which would you choose? M3 or...

[JoeFriday]

I've got a very nice M3 that I have no complaints with.. but I often think I'd be happier with an M6 because of the built-in meter... of course, the M3 has the better finder.. but how would an M6 with a 1.25X magnifier compare?

 

[rover]

I have an M6 and M3.

I use the M6 more because of the meter, but it is no M3.

When I am going some place alone, specifically to photograph, without any other responsibilities or things to worry about, I take the M3.

The M6 is more convenient though.

 

[fredus]

You will regret selling your M3. The finder is just a whole different experience. Keep it and save for a M6 ...

Fred

 

[JoeFriday]

that's the sort of things I'm wondering about.. hmmmm

 

[dcsang]

Do what I did..

BOTH 😀

I blame FrankS for that one..


Dave

 

[jja]

Although I've never handled one, I've seen the magnifier installed on an M6, and although it's small, it sticks out just enough that I think it would bother me, as it seems to take away from the clean lines of the camera.

Perhaps more than the question of meter/meterless operation, I think it's a question of whether or not you'd benefit from the .72 framelines, and what kind of lenses you shoot. If I had to have only one camera, it would be one with the .72 framelines for versatility. If I had the need for two M's, then the M3 would figure as a strong candidate.

 

[FrankS]

I have both too. 🙂

 

[Andrew Touchon]

Rule 1: Never sell a Leica.

Rule 2: Buy more Leicas.

 

[JoeFriday]

sort of like the De Beers cartel... "Leicas are forever"

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Yep, Brett, they're forever.

As you know, I too have the metered and unmetered bodies. And, like Ralph, I only carry my unmetered body when I have the time to work on my photos. For convenience, nothing beats an M6, but with the M3 I feel like challenging myself.

Besides, no other camera makes you happy about the 50mm focal length more than the M3.

Don't sell nuthin! 🙂 Just save for a good, ole M6! 😉

 

[dadsm3]

I have both too!
I agree with Rover....M6 for convenience and when a 35mm lens is called for, M3 for 50/90mm. The bugeyes darken the viewfinder a bit when using a 35mm on the M3....
But if you're used to an M3 the framelines on a .72 M6 take a while to get used to.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Brett, I've owned an M6, I have an M3 and M4-P, both meterless of course. If you sell the M3 for say...600-700 (seems the going rate now) and buy the M6 used for around 1000-1200, thats 400-600 out of pocket.
I would buy the VC Meter II for 175.00 (or whatever they cost now) and save your money. I did this and the meter is great, it looks cheap in the pictures but is very well built and accurate, fits the camera like OEM.

My 2 cents
Todd

 

[Alec]

Hi Brett.

Ditto here. The M6 with meter and all the frames is very convenient, but I wouldn't part with the M2+40mm... (hey, it does not flare, no obnoxious red dot or "LEICA M6" written all over the place, it looks like it has seen things... and even film loading is more reliable, if not faster)

PS: The Petri did a great effect on Jan. 9. Now this weekend we are going to load some film into it and get serious.... more later!

 

[Ben Z]

I have M3, M4 and M6. The M3 is my least-favorite of all and I keep it just because it's the granddaddy of the Ms and I always wanted one. The no-meter is not even an issue. I don't really understand why so many people think of the M3 as the top Leica, they must not be into using a 35mm lens for sure, because I tried a googled lens and I tried useing the whole finder and I tried a separate finder, and no thank you. For me the M3 would be out of the running even if it had a meter. The M6 with its meter is not that much of a convenience compared to my M4, and sometimes a drawback. In fact I got a used Voitlander meter and have it on my M6 so I can take a reading without bringing the camera up to my eye. That way I can pre-meter, pre-focus (guess/zone) and just whip the camera up, compose fast and shoot.

 

[JoeFriday]

alright.. you've all talked me out of impulsively trading.. now we just need to start a Brett's M6 Fund.. maybe get a website going where we (meaning 'I') can take donations via paypal.. who wants to start on that?

Alec... glad the Petri is working out.. I hope to see a lot of photos from it

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Brett,

For what it is worth, I regretted selling my M3 in favor of my M6. The viewfinder is amazing on the M3. And while the build quality on both is stellar, there is something about the feel of the M3 that really makes it svelt ;-) The meter is convenient if you have varying lighting situations, but for most other times, it is easier to take a handheld reading and just shoot away. You've got a keeper there, don't sell it. If anything, buy a M6 to complement it! good luck

 

[35mmdelux]

IMO the M4-P is one of the best M's ever. I've also owned M6 Classic and M6TTL. I prefer the M6TTL B/C of its light meter and oversize shutter knob, forget the sunny whatever rule, unless I'm desperate. For those that can break-away from brand names, I'd seriously consider a ZI new for the cost of a used M6. I guess they'll call it the poor man's Leica: AE, 125 sync, +/- adjustments, fast back-loader, big viewfinder, competitive price.

I'd consider selling the M3 because of its probable high mileage and get the ZI. Couple that w/ your M4-P and you've got a reliable business plan. Regards, Paul

 

[zpuskas]

As with any question there are more opinions to further confuse you.
I have both and I like both. I don't see much difference between viewfinders--OK the M6 is little darker--but I have a .58 mag so it works better with wide lenses (my favorites). The M3 feels different, but not better. The one I'm holding in my hand is the one I like best.

 

[MCTuomey]

I'm new to Leicas, but I can't see why you'd let go of the M3 for an M6 unless you wanted to limit yourself to one body and really needed an inboard meter. I bought an M6 last year but am thinking now of selling it and just putting a VC II on my M4. That way I can shoot the M4 all the time, yum.

 

[cp_ste.croix]

I've got a very nice M3 that I have no complaints with.. but I often think I'd be happier with an M6 because of the built-in meter... of course, the M3 has the better finder.. but how would an M6 with a 1.25X magnifier compare?

you know brett, I think we are on the same wavelength here, in my fantasy world where I can afford things, i have this debate all the time. I usually go with M6 and 1.25 as the choices for 35mm lenses seems better w/o to goggles