m3 or m2

For a while I had a M2 and a M3.

When I went to Spain I carried them both, arranging the straps so one would rest a few inches above the other.

I had a 35mm lens on the M2 and a 50mm on the M3. I found I used the 35mm more than twice as much as the 50mm.

When I got home I reluctantly sold the M3 and bought a very nice M4-P.

The M2 is still the camera I prefer because it has less frame lines than the M4-P. You learn to overlook little things like the frame counter that doesn't reset itself.
 
my favourite of the 'brass-generation' hand fitted vintage leicas is the original M4,

if 50 is your fov, the M3 is a no brainer (i don't get along with the goggles for 35)
if you mainly plan to do 35mm I'd get a M2
 
Hmmm, to me 35, 50 and 90mm is the classic line up and has been since the 30's. And - if you look in the M4(?) brochure - Leitz recommended the 35 and 90 as a practical outfit...

Regards, David
 
Clearly the M2 is the classic, enduring, versatile, core Leica M form, coming in early after the quaint and limited M3 with its sheltered windows and aweful frame lines, and lasting right up to the present MP. A couple of centuries from now they will look back in awe at the simplicity and functionality of the frame counter which need never be recording the number of frames shot as less than those actually shot, unlike the inflexible conceits of the other film M frame counters. It was the inspiration of the M5 shutter speed dial. What design innovations were inspired by the M3 frame counter? None.
 
Well the M3 is the absolute best made of them all. It really is almost like you are holding jewelry. M2 might have more practical framelines but I use a 40 mm lens on my M3 regularly. That being said, you can not go wrong with either.
 
@ Richard G...

Quote...''of the frame counter which need never be recording the number of frames shot as less than those actually shot, unlike the inflexible conceits of the other film M frame counters.'' ?

I've read through that sentence several times and I'm no closer to understanding its meaning.

Perhaps you could elucidate a little...
 
I've had 3 M3's and sold them all as I just don't like the viewfinder. It feel's cramped. The other downside to M3 ownership is having to baby them away from knocks as the finders are the most prone to separating.
I really like the windows though, classic design but for me it's M2 every time.
Give me an M2 with M3 style top and I'd be Leica done.
Best camera Leica ever made was the MP3 as it added a meter to the above mix!
 
dabick42 said:
@ Richard G...

Quote...''of the frame counter which need never be recording the number of frames shot as less than those actually shot, unlike the inflexible conceits of the other film M frame counters.'' ?

I've read through that sentence several times and I'm no closer to understanding its meaning.

Perhaps you could elucidate a little...
Click to expand...

If you load a film economically you can get one or two frames more from a roll. The way I load the M6 the frame counter is at 1 when I have taken my second shot and wound on. The automatic reset does not allow an alternative. With the M2 loading I am more confident to use an earlier frame and I can set the counter to match the actual number of photographs I've taken. That's all.
 
nobbylon said:
I've had 3 M3's and sold them all as I just don't like the viewfinder. It feel's cramped. The other downside to M3 ownership is having to baby them away from knocks as the finders are the most prone to separating.
I really like the windows though, classic design but for me it's M2 every time.
Give me an M2 with M3 style top and I'd be Leica done.
Best camera Leica ever made was the MP3 as it added a meter to the above mix!
Click to expand...
My M3 gets knocked around quite a bit and the rangefinder is sound and accurate. IMHO the M3 VF is the best there is. But then I have only owned 2 of them.😀
 
I'll have to check this out -- but it seems to me that I do the same, and just know that "0" is the first frame. No big deal. By the way, your avatar shows just what I don't like about the M2 frame counter -- looks like it's right between two numbers! So do I have one more frame left or not?? This makes me a little nuts. I know, I need to get a grip.

I've had a couple of M2s and sold/traded them, but that's not to say I wouldn't get another. (And there's an M2-R sitting quietly on a store shelf nearby....) The 135 frameline "clutter" of the later cameras is totally not an issue for me -- I think of it as increased versatility.

Richard G said:
If you load a film economically you can get one or two frames more from a roll. The way I load the M6 the frame counter is at 1 when I have taken my second shot and wound on. The automatic reset does not allow an alternative. With the M2 loading I am more confident to use an earlier frame and I can set the counter to match the actual number of photographs I've taken. That's all.
Click to expand...
 
Sparrow said:
.. so between the m2 and the m3 the m4 is the more classic?
Click to expand...

Ideally the film advance, self timer lever, and frame line selector from a M2 or M3 on a M4.

Already got a M4 that was priced as "F" cond for $599.00 from Adorama that cosmetically is "E-." Basically its a shelf queen that is sticky and in need an overhaul from Sherry.

Cal
 
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