer you AE... In other words, you should consider buying two cameras in different moments: an AE metered one, and a meterless one... Then, don't buy an R2M or R3M, because yet you'd want a meterless one and an AE one someday... With an R3A (for 40mm) or an R2A (for 35mm) you can play the meterless game too if you prefer not to meter: you just set shutter speed and aperture as you prefer...The camera meters internally but you can use the settings you prefer, and not those recommended by the camera's meter... Only when the camera is in "A" position, it will be automatic...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

The M2 will allow you to use all M AND M39 thread mount lenses: collapsible models, models with eyes, etc. The R3M will not. Both are very worthy cameras however.

The sharpest collapsible 50mm lens ever from any brand for M or LTM mount cameras can be used on Bessas... And Bessas require no eyes...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[David Murphy]

The sharpest collapsible 50mm lens ever from any brand for M or LTM mount cameras can be used on Bessas... And Bessas require no eyes...

Cheers,

Juan

I'm sure of that, but what is life without a DR Summicron or any of the endless number of LTM rarities that collapse? Not to mention all the other variety of Leica googled lenses, short and long.