One must go - M3 or M4?

[narsuitus]

I do not have the M3 or the M4. When I was shopping for an M rangefinder, I considered the M2, M6 and MP. I bought the M6. Before I bought M6, my previous Leica experience was with an M1 on a microscope.

Since I prefer a 35mm focal length as my go-to lens, I would keep the M4.
Since I prefer the build of the M3 over the M2, M4, or M6. I would keep the M3.
Since I prefer the rewind crank over the rewind knob, I would keep the M4.
Since I prefer the film loading of my M6, I would keep the M4.
If forced to trade my M6 for an M3 or M4, I would pick the M4.
If I were a collector instead of a user, I would keep the M3.
If forced to sell an M3 or an M4 to buy a second M6, I would sell the M3.
If forced to sell an M3 and/or an M4 to buy an MP, I would sell them both.

 

[xayraa33]

in the early 1990s i did use an M3 with a Leitz SBLOO 3.5cm finder when using a 35mm lens even though i had the M2 and M4 cameras and it was very suitable and even enjoyable.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

This is just my observation from reading this forum for some time now.
I've seen more posts that say they regret selling their M3 than I have seen saying they regret selling an M4.
Take that for what it is worth.
I've only shot one roll of film thru my inherited M3, and none since having it looked at CLA'd by a Solms' trained tech. It is smooth as silk but I find it hard to hold without an added grip on it. So it sits in my cabinet with all my other film cameras. My recent quad bypass surgery has me rethinking keeping all of them in storage vs selling them off to get what I really want.

 

[rfaspen]

I have an M3, M2, MDa, and inoperable M6. Clearly, I come from the perspective that if you can keep both, keep both.

 

[Beemermark]

Since I prefer the build of the M3 over the M2, M4, or M6. I would keep the M3.

The M2, M3 and M4 both have the same high quality of parts, fit, finish and overall build. The M4 added features that made for quicker reloading (the reloading crank and no film spool). These additions were for semi-pro or pro photographers (try rewinding and loading a roll of film in a hurry in the M3, say in the middle of a basketball game). The M2 deleted some features (but not quality) to bring the price down for serious amateurs. The M5 was well built but poorly received. Leica profits suffered and the M4 was returned as the M4-2. The M4-2, M4-P, and M6's were nowhere as robust as the previous cameras. Having had both the M3 and M4 back when film was king I never had a problem accurately focusing either camera. I think the higher price of the M3 today is mostly due to the cool factor with younger shooters. Until relatively recently the M4 was always more expensive. What I really don't understand is why the M4-2 and M4-P are selling for more than the earlier models.[/quote]

 

[narsuitus]

The M2, M3 and M4 both have the same high quality of parts, fit, finish and overall build. The M2 deleted some features (but not quality) to bring the price down for serious amateurs. The M5 was well built but poorly received.

When I said, "... I prefer the build of the M3 over the M2, M4, or M6." I was not referring to the quality of the parts, I was referring to features that were omitted to bring the price down or features that were added.

 

[narsuitus]

My recent quad bypass surgery has me rethinking keeping all of them in storage vs selling them off to get what I really want.

What is it that you really want?

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

This is a difficult one to answer; the M3 to be kept because it was the first of the M's or the M4 because, as many will say, it was the peak of the M's. I guess the lenses you have and use will decide it for you.

If I cut back to just one M and then wanted a second Leica I'd probably go for the 1930's model II for a complete contrast and yet the same camera; especially with a Summitar on it.

Anyway, I'll wish you luck deciding, perhaps to toss a coin...



Regards, David

 

[571514m3]

Thank you all. The diversity of thoughts on this shows me that my pondering on the question of which one to keep are not just a sign of wanting to hold onto things despite there not being the need to. Maybe a bit of FOMO also?

I've decided to put the M4 on the market. Someone will really love it. It means I should also sell the lovely Summaron with goggles. I have one without and love that lens a lot with my digital M. A friend once called it 'Summacron' and for good reason, and maybe the way prices have gone is a recognition of what a nice lens it is.


Thanks folks, I did enjoy reading all the responses!

 

[leicapixie]

The M3 is "less versatile". Really?
Mine is 54 years in service as a pro, now simply for me!
Fashion, advertising, publicity, Rodeos, news and photojournalism.
Jeez what did i miss?
My M6 has an inaccurate viewfinder, lousy finish, meter no more parts.

 

[Godfrey]

I've had virtually all the M film cameras up to the M6TTL.

The one I still have and have no plans to sell is a first production series M4-2. It has the M4 viewfinder, steel gears so it can be used with a powered winder if desired, and a hot shoe accessory socket so I can run an RF-flash trigger (I almost never use a flash). I occasionally use an MR-4 meter with it too (usually, I just guess or use my iPhone with a metering app). I prefer the lighter, quieter 35/50/90/135 frame lines, don't need a self timer, and the camera has proven to be both inexpensive ($700 plus $110 for a viewfinder/rangefinder CLA).

I've had it for a decade now... It's needed a shutter service since I got it (shutter runs a third stop fast/slow across the frame at 1/1000 second) but I only rarely use 1/1000 second and it's fine up to 1/500. I'll get the shutter done some day, I guess. LOL! It makes great photos.

Lee 'n' Me - Palo Alto 2011
Leica M4-2 + Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.5​

The M3 and M4 are both just fine, but I prefer this one.

G

 

[Andrea Taurisano]

Put your M3 away in a drawer for a month pretending you sold it, using only the M4. Next month do the opposite. See which solution felt more "right", or less "wrong"..

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

What is it that you really want?

The newly announced Sony A1.

 

[das]

I really think that an M3 with a good 50mm lens and a 35mm with the goggles is the best of both worlds. With either lens, the view is outstanding and something that no other Leica M quite replicates. If your M3 is modified to focus down to 0.7m, even better.

I see the M4 as just being a meterless M6 or M7. In other words, there are other Leicas that do the same thing as the M4. Not so with the M3.

 

[ktmrider]

I just purchased a mint M4 to go along with my M2. I have owned both M2 and M4 previously during 45 years of using film Leica's. I have only owned an M3 once for about a year immediately after switching from SLR's so this tells you my answer.

If you prefer 50, keep the M3 but for 35 the M4 has it all over the M3.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Consider using one camera solely for black & white and the other solely for color. Makes it very easy to switch back and forth.

 

[571514m3]

Consider using one camera solely for black & white and the other solely for color. Makes it very easy to switch back and forth.

SO very right!
That was my reason for buying a digital M and a decent printer. I only use the m3 or 4 for B&W and have given up on color film.


The printer I use is a SC-P800 which does great prints but at times has a magenta color cast that I have no idea where it comes from. A lot of people like me on MAC complain about that.

I am actually considering one of the cheaper ecotank printers, theEcoTank ET-1110, to print 6*4 for family and friends. The bulk ink for them is cheap. The SC-P800 is rather expensive to feed with ink for the 9 cartridges.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

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

+1

If you don't have to sell - then don't!

This is an impossible choice. For me though - the only reason I would see choosing the M4 over the M3 would be the loading system. Otherwise, at least for my money, the M3 is superior in every respect. But if I had both and absolutely had to sell one of them I honestly can't say which it would be.

 

[Beemermark]

Put your M3 away in a drawer for a month pretending you sold it, using only the M4. Next month do the opposite. See which solution felt more "right", or less "wrong"..

great advice. Unless you really need the money for something important (like another lens) put it away. If you find you miss it then put the M4 away for a month or two.

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

I think you'll do the right thing, as in meaning what will make you happiest in the end.

Good luck and best wishes.

Mike