M3 or M2?

[ktmrider]

My favorite classic Leica is the M2 (viewfinder is so elegant) and I have owned several over the years. In fact it is presently my only film body and I usually have it mated with a 35 C Biogon.

I have an urge to buy another film Leica (don't ask me why). There are several nice M3's at ClassicConnection which I have been looking at as well as nice M2 which might need a CLA.

I only owned one M3 in 45 years of Leica craziness and it was back in 1976 for about a year, so would you? I vacillate between the 35 or 50 as my favorite focal lengths depending on the phase of the moon. Both M3's come with either a dual range or collapsible 50 Summicron (don't really know anything about these versions). I presently own the latest generation 50 Summicron and the 50f1.2 Nokton so looking for opinions.

Don't really need another film body but why not!

 

[Rob-F]

Sounds like you have a serious case of GAS! I've always preferred the M2 to the M3. It's a great camera for both 35 and 50mm lenses, as I'm sure you've discovered by now. What's wrong with the M3 is it doesn't have a 35mm field of view! If you want another M, consider an M4, M4P, or M5. I think you'll be happier.

The dual Range Summicron is a good lens, especially for Black and White. The close focusing attachment allows focusing to 19CM. The lens you have now is better in image quality, but the DRS still has a pleasing signature. The Collapsible Summicron has a nice rounded image quality that you might like as a contrast to the more clinical look of the modern Summicron, depending on what you are shooting. The Dual Range is technically better.

 

[presspass]

A lot depends on whether you shoot one camera at a time or take both out ar the same time. If one at a time, and you don't use anything longer than a 90mm, a second M2 might make more sense. If both at the same time, ten an M2 and an M3, the 3 with the 50 or 90 and the 2 with the 35. Either way, they are similar enough that you won't get confused. If you are looking for confusion, take your M2 out at the same time as a Nikon F.

 

[Bingley]

50 on the M3. 35 on the M2. Done.

 

[Rob-F]

50 on the M3. 35 on the M2. Done.

Tri-X and 35mm in one M2. Delta 100 and 50mm in the other M2 (or M4). Wait. For the next shot, I need the Delta 100 with the 35mm.

Swap lenses.

Done.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

My favorite classic Leica is the M2 (viewfinder is so elegant) and I have owned several over the years. ... Don't really need another film body but why not!

I absolutely relate. I ended up with [another] M2 (I too have owned many over the years) after a months-long search for an M3 to mate with a 50mm collapsible Summicron that I absolutely refuse to get rid of; and I decided I wanted a camera made in my birth year (what the hell, right?). But I found the options were either taking a beater for the price I was willing to pay or paying a large premium for one in "decent" shape.

I finally found a very clean M2 that needed a CLA - the seller rated it as "very good," but the body itself was nearly perfect and the serial number was well over 1.1 million. Not made in '57, but it'll do nicely.

Like you, I do prefer the M2, but I was in a particular mood for an M3 - I just couldn't find one.

I'd post a picture, but it went out directly to DAG for a CLA and he still has it.

 

[jarski]

M3 is nice pair for M2, due to its finder. Use lenses 50 and up for it, and leave 35 and wider for M2.

 

[kiemchacsu]

50 on the M3. 35 on the M2. Done.

used to have exact combos;
now m² with 35 and nikkormat ftn with 50

 

[Pál_K]

Since you say this:

... I vacillate between the 35 or 50 as my favorite focal lengths...

... then this makes sense to me:

50 on the M3. 35 on the M2. Done.

 

[Ste_S]

If you want another M, consider an M4, M4P, or M5. I think you'll be happier.

I'd also recommend the M5. 35mm frame lines and an excellent spot meter should you wish to use your 35 C Biogon on a metered body. I have that exact combo and it's great.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

The M3 is an absolute gem of a camera, an exquisite viewfinder never bettered. I shoot mine with 50mm and 90mm (the framelines for that make perfect sense) and goggled 35mm and 135mm.

The M2 is brilliant with 35mm and 50mm, but struggles with anything longer. It is also a great camera. The 90mm framelines are small and pokey.

Either or both will serve you well, but choose your poison - neither can be jack of all trades.

I also love the M5, that spot meter is superb and the ergonomics brilliant. But like the M2 the framelines are optimal for 50mm and 35mm.

So which lenses do you make most use of? Personally I think the M3 so reasonably priced compared to the M6 I'd buy one anyway. It is the Leica M camera, and I always get mine out to use even if I don't need to.

 

[David Hughes]

If you have two cameras it is tempting - and you'll probably fall - to have (say) B&W in one and colour in the other. So mixing the M2 and M3 and lenses might just cause a bit of grief.

To me that suggests you should get a second M2 and keep your existing lenses.

Anyway, that's just my 2d worth.

Regards, David

 

[Rob-F]

If you have two cameras it is tempting - and you'll probably fall - to have (say) B&W in one and colour in the other. So mixing the M2 and M3 and lenses might just cause a bit of grief.

To me that suggests you should get a second M2 and keep your existing lenses.

Anyway, that's just my 2d worth.

Regards, David

This is what I wanted to get across. I think David said it better. Two Leicas with .72 finders seems optimal for the 35mm and 50mm. Metered, M5. Non-metered, M2, M4, M4P for the second body.

 

[Erik van Straten]

LeicaM3/Summicron-M50mmf/2/TMY400/AdoxMCC110

Erik.

 

[DanskDynamit]

Every time I sell a M3 (and I sold 3 so far) I end up buying another one 😀

 

[Pentode]

I don't have enough experience with M2s to profess any sort of expertise but the finder on the M3 for 50mm is pretty outstanding.

I looked at the cameras in question that prompted this thread; It's possible that I'm just naive but those prices seem a bit high to me, no?

 

[Ronald M]

Find a doctor who treats GAS. Or decide if 35 or 50 is more important to you. As you know, a M2 will handle both. M3 is a kludge with 35 mm, but better for all else.

 

[Erik van Straten]

LeicaM2/Summicron50mmf/2rigid/TMY400/AdoxMCC110

Erik.