M2vsM3vsM4; Which one would you keep?

[funkpilz]

Owning an M2 myself, I would recommend keeping that one. I was torn up between M2 and M4 in the beginning, but after a bit of use, I find I don't mind the "slow" loading and rewinding at all. Not sure if the M4 has other advantages, but I like the M2 mostly for its simplicity so I doubt any of those would sway me.

 

[Charlie Lemay]

I have two M2s. Both have been upgraded with M4 quick load, 28 -135 frame lines and modern sync terminals. They actually feel a little nicer than my new MP. I hardly ever use a meter for black and white so they are the Ms I use most often. I shoot most color with an E-P2 these days. One M2 is chrome and the other is a black repaint. I really love the way these feel and handle. I actually prefer the rewind knob over the angled crank of the M4 - M6 models. It just never seemed robust enough for me. I guess the rewind speed isn't a big issue for me.

 

[bgb]

Sell them all and get the M9 🙂

If it must be film then sell them all and get an M6 or 7

It might be time to have that big clean out so you can what you really need.

 

[Vickko]

M4 -
- for sentimental reasons, it was the first Leica I ever lusted after
- for functional reasons, the extra framelines, the canted rewind lever, the plastic tipped wind lever

 

[sc_rufctr]

M3 -

Best built and most reliable camera ever. Not perfect but pretty close.
Everything that came after it was compromised in some way. 😉
The view finder alone should be enough of a reason to keep it.

I think people forget that this was the camera which made Leicas name for reliability and quality.

 

[B.J.Scharp]

I would also ask myself which one would fit my lenses best. I shoot a 21, a 50 and a 135, so the M3 would be a no-brainer...

 

[Mister E]

M3 -

Best built and most reliable camera ever. Not perfect but pretty close.
Everything that came after it was compromised in some way. 😉
The view finder alone should be enough of a reason to keep it.

I think people forget that this was the camera which made Leicas name for reliability and quality.

By far not the most reliable camera ever.

 

[Vincent.G]

I have the M2 and M4 but I just sold the M4 today.

 

[HuubL]

I have the M2 and M4 but I just sold the M4 today.

That was a great mistake...🙁

 

[Vincent.G]

That was a great mistake...🙁

HuubL, it was a tough decision nonetheless. It took me many days and nights before I decided to sell it. On the positive side of things, the M4 I sold made me a tidy profit which is MORE than enough to pay for a M2 overhaul/CLA by Sherry. Not bad for an investment huh?

I enjoy the simplicity of the M2 and it is my first Leica M so I cherish it. It is in a far better condition than my M4 but yet unable to fetch the price of a M4 although they are practically quite similar. Anyway this is subjective. I just woke up from the reality that there will be no end chasing the Leica dream. No amount of money can buy me great Leica photos. I have yet to make great photos with my humble M2 + summaron 35 f2.8 + cron 50 dr combo yet so anything else is redundant as far as RF is concerned at this moment. The M4 deserves a better owner. I am sure I can buy one back next time if I want... IF I still want it.

 

[Penzes]

I would like to use a M2, but I prefer a M3 for speedy 50mm lenses. Its a classic, so if yours is OK, don't sell it.

If you like to shot with 35mm, as I'm I would by a dedicated 35mm for the M3.

 

[helen.HH]

had an M2
had an M4
Have an M6

but in LOVE w/ the newly acquired M5....😱
Buy an M5.... theres no turning Back

seriously keep the M4.... easier to load

 

[Pico]

The only thing better than a Leica is two Leicas. Keep them all. You will have a couple backups.

 

[coelacanth]

M2 (my personal choice. simple, practical for 35mm) or M4 (easy to load, modern design). But ideally keep two bodies!

 

[vonion]

though my M3 rangefinder is about 50% brightness to my M6, still much better to focus for 50mm..

 

[davidtth]

keep the M2, or sell everything to get the MP 😀

i love my M2 coz its mod with quick load, else M4 would be easy for use 🙂

 

[Pico]

another weak poll

pitiful

 

[Vincent.G]

keep the M2, or sell everything to get the MP 😀

i love my M2 coz its mod with quick load, else M4 would be easy for use 🙂

Nothing beats the M2.

 

[sc_rufctr]

Nothing beats the M2.

Late production M3? 😀

 

[Vincent.G]

Late production M3? 😀

I was tempted by it before but the versatility of a M2 won me over.