john neal
fallor ergo sum
I already have a nice 1957 M3 (DS, Buddha's ears) with a collapsible 50mm Summicron and Leicameter MC - just about the classic HCB combo, but.....
My preferred focal length is 35mm and this is one set of frames that the M3 does not have. I can approximate the correct view by blanking out the frameline window and using the full VF. Having said that, I don't like sticking bits of tape over the window as the adhesive always makes a sticky mess, and I don't want to cause any long-term damage to either the chrome or the window. This means that it is not getting used enough - I normally take my IIIC or Standard out for walkies.
I have my eye on a user M6 that I could get for a reasonable price - it is black but has a slight manufacturing fault that means the chrome is bubbling off the top plate - nothing to interfere with the production of pics, and easily remedied by a quick repaint. In some ways I have always hankered after a classic M6 as it has all the framelines, and the convenience of metering.
So here's my dilemma - do I stick with a true classic that is possibly the absolute epitome of M production values (build quality, history, etc) - or, do I change to the M6 which is (just) possibly more useable with a 35mm 'cron, and something like 30 years younger?
What would you do, and why?
My preferred focal length is 35mm and this is one set of frames that the M3 does not have. I can approximate the correct view by blanking out the frameline window and using the full VF. Having said that, I don't like sticking bits of tape over the window as the adhesive always makes a sticky mess, and I don't want to cause any long-term damage to either the chrome or the window. This means that it is not getting used enough - I normally take my IIIC or Standard out for walkies.
I have my eye on a user M6 that I could get for a reasonable price - it is black but has a slight manufacturing fault that means the chrome is bubbling off the top plate - nothing to interfere with the production of pics, and easily remedied by a quick repaint. In some ways I have always hankered after a classic M6 as it has all the framelines, and the convenience of metering.
So here's my dilemma - do I stick with a true classic that is possibly the absolute epitome of M production values (build quality, history, etc) - or, do I change to the M6 which is (just) possibly more useable with a 35mm 'cron, and something like 30 years younger?
What would you do, and why?
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laptoprob
back to basics
When I saw the title of your post I thought: 35mm view. Clearly. But having an M3 and thinking of changing to another camera...
How about both?
How about both?
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Rob,
If only - unfortunately my finances just won't stretch to buying the M6 without I sell the M3 to fund it
If only - unfortunately my finances just won't stretch to buying the M6 without I sell the M3 to fund it
Xmas
Veteran
Use both eyes with the 35mm, ignore bright lines save for 2nd M, try a cheapo M2, dings are good. My ding is cheaper then your ding yaaa...
Noel
Noel
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
I'd go for the M6, for the reasons you've listed.
oscroft
Veteran
So that means the M6 doesn't have the classic feel?
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Thanks guys - I had a nice M2 up till about a year ago and loved the uncluttered vf with the 35mm frame, but that had to go to fund the 35 'cron - I know I got rid of the body with the 35mm framelines :bang: , but the M3 is just so much better made than the M2, and it is a DS, etc, etc.
And then there are the + points of the M6....
My confusion just gets worserer, and worserer, what to do?
Would anyone like to sponsor a M6 for me while I decide?
And then there are the + points of the M6....
My confusion just gets worserer, and worserer, what to do?
Would anyone like to sponsor a M6 for me while I decide?
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
If you end up with a spare sponsor, John, I need one.
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
nrj
Member
I've owned an M3 M2 and M6. The one I've kept is the M6. The metering makes it for me - it is so much more convenient and the meter is really good. I enjoyed the uncluttered vf of the M2 and the build quality of the M3, but for usability it is the M6. In ten years I've had no problems at all with it.
Nik
Nik
iml
Well-known
The M6 is an excellent camera, and if you want a built-in meter there's no cheaper way to get a Leica that has one.
Ian
Ian
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
ferider
Veteran
Pick either M2, M4, M4-2, M4P or M6 depending on what you find, i.e. price vs. condition. They are all great cameras. You'll be most likely to find a good,
well priced M2.
Roland.
well priced M2.
Roland.
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
Pablito
coco frío
This may not suit your style but an external VF would give you the framelines w/o spending much money.
like2fiddle
Curious
john neal said:
What????:angel:
FrankS
Registered User
John, sell something else so you can keep the M3 for a 50mm lens and get an M6 (or whatever) for the 35.
john neal
fallor ergo sum
FrankS said:
Hi Frank,
As ever the voice of reason - well for a GAS-aholic anyway
I think you may be right - I just heard that Leica have stopped making the Digital Modul-R. I bought a R8 body with an eye to getting the DMR later this year, once the resale price dropped a bit. If there is to be no v2 or other replacement, my guess is that the price is likely to rise, thus releasing me from that market.
I should be able to get a good price for a mint- R8 and two zoom lenses - probably enough to fund a better-than-user M6 and another lens. Hmmm.........
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
FrankS said:
What he said. Now that I have both, I can't see giving up either - they're complementary.
Beemermark
Veteran
Sell the M3 and buy an M4. I tried an M6 and IMHO the metering was extremely slow to use (compared to using an M4 and Mr4 meter). Either that or buy the M7. I got one 3 months ago and it's now my favorite. The M4 and M3s' are just setting on the shelf.