Wondering of choosing a Leica M2 or M3

[Timmyjoe]

Coming at this from a slightly different point. Trying to make the same decision.

Been shooting for the last 2 years with a iiif and a collapsable 5cm Summicron. Absolutely love the lens, but I miss quite a few shots (or they're out of focus) because the iiif is not the fastest (or easiest) focusing camera in the world.

Want to get an M2 or M3 to use with this Summicron. I know everyone says the M2 is a better choice because you can use a 35 with it, but I'm really just looking for something to use with my 5cm. And from what I've read, the M3 is the most accurate focusing Leica because it has the longest rangefinder base.

So I'm leaning toward the M3 and was wondering if anyone can point out anything I am missing?

Thanks for any and all info.

Best,
-Tim

 

[dave lackey]

Coming at this from a slightly different point. Trying to make the same decision.

Been shooting for the last 2 years with a iiif and a collapsable 5cm Summicron. Absolutely love the lens, but I miss quite a few shots (or they're out of focus) because the iiif is not the fastest (or easiest) focusing camera in the world.

Want to get an M2 or M3 to use with this Summicron. I know everyone says the M2 is a better choice because you can use a 35 with it, but I'm really just looking for something to use with my 5cm. And from what I've read, the M3 is the most accurate focusing Leica because it has the longest rangefinder base.

So I'm leaning toward the M3 and was wondering if anyone can point out anything I am missing?

Thanks for any and all info.

Best,
-Tim

Tim, I have used the M3 with the Summarit 50mm 1.5 as a one camera one lens for several years now and cannnot recommend it enough for that focal length!🙂

 

[Meakin]

Timmyjoe, from what you have just described - ".....but I'm really just looking for something to use with my 5cm.." - no question, get the M3. I think you will find the viewfinder quite the revelation.

Cheers,

/Meakin

 

[rover]

Focusing accuracy will not be an issue with either an M2 or M3 and a 50 Summicron. The increased VF magnification of the M3 makes it the perfect mate for a 50mm lens. If you want the option to use a 35mm lens then you are better off with an M2. Let me just say though, since the opportunity has presented itself to do so.....

Everybody needs an M3!!!!

 

[mdarnton]

I never have gotten along with the 35mm focal length, and when I had both an M2 and M3 I never used the M2 at all. The M3 is easier to focus, easier to use, and a cooler camera overall, if you're never going to use a 35. It you want to use a 35mm, buy an M4 of some sort, for the decades fresher finder and the better loading/counting system--skip the M2. Next to my two M3s, my second favorite camera was my M4-2, and at the time they were quite cheap, too.

 

[jsrockit]

I wonder what the OP chose 4.5 years ago? 😉 As for the resurrecting poster, sounds like you may prefer the M3, but if you wear glasses, you may like the 50 framelines in the M2.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Thanks everyone, I think I'll go with the M3, as I don't wear glasses when I shoot, and I'm not really looking for a camera to use with a 35mm lens.

Best,
-Tim

 

[literiter]

My first M camera was the M2, which I still have. My second was a beautiful M3 but since it didn't work with the standard 35mm lens I sold it and bought a brand new M4-P which I still have.

The finder in the M3 was not that much better for me than the finder in the M2 so I had no compunction in letting go the M3.

I like the simplicity of the M2 even compared to the simplicity of the M4-P. To solve the glasses issue I found proper -2 diopters that screw into the finder that allow me to remove my glasses and see the whole frame in both cameras.

If I were obliged for some reason to need to replace my M cameras I would get another M2 without hesitation. Then perhaps a M6 to replace the M4-P.

 

[Richard G]

M2. You have the same body shape as the current film Leica the MP. M2. Simple, elegant, timeless.

 

[250swb]

I have always thought the M2 was a nicer camera than the M3. Sleeker and more efficient with the better (for me) framelines. It is just as slick to use as an M3 and importantly it is an easier camera to buy in good condition because they tend to be newer and without the M3 premium.

Steve