One must go - M3 or M4?

[571514m3]

I cannot decide and maybe you can help by giving some reasons which way to go?


My single stroke M3 (1,000,000 + serial #) is as nice as my M4. Neither is missing Vulcanite and both are quite unblemished and work perfectly. I have and like, but do not use, a Leica Meter MR that works like a charm with 1.4V LR44 size hearing aid batteries. Maybe I should sell that as well...

Prices for M3 seem ~10% more than M4.



Which one to sell and why?

 

[xayraa33]

if you are a big fan of the 50mm lens as your go to lens then keep the M3

if you prefer the 35mm lens as your main lens then keep the M4

 

[571514m3]

Thanks! I've a foot in both 35 and 50 camps. And I have goggled and un-goggled Summarons so either M3 or 4 will be fine.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

M3, I sold mine, keeping M4-2. M3 is very nice, but not practical, IMO.

 

[Richard G]

M3, I sold mine, keeping M4-2. M3 is very nice, but not practical, IMO.

Agree. Keep the M4. I only held an M3 once or twice. I was stunned by the rounded corners of the 50 frame lines. Did not like them at all. A bit art deco. Much prefer the 50 frame lines of the M2 and M4. I like the space outside them too.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Keep M4. If you like the winder lever style of the M3, have it changed. Everything is just a little bit more convenient with the M4. I used to love my M2 but those extra spools were a PITA. This is, of course, my opinion.

Phil Forrest

 

[Rayt]

Keep the M4 for the versatility.

 

[Hern]

Think about what you shoot with the most often, and then sell the other. It varies from person to person.

I know I'd never sell my M3, the 50mm finder is bloody brilliant for what it does, and not many other rangefinders can fill the same role.

 

[Beemermark]

I've had a love affair with the M4 since the late '70's or early 80's. Bought and sold many of both models. IMHO the M4 was the pinnacle of the Leica M cameras. Framelines for 35mm, better easier film loading, way better film rewind, etc. This wasn't/isn't based on the latest fad but back when I was shooting Leica's to make a buck.


Problem I face today is sell the M4 or the M7. Have had both over 10 years and really don't need both, just can't decide which one to sell. Bottom line is if you can decide which one to sell KEEP BOTH.

 

[Nitroplait]

If you like both then regardless of whichever you sell, you will regret it.

 

[Andrea Taurisano]

Just the fact that you have those cameras, tells me that you love Leicas. No matter which you sell, you will regreit it and (my guess) possibly end up buying another leica M later..

 

[Gregm61]

Selling either is a no-win and will leave you one day re-purchasing....at least, that’s what would happen to me.

Given no choice, the M4 would stay with me.

 

[Spluff]

Did not get on with my M3. love my M4. If you use both on a regular basis, then this is not a game you can win unfortunately.

 

[Erik van Straten]

When you are used to it, the M3 is the best of all the rangefinder Leicas: best rangefinder and the best 50mm framelines.

The M2 is as good - exept the focusing; less precise - but is very convenient with a 35mm lens. So if you are a 50mm shooter, take the M3 and if you like the 35mm, take an M2 (or M4). Personally I prefer the fool proof film loading of the M3 / M2 instead of the "quick loading" system of the M4. For me "quick loading" usually results in "wrong loading", but I am clumsy with quick loading systems in general.

Erik.

 

[leicapixie]

Leica M3 "rounded corners" was Kodachrome slide mounts!
The M3 has the most accurate frames for 50mm, 90mm, 135mm lenses.
Goggles on 35mm make it very accurate but distorted view.
Best made Leica ever!
M2 is nice.

 

[Out to Lunch]

It also depends on your reasons for selling. If it is money, sell the one that brings in the most $$$. Cheers, OtL

 

[steveyork]

I pretty much only shoot the 35mm focal length on M mount rangefinders, but I can understand the intoxication of the high magnification viewfinder. The M3 is a unique shooting experience (like Nikons ect) but less versatile of course. It really does come down to whether you are more of a 50mm shooter or 35mm, and what other cameras you have in the house to act as substitutes. Good time to sell though, because prices are high. With the likely inflation we'll start seeing, prices will probably just go up too, so make sure you want to part with one. It'll probably cost you more to replace down the road.

 

[jsrockit]

Depends on if it is to use (M4) or to admire (M3)!

 

[twvancamp]

I'm trying to make a similar decision between my M4 and M4-P. Don't need both but like them for different reasons.

 

[Range-rover]

Keep the M4, crank rewind better than "the knob" and great viewfinder.