Leica M: 3 or 4?

[ktmrider]

So, let me recap the general consensus here: I am not missing anything with the M3 as it is essentially an M2 with a higher magnification viewfinder. Quality of both cameras is probably the same or subjective. Beautiful and preference is in the eye of the beholder. M2 can easily be fitted with quick load kit if preferred

Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming as we always learn things.

 

[Huss]

So, let me recap the general consensus here: I am not missing anything with the M3 as it is essentially an M2 with a higher magnification viewfinder. Quality of both cameras is probably the same or subjective. Beautiful and preference is in the eye of the beholder. M2 can easily be fitted with quick load kit if preferred

Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming as we always learn things.

I still can't believe you sold a Krautered M5.
It's easy to pick up an M2 or M3, but a properly working/serviced M5?...

 

[ktmrider]

Not sold, traded with a friend and he will swap back anytime.

 

[Trask]

Photo attached of a Leica Quick Load kit as installed on my M2. The take-up spool has one slot, which is lined up (as seen in photo) with where the film will feed off the advance sprockets. Drop in the film, ensure the tongue of the film is inserted in the slot, then put on the bottom plate which, as seen, has a special device (part of the QL kit) attached. The device presses the film upward to ensure proper positioning into the sprockets, and into the take-up spool. Of course, it’s prudent to watch for rewind crank rotation to confirm the film is advancing properly.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I still can't believe you sold a Krautered M5.

It's easy to pick up an M2 or M3, but a properly working/serviced M5?...

I had her overhaul my M4 in 2006 and two days after I got it back, while shooting my first roll since repair, the self timer broke and she wouldn't honor her warranty.
Sorry to be off topic.
Phil Forrest

 

[kasti]

M4 epic! can shoved 28mm the least wide lens w/o externals, and best simplified M aside from M2, Also M4 easy to teardown too, M3 nah... too many washers, too many special teardown tools.

KastiM4

 

[Chrisx200]

love em both

 

[GarageBoy]

I like the m3 I have, that I use with a 50 dr, but as a glasses wearer, I kinda miss the lower mag rangefinders - also now that I want a 35, I really should look into a different camera - will keep my m3 though, the vf with 50 is gorgeous

 

[Tom R]

How do you use the camera? Which lens or lenses do you prefer? Do you ever need flash? I used an M3 for years, but primarily with 50 and 90mm lenses. About thirty years ago, I started using 35mm lenses almost exclusively, and I occasionally use flash guns, so the M3 was traded for an M2. About six years after that, I really started using 28mm, and so I traded both the M3 and M2 for twin M4-Ps and have been very satisfied with those bodies.

 

[ArrowTop]

According to DAG.... the 135 can't be removed....

Whoa, if this is true I wonder why my M4 doesnt have the 135 framelines. I have a decent tele lens that i would love to use with it but I have to use my M3 instead. Thats interesting.

 

[Huss]

I like the m3 I have, that I use with a 50 dr, but as a glasses wearer, I kinda miss the lower mag rangefinders - also now that I want a 35, I really should look into a different camera - will keep my m3 though, the vf with 50 is gorgeous

Just get a goggled 35mm lens. Works perfectly on the M3.

Here's mine:

 

[Michael Markey]

I have a M3DS ,M2 and BPM4.
Not much difference in either to me although I prefer the loading of the M3/M2 to the so called quick loading of the M4.
My least fav is the M2 ….. I think the manual frame counter is really cheap but that`s probably because I always forget to zero it .

 

[Deleted member 65559]

I have a M3DS ,M2 and BPM4.
My least fav is the M2 ….. I think the manual frame counter is really cheap but that`s probably because I always forget to zero it .

The M2 was always my favourite (esp the black paint one i sold :bang🙂 ....i never zeroed the counter either....but i rewound the film when it wouldn't advance any more......

 

[Beemermark]

I love the Quick Load of the 4s and friends. In fact, the less you fuss with it the better it works. Just follow the instructions in the old red manuals and it's virtually foolproof. Keep the back closed, pull the leader along, set the cannister in halfway, push in down with your palm, replace the bottom plate and done. One advance and she's loaded. It's meant to be "quick" and it is. If you start fiddling around trying to make sure the film is in place correctly, you prevent the bottom plate from setting the film the way it was designed to do. It's really quite lovely.

I never have a problem with loading my M4. As you say the secret is to keep the back closed, insert the film, and install the bottom. The only problem I have with the M3 (now my IIIF) is sometimes I can't pushed the film leader under the spool clip far enough. Then when all loaded up the film slips out of the spool and I have to do all over again.

 

[Tom R]

Just get a goggled 35mm lens. Works perfectly on the M3.

Here's mine:

Yeah. I did this for a few years. I found it difficult to focus in low-light and it added significantly to the weight/balance of the camera. But, if you prefer the .91 magnification factor, you use 50 and 90mm lenses, and you are comfortable with the selection fo 35mm Summicron lenses that support goggles, then it is certainly workable.

 

[Pál_K]

... My eye favours the 35mm lens. At the same time, i feel the advantage of the M2/M4 when using the 50mm lens is the context you see in the viewfinder as you can see the action outside the 50mm frameline. ...

To me, this seems to address the OP's question best. Since the OP likes the crank rewind, that suggests M4.

 

[Rob-F]

So, let me recap the general consensus here: I am not missing anything with the M3 as it is essentially an M2 with a higher magnification viewfinder. Quality of both cameras is probably the same or subjective. Beautiful and preference is in the eye of the beholder. M2 can easily be fitted with quick load kit if preferred

Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming as we always learn things.

So, which Leica are you leaning toward at this point? I don't believe you have said much in favor of the M3. It sounds like it's between an M2 or M4 for you.

Something I notice about my M2 is the 50mm framelines and the 35mm framelines are a bit wider than the corresponding ones in my M4P and M5, the latter two being identical. The 90mm framelines are identical in all three cameras.

 

[Huss]

I had her overhaul my M4 in 2006 and two days after I got it back, while shooting my first roll since repair, the self timer broke and she wouldn't honor her warranty.
Sorry to be off topic.
Phil Forrest

She forgot to put back/kept the condenser from my M5 that DAG had to replace.
Denied it happened.

 

[raid]

I have an M3 and an M6. Both are in great condition. DAG would be my first choice for a repair.

 

[leicapixie]

I load my M3 and M2 in the dark.
Unlike the "quick-load" of newer M's, it takes immediately.
I get 38~40 exp per roll..
i don't ever waste a shot..
My Nikon F3 drives me crazy with 3 wasted shots, but have figgered,
exposing those at 1/80 or 1/90th..