Which would you keep - Leica M2 or M3 ?

[elude]

I would get rid of the M6 0x85. Imo the M3 prevails, and The M5 with spotmeter has a unique design which differs from your other gear.

It's the smartest I think, plus this particular magnification on M6 will make you more money.

goodluck

 

[literiter]

I got rid of the M3, kept the M2 and bought a M4-P.

The M2 had the frame lines I wanted and in many ways represents what I think Leica is all about; simplicity, absolute simplicity.

 

[drewbarb]

The first thing to do is pay to fix the finder in the M3. If you decide to keep it, it'll work better, and if you sell it, it'll bring more. After that, take a hard look at your shooting preferences. I have to assume you prefer the metered cameras, as you haven't put the M5 or M6 on the table, but I'd consider selling one of them instead. I'm with elude- sell the .85 M6. The newer Leicas come up short in comparison to the older ones, IMO. Besides, if it's a .85 M6 classic, and not the TTL, it's a fairly rare camera and could bring the most money. Keeping the M2, M3, and M5 would leave you with the best finders (provided you clean the M3...) suitable for a range of lenses, and a good body with a meter for when you just have to have an in-camera meter. Besides all this, you keep the three with the best of the old Leitz craftsmanship in build quality. Finally, stick a 35mm on the M2, a 50mm on the M3, and a 90mm on the M5, and be DONE.

 

[windraider]

Leica is like a Rolex or jewellery for photography - it is the feel good factor not just pure function.
Hence there is no right or wrong choice - just your choice.

If your purpose is to make images, you don't need a Leica in this day and age - a camera phone and good software would give you better images.

 

[cosmonot]

Despite all the wisdom and good intentions of the contributors, this thread has led me nowhere. I wasn't looking for enlightenment- I was looking for Easy. Now I am back where I started. Thanks a lot !

Send both to me, I'll pick the one you should keep and send it back.

Easy enough, right?

 

[HuubL]

Sell a kidney (and buy an M4)

 

[maddoc]

My stock answer which applies to many different questions asked.... Sell everything and buy an M4-P...

Slightly different reply, sell everything except the M3, repair the M3's VF and buy an M4-P.

 

[CopperB]

Hehehe... I've got that M3 with the faded finder and I'm a happy girl. Thanks Subhash. A pleasure taking it off of your hands. It's been sight seeing here, getting acquainted with it's new home, stopping occasionally for a rest and a bit of refreshment. In particular, it enjoys a nice Americano with a molasses ginger cookie while people watching.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Keep it warm this winter! Ontario might be a shock for a South Florida camera!

 

[CopperB]

I'm in search of a coat...erm, case for it as a matter of fact.

 

[raid]

The M3 is far more beautiful than the M2. I've owned both. However, I kept the M2. Looks are for looks; when it comes to what's inside, it's what counts.

Well, I kept the [beautiful] M3 and added an M6. I got a built-in meter which an M2 does not have. Now, the "pair" is made in heaven.

Mathematically speaking ... take M6 divided by M3 ==> you get M2 [thats RFF Math].

 

[srtiwari]

It was a pleasure doing business with you, Patti. Seems you are enjoying the M3. The DS ended up in Moscow.
I still have the M2.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

sell the M3, keep the M2. what Tom said.

 

[Rob-F]

I have both. I could live without my M3. I will never part with my M2.