M3 or M4 or M6

[isfint]

Hi,

I'm new to the RF world and would like to have your opinion...

1) Would you consider the M4 better than the M3?
2) I can buy a Leica m4 with meter, at the same price of a M6 (of course with build in meter)

So mechanicly, wich one is "better"?

Purpose: street fotography and portraits

Thx!

 

[JohnM]

Eventually, you'll all three any way 🙂

That's just the way things go around here.

Is the M4 better than the M3? Not better or worse - just a little different in terms of frame lines. The M4 will be a newer camera, have the canted rewind, and the 35-50-90-135 framelines as opposed to the 50-90-135 of the M3.

The M6, of course, has the built-in meter.

If you're looking for something that takes the middle path between the M3 and the M6, perhaps the M4 with a meter is the way to go.

Truthfully, you'll probably be happy whatever you decide. Good luck!

 

[TimF]

No way Manolo! 😉 The M3 rules. The answer has to be decided by what focal lengths the OP prefers. If 50mm (and longer) then the M3 is the best. If 35mm, then probably the M4 (though I've had no problems shooting 35mm on an M3).

If you absolutely must have an in-camera meter, then the M6. I have to say I'm not wild about the metered cameras (despite having an MP). The much longer travel of the shutter release, for me, reduces the spontaniety of the Leica M.

 

[richard_l]

What ManGo said, unless you plan to use 135mm (M3, M4, M6) or 28mm (M6). Personally, I don't think 135mm is much fun with a Leica.

Richard

 

[Nikon Bob]

I think any of the three will do fine. If you need a meter then the M6 with builtin meter is the way to go for a more compact package than the M4/M3 and attached meter. None of the cameras are that new and might likely need a CLA some time in the future so they are equal there too. Then there is the matter of what lenses you want to use but JohnM has covered that already. The only M I own is an M4 and I really like it. The M4 and newer should be the easiest to load film in also. Have fun.

Bob

 

[phototone]

Well I have M3, M4-2 and M6 (not to mention LTM Leicas') Which do I use???? the M6. Just so darned convenient, with built-in 28mm frame and built-in light meter. The built in light-meter has an unexpected bonus beyond metering light. It is a lens-cap reminder, as the meter won't work if the lens cap is on!!! ha ha.

 

[FrankS]

You can't go wrong. I've got an M2, M3, and M6. The M6 with the built-in meter gets most of the use.

 

[phototone]

You can't go wrong. I've got an M2, M3, and M6. The M6 with the built-in meter gets most of the use.

Well, there you go, my thoughts are vindicated. If we have the choice of the convenience of the m6, by golly we use it.

I just wonder who else of you has an M-6 as well as an older non-metered "M"??

Which one do you reach for the most??

 

[isfint]

Mmmm

Mmmm

Wel guys,


THX for the posts.


Hope to open my Leica Gallery soon!

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Which finder is in the M6? It was made with 0.85x, 0.72x, and 0.58x. Fast portrait lenses are best with higher mag finders, wides are best with lower mag finders. The 0.72x sounds like the best compromise for street photography and a 90mm portrait lens. Built in meters are best, but photographers have managed with handheld and clip on meters for decades.

If the M4 is in top condition, cosmetically, optically, and mechanically, it will retain a higher value than the M6 over the long run. It is as well made as the M3 and M2, and combines the better features of both. Leica was at its peak with the build quality. The M4-2 and later cameras instituted common-sense cost cutting measures. (how's that for diplomacy)

I have an M2 and two M3's. I favor fast 50's and telephoto's. The M2 does not get as much use as the M3. It is a first-rate camera. The 0.92x finder can spoil you.

The M3 has the most optically-complex viewfinder/rangefinder of the lot, and the only one that is free from RF patch flare.

 

[richard_l]

Well, there you go, my thoughts are vindicated. If we have the choice of the convenience of the m6, by golly we use it.

I just wonder who else of you has an M-6 as well as an older non-metered "M"??

Which one do you reach for the most??

I have an M3, M2, and M6. Currently the M6 is loaded with Scala, the M3 with XP2, and the M2 with C-41 color film. Which camera I reach for depends on which film I want to use. I have Scala in the M6 because I believe that TTL metering with filters is simpler and generally more accurate than using filter factors with a handheld.

 

[Traut]

M3 for available darkness and longer lenses
M6 for WA and ultra convenience

Buy one of each - use the M6 as the meter for both.

 

[rover]

I guess I use my M6 most, that is due to the on board meter and the ability to handle it quicker. When I am shooting for myself though, and just out to enjoy myself, then the M3 gets the call. Different style of photography using a meterless camera. To me, a very enjoyable more relaxed pace. It is also a more deliberate approach, I tend to think more step by step, I feel more involved in the process.

 

[Dan Chang]

go for a military M2

 

[SolaresLarrave]

While mechanically both cameras are just flawless, the M6 stands out because of what was said above: built-in meter and 28mm framelines (hence, more versatility).

Like Rover, I shoot with my M6TTL, but I try to make photographs with my M3.

Now... whatever your decision be, you'll be better off than before! 🙂

 

[RML]

M2 M2 M2 M2 M2 M2 M2 M2 M2 M2 M2!

Preferably in Japanesque Gold !

 

[richard_l]

M2M2M2M2M2M2M2

 

[Goodyear]

Guys.

Pleas stop it.

I'm still trying to control my lust for an M2.

 

[aizan]

at first i only had an m2, but now that i've gotten a hexar rf, i'd say go for the m6. built-in meter is handy, and the marginally better build quality of the classics isn't worth it if you're looking for a user, imho. build quality isn't the main appeal of rangefinders! and if you want, you can have the m6 viewfinder replaced to get .58x or .85x.

 

[richard_l]

Guys.

Pleas stop it.

I'm still trying to control my lust for an M2.

Well, you know the cure for that. 😀 If you get a reasonably good one, you will not be disappointed. It's the most nearly perfect camera I've ever used in my 67 years on this earth.

Richard