MP and a M3?

[RayD28]

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You've seen the symptoms and you know the diagnosis. GAS.  Before you read on please know that this is no knock on those of us that have both an MP and M3 (or two or three MPs and two or three M3s) or any other combination or quantities of cameras or lenses.

 

I've been strongly (obsessively) thinking about getting an MP and I need some advice.  I have an M3 SS that I had CLA'd a few years ago and I've grown attached to it.  It's definitely not collector quality but there are no mechanical or dust/haze/glass problems.  

 

I'm getting comfortable with estimating exposure but always carry a small Sekonic light meter.  I also have a shoe-mount Voigtlander VC II meter that I sometimes use.  My go-to lens is a 50mm.   I have a 28mm SC and a 28mm brightline viewfinder.  I occasionally use a 35mm SC and I'm thinking about getting a 35mm external finder.  

 

If I get the 35mm finder, I have the basic functionality of an MP, albeit a bit cobbled.  Fully mechanical -- Check.  Meter available -- Check.  Frame lines available for 28, 35, 50, and 90 -- Check.  

 

I have used the 28mm with the M3 a few times and so far I'm ok using two view finders to focus and then frame.  Only one time has the finder slipped out of the shoe mount but I found it inside my bag.  It came off because I was forcing the camera inside too small of a compartment in my bag. Reconfiguring the dividers fixed that problem.  

 

Obviously, an MP would eliminate the need for the shoe-mount meter and two external finders, and three less things to remember, or to lose, is important when you want simplicity.

 

I've put a pencil to it and a buy/sell/trade deal for an MP is do-able.  But so is two or three future CLAs and replacing a couple of lost or broken finders. 

 

An alternative is to get an MP and keep the M3.  Disregarding the OM-2 I bought in 1977, I'd only have two film cameras.  Reasonable?  Yes. Affordable?  Barely.  Conflicted?  Absolutely.  

 

I'm going to go shoot a few shots and enjoy and be thankful for what I have.  

 

Ray

Edited April 14, 2018 by RayD28

[TomB_tx]

I looked at a new M3 in 1968, but liked the M4 finder better, so I bought that (and still have it). In 1985 I added an M6, and have loved it. After retiring and having time I've added an M3 (and M2, M5), and still prefer the finders of the others over the M3, and I use mainly 50mm on film. While I seldom found the M6 finder flare a problem, I got it upgraded with the “flare fix” and multcoated window, and now it’s my favorite finder of my film Ms.

You could get a good M6 and upgrade the finder for less than an MP, and keep your M3 as well.

Each of the M cameras has its charms, and after a bit of use any may grow on you.

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[enboe]

My personal style uses 28 and 35 more than 50, so the MP is the easy winner in this debate.  If you are attached to the 0.92x viewfinder of the M3 for near 1:1 viewing, then the MP will be an adjustment, and perhaps not as enjoyable for you.

 

I would pick up an MP and hang on to the M3 for 6 months.  If you bond with the MP, the M3 will be an easy sale.  If not, then sell the MP.

 

Eric

[RayD28]

My personal style uses 28 and 35 more than 50, so the MP is the easy winner in this debate.  If you are attached to the 0.92x viewfinder of the M3 for near 1:1 viewing, then the MP will be an adjustment, and perhaps not as enjoyable for you.

 

I would pick up an MP and hang on to the M3 for 6 months.  If you bond with the MP, the M3 will be an easy sale.  If not, then sell the MP.

 

Eric

 

 

Thanks, Eric.  Good advice.  I have an M240 and I like it's 0.68x finder so a 0.72x won't be a problem.  

[Mute-on]

I shoot M2 alongside MP 0.58. The viewfinders work for me because the MP has the 28, and the M2 has either 35 or 50.

 

A 0.72 MP would provide the platform for you to use a 28 or 35 without additional viewfinders. Of course if you could find a 0.58 MP, I’d get that as shooting a 28 or 35 on a 0.58 is a real pleasure.

 

Importantly, the meter in the MP has sped up my process. I do carry a separate meter, and use it in combination with the MP meter, as conditions require. The ability to meter both incident and reflected covers all light conditions and subjects.

 

I say go for it! Keep the M3 and get the MP (0.72 or 0.58, whichever you prefer). Put your 28 or 35 on the MP and shoot it alongside your M3 with the 50. You will have an absolute blast!

 

Cheers

 

J

[a.noctilux]

Thanks, Eric.  Good advice.  I have an M240 and I like it's 0.68x finder so a 0.72x won't be a problem.  

 

If for 0.72 finder, have a look if you can in an M-A's super-bright-contrasty viewfinder.

Those complete frames lines haven't been put on M 's VF for long, since M4-P.

[RayD28]

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If for 0.72 finder, have a look if you can in an M-A's super-bright-contrasty viewfinder.

Those complete frames lines haven't been put on M 's VF for long, since M4-P.

 

 

Unfortunately I live 500 miles from the nearest Leica dealer.  I would love to compare the M-A to a .72 MP and a .58 MP.  I hear a lot of good things about the .58.  

[TheBestSLIsALeicaflex]

Unfortunately I live 500 miles from the nearest Leica dealer.  I would love to compare the M-A to a .72 MP and a .58 MP.  I hear a lot of good things about the .58.  

 

 

I wear glasses but did not like the 0.58 I owned about 10 years ago.  Quickly sold.  The image in the viewfinder (for me) is very small, and distant, and more difficult to focus because of the reduced magnification.  

 

After owning a bunch of rangefinders over the decades, I gravitate to those with the high contrast, high magnification viewfinders -- e.g., M3 and Nikons.

[RayD28]

My personal style uses 28 and 35 more than 50, so the MP is the easy winner in this debate.  If you are attached to the 0.92x viewfinder of the M3 for near 1:1 viewing, then the MP will be an adjustment, and perhaps not as enjoyable for you.

 

I would pick up an MP and hang on to the M3 for 6 months.  If you bond with the MP, the M3 will be an easy sale.  If not, then sell the MP.

 

Eric

 

 

I shoot M2 alongside MP 0.58. The viewfinders work for me because the MP has the 28, and the M2 has either 35 or 50.

 

A 0.72 MP would provide the platform for you to use a 28 or 35 without additional viewfinders. Of course if you could find a 0.58 MP, I’d get that as shooting a 28 or 35 on a 0.58 is a real pleasure.

 

Importantly, the meter in the MP has sped up my process. I do carry a separate meter, and use it in combination with the MP meter, as conditions require. The ability to meter both incident and reflected covers all light conditions and subjects.

 

I say go for it! Keep the M3 and get the MP (0.72 or 0.58, whichever you prefer). Put your 28 or 35 on the MP and shoot it alongside your M3 with the 50. You will have an absolute blast!

 

Cheers

 

J

 

 

Eric and J, I tried to take your advice and I spent the last few days trying to get an MP at a reasonable price.  Two were on eBay and were user-grade, which was ok with me.  I factored in a DAG CLA ($400)  and bid accordingly and both cameras sold for slightly less than $3,000 and that was more than I care to pay right now.  Tamarkin had a bargain mint .85 but I need a .72.  BTW, Tamarkin apparently sold the .85 (listed for about $3,200) on Friday which did not surprise me since I just saw two user-grade cameras sell.

 

Ray

[Herr Barnack]

@RayD28,

 

If you really want an MP (and it sounds like you do), stay on the hunt till you find the MP that is the right combination of price & condition for you.  I had an MP with the 0.72x viewfinder, which gave me bright-line frames for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135mm lenses; IMHO, this makes the 0.72x finder the best all-around choice. 

 

Some glasses wearers prefer the 0.58x viewfinder [ https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/67046-help-072-or-058-viewfinder/ ], but the 0.72x works fine for me.  The one shortcoming of the 0.58x is that you do not have 135mm framelines, but that is a non-issue if you do not shoot with the 135.

 

A more cost friendly alternative to the MP is the M4-P, which is the only film driven M camera I have at present.  It is very similar to the current production MA in terms of features.  The M4-P is a really outstanding camera - it is light in weight and very durable and reliable.  Just something to think about...

Edited April 23, 2018 by Herr Barnack

[Ko.Fe.]

Fist of all, it is not uncommon to have multiple film cameras if you are not GAS collector, but photog. Take two great examples, HCB has upto three M3 with him. GW has two M in the bag, he was reported to have two M3 once (he changed used cameras to less used frequently) . Both used external viewfinder and light meters.  Later on HCB switched one of his M to CL or CLE.

I had M3 for couple of years and sold it because I'm not 50mm shooter. I changed it to NOS Bessa R2M. And I'm finding myself is slightly better situation I was before M with Bessa R. 

It is very, very, very different from external exposure meter. With exposure meter I measure and I understand it all and I don't need to measure it every time, with TTL metering I still have to maintain sense of exposure, but I'm more disconnected with light.

Yes, I'm getting well exposed films, but it is weird side-effect.

With meterless camera I would walk and fire no matter what, but to get this moment. With metered TTL I need to stop and watch this in camera meter  to be happy. I'm slow with TTL!

 

As for 28 frames. It is only is good if lens and hood are small.  Even with 35 frames not all lenses with hoods are not visible in VF...

Edited April 23, 2018 by Ko.Fe.

[sblitz]

I think two 35mm film cameras makes a lot of sense, especially since that's what I have. First, allows different film stocks to be used at the same time and Second, different lenses. 

[RayD28]

This morning I looked online for used MPs and I found a black one at Adorama.  It was rated as having user marks visible only under close inspections.  $3,600 seems like a reasonable price (maybe a couple of hundred dollars high based trending eBay prices).  Almost pulled the trigger but just couldn't right now.  My daughter is getting married next spring and I need to get a firmer handle on wedding costs.  I looked online this evening and it's still there but I know something else will come along after setting the wedding budget.  Until then, it's the M3 and me for film.  

 

Ray

[TomB_tx]

I found that as "father of the bride" I was occupied with the social aspects, so left the photography to others and just enjoyed the occasion. 

[RayD28]

I found that as "father of the bride" I was occupied with the social aspects, so left the photography to others and just enjoyed the occasion. 

 

 

We'll hire a professional photographer.  I might take a few snaps, but there is no way I would/should/could be responsible photographing this occasion.  My job is to smile and have an open wallet.  

[RayD28]

I'm testing driving a used MP.  Developed one role -- mostly test shots of metering, shutter speeds, and focus.  Did have a few keepers and posted one in the M Film Photos thread.