Beauty, as has often been described, is in the eyes of the beholder. I like clean, simple lines. Simplicity and functionality are not easy to accomplish, as evidenced by almost all digital cameras. The P has the right combination of those factors, with an almost stark beauty. The M3 comes close, but is a bit more rugged and assertive. I'm fortunate to own both cameras, and a number of others that were on earlier ballots. It was difficult picking, as I love the look of the IIIf RD ST, and almost equally the IIIa. Again, I'm the fortunate owner of an example of each.
I do think the different models of the M-series split the vote. There isn't enough real difference, in my eyes, between things like the M3 and the MP. It's clear that the basic design, the GrandPapa (M3) was a winner. Leitz should be applauded for working around the design, rather than changing it for changes sake. Again, simplicity and functionality.
The true beauty of either camera can best be judged not by the eye, but by the use. They are totally fun to use, and they have been performing, in most cases, for longer than most members of this forum have been on the Earth. They are examples of an almost dead philosophy of producing quality by using top materials and a superior design assembled by trained and highly skilled humans. What a peculiar vision to todays management, trained to a bottom line strategy by cookie cutter MBA programs.
And our Municipal Orchestras are in deep trouble, Opera Companies are cutting corners, and Uncle Sam is passing out large grants to what a purist can only think of as diseased "art". Interesting world we live in....
Sorry to drift this far from the subject, but I stand by my 3rd paragraph...
Harry
