Which to black paint: M2 or M3?

Which to black paint: M2 or M3?

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Simple question for someone really considering getting a black-painted M. If you have an M3 and an M2 in similar condition, which one do you get black-painted?

Thanks!
 
I'd go with M2. There is something special about the film counter dial on M2, at lease for me. I think it will look awesome either black painted or left silver for a Panda job.
 
I have a spare M3 top plate. I'm planning on trying my hand at painting the piece soon. I've found a silversmith and narrowed down my paint options. Hopefully sometime in the coming weeks I'll have picked up some experience painting these cameras before deciding to go through with my M3.
 
I see that everyone has caught the logic of why I didn't include options [C]both or [D]none. :) This is not about whether to paint black, but which one is better in black. I figure I can afford one Shintaro job sometime in the next few months. So, this is a definite either-or for me.
 
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My vote on M2 still stands.

Disc film counter is the main thing here. I think it would look real nice. I wish either my M2 was black or my BP MP had M2 style counter...

Oh and I'm sure M2 would be a bit easier to paint due to simpler top plate design, film counter/pointer.
 
Well, I voted M3. (the only one so far!)
There's just something about the lines and the raised windows on the M3 that I love, and after handling a (original!) black paint M3, I'm not sure that there's any better looking camera out there.

-Brian
 
If it was me, it would be the M2, as my preference for black M's lays in their greater discreetness on the street, and when I'm shooting on the street it is with a 35mm lens for which the M2 has a frameline. I kinda regret selling my M6 for this reason, as the black-bodied M6 would almost disappear when slung across my chest over a black top.

What does a repaint cost by the way ?

EDIT: AH, just checked out Shintaro's page. Quite nice, although expensive enough to rule out an impulse paint :)
 
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Sug, Brian - I think you hit on two key issues in terms of how black paint wears.

Damien - Equally important, which one will actually become worn. (M2 is in the mail, so it is TBD over the next few months *before* I commit to a paint job.) Presently, I tend to use the M3 as my go-to night camera because I get accuracy with the 50/1.2 and 35/1.2. I don't know how my usage will change when the M2 arrives.

Damien, Fraser - I'm in Japan, as is Shintaro. The yen is strong, and he takes payment in dollars. This will be a pro job if the currency stars stay aligned. ($500 ~ Y42000 last I checked)
 
I know some like pandas but to me it always looks like half a job. If you are going to do or have it done then for me it should look like the originals as far as possible. The only parts that are a pain to do are the film reminder dial on the back door and the strap lugs.
 
Rob-F said:
I may be missing something here. What does a silversmith have to do with painting a camera?
Click to expand...

Silversmith can use reverse electrolysis to strip off the chrome.

Or else maybe he's having rubies or emeralds studded in the camera. Gold-plated? A Sultan of Brunei model??
 
I would not want to mess with the Queen of all Leica cameras.
The M2 can be painted black ...
 
The Shintaro guy's site says 500$ for a body. For that price I'd rather just buy another body, a bit of black tape and 40 cases of beer.
 
Robert's site rangefinderrestorations.com is gone. Last time I heard, I thought he was working on a redesign of the site. Does anyone know if he's still in business??

Curse the super weak USD. I have no JPY bank account... :(
 
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