m3 what to do?

[onespeed]

My crisp lovely m3 does not have 35 mm framelines it has been claed in the last year do i sell it and get an m2? or have the viewfinder replaced with an m6? unit bessas are kinda out as i have owned an r2 and an r and i love the m's smoothitude and silence aux viewfinders just don't do it for me as i feel they spoil the cameras lines so any thoughts?
thanks Robert

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Robert, the Summaron 35/f3.5 lens, made for the M3, has goggles that help you visualize the FOV of the 35mm focal length. I would look for one of these lenses instead of sending your "crisp lovely" camera to go under the knife.

In fact, when I use my own M3 I simply don't think I'm using a 50mm lens. The VF fools me into thinking that 50mm is a pretty wide field-of-view, so I simply don't need a 35mm for my M3.

Take care! 🙂

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Summaron 35/2.8 and Summicron 35/2 are also available with "EYES" for the M3. The latter is pricey, but cheaper than having the finder swapped+35mm lens.

The alternative it to offer it for trade against an M2 or other M series with 35mm lines.

I have the Summaron 35/2.8 with eyes, and the fitted case for the M3 with the lens on it. The lens is first rate, the view through the finder is "decent" but not as good as my M2.

 

[Ronald M]

You have the option of the listed lenses with eyes. The view gets a bit flat, low contrast, even if the eyes are perfect. That is the view, not the picture.

Any 35mm lense can be used with a 35mm viewfinder if you want a modern design lens or you can`t find an older one with eyes at the right price.

The major steps in design were the original Elmar, 3.5, 2.8 Summararons and 2.0 Summicrons thru version 3, fourth version, and the current 1.4 and 2.0 ASPH ones. Forgot the 1961 1.4 Summilux which was a bit of a dog to 5.6.

Do not remove the eyes from an older one as it will not focus properly closer than infinity except by scale.

 

[Stu W]

The M3, IMHO, is the pinnacle in Leica design and precision. I would never get rid of mine. I would sooner use the goggles or better yet, resign myself to an auxilliary finder. 35mm is not that wide. I prefer 28 or better yet 21mm. You'll need an aux finder with these anyway. Stu

 

[35mmdelux]

I'd keep the m3, especially if its in good condition. Then buy a M4-P, the prototype of the M6. If you need internal metering, then get the M6 classic.

FORGET the external VF unless you want to shoot slow.