phovsho Posted October 26, 2008 Share #1 Posted October 26, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Howdy been contemplating buying an M3 as a user. I shoot m film cameras (m6, mp and m7), all with meters, plus an m8. I was thinking of using it with a 50mm 1.4 Asph and 1.0 primarily. A bit of a change for me, as I prefer 35/1.4 as standard lens on a ff camera. However, I understand the M3 doesn't have 35mm framelines - correct? Any comments appreciated. Thanks M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 26, 2008 Posted October 26, 2008 Hi phovsho, Take a look here Using an M3 . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
guywalder Posted October 26, 2008 Share #2 Posted October 26, 2008 However, I understand the M3 doesn't have 35mm framelines - correct? yes, thats correct. The M3 has a VF magnification of 0.91x and frame lines for 50, 90 and 135mm lenses. They did a (or several?) 35mm lenses with spectacle attachment at that time, but if you fit a current 35 you will need an additional VF. The M3 also has no meter, unless you fit the external Leicameter. Personally I dont like it but YMMV! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KM-25 Posted October 26, 2008 Share #3 Posted October 26, 2008 I have and use an MP3, M6TTL and two M3's. I sold the M8 not long ago. The M3 and a 50 1.4 asph is a phenomenal combo. Next to the nearly ideal .91 magnification, the shutter is to die for. Since there is no meter, there is no meter detent or step in the shutter release. So the shutter release feel is "Like Buhddah!" When a good M3 is properly tuned, it is the Leica M experience in the highest order. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted October 26, 2008 Share #4 Posted October 26, 2008 The M3 and a 50 1.4 asph is a phenomenal combo...... I agree. I have had 2 MPs and though I really like them, the M3 + 50 lux asph combo can't be surpassed...ah, those framelines for 50mm, pure perfection. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoskeptic Posted October 26, 2008 Share #5 Posted October 26, 2008 Something you don't hear much anymore concerning the M3 is that it has the only M finder which will not flare. After dealing with that issue with my other M's, I was happy to leave it behind when I got an M3. I still shoot an M8, but when I whip the M3 w/50 cron out of the bag, put the viewfinder to my right eye, well that's when the magic begins. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoombs Posted October 26, 2008 Share #6 Posted October 26, 2008 Absolutely agree with the above. I have one, plus an M6 and M8, and the M3 has the brightest and easiest to use viewfinder/rangefinder. You will notice a real difference looking through the 50mm framelines compared to your current M's (unless they are 0.86's). Also, with a good CLA the shutter and advance will feel like a swiss watch. Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted October 26, 2008 Share #7 Posted October 26, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I agree. I have had 2 MPs and though I really like them, the M3 + 50 lux asph combo can't be surpassed...ah, those framelines for 50mm, pure perfection. What about adding a magnifier on a different viewfinder? There's the 1,4x newly available also, which makes the .72 finder a 1.0... I haven't ever tried the magnifiers. Are they any good? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeonardT Posted October 26, 2008 Share #8 Posted October 26, 2008 Howdybeen contemplating buying an M3 as a user. I shoot m film cameras (m6, mp and m7), all with meters, plus an m8. I was thinking of using it with a 50mm 1.4 Asph and 1.0 primarily. A bit of a change for me, as I prefer 35/1.4 as standard lens on a ff camera. However, I understand the M3 doesn't have 35mm framelines - correct? Any comments appreciated. Thanks M Have you considered the M2 which has 35mm framelines? While I love my M3 I find I use the M2 much more. Of course with 50mm lenses the M3 rules. Len Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vieri Posted October 26, 2008 Share #9 Posted October 26, 2008 Something you don't hear much anymore concerning the M3 is that it has the only M finder which will not flare. ... As have the M2 & the modern MP and, for that matter, the last M7 (you can have Leica modifying older M7 for you, apparently, though I never owned one). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
budrichard Posted October 26, 2008 Share #10 Posted October 26, 2008 While I certainly agree that my M3 finder is the best and the feel of the M3 shutter release is great compared to my M6(0.85) and M7's(0.85), in the final analysis, using the same lens on any of these cameras will result in the same photograph, so any discussion is purely academic, as the purpose of the camera is to take photographs and not provide sensory stimulation.-Dick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Hiles Posted October 26, 2008 Share #11 Posted October 26, 2008 While I certainly agree that my M3 finder is the best and the feel of the M3 shutter release is great compared to my M6(0.85) and M7's(0.85), in the final analysis, using the same lens on any of these cameras will result in the same photograph, so any discussion is purely academic, as the purpose of the camera is to take photographs and not provide sensory stimulation.-Dick Seems to me that the purpose of the camera includes making picture taking as easy and positive as possible. That is more than an accurate shutter and rangefinder. The M3 - uniquely - is best at getting out of your way. All M cameras do that but the M3 does it best. Yes, any M camera with the same lens will produce the same picture, but the point is how does it help you make the picture. Leica M cameras are like a perfect waiter - supremely professional, confident, competent, vaguely comforting - and barely there. The M3 with a 50mm lens does it best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted October 26, 2008 Share #12 Posted October 26, 2008 What about adding a magnifier on a different viewfinder? There's the 1,4x newly available also, which makes the .72 finder a 1.0... I haven't ever tried the magnifiers. Are they any good? I have tried two different magnifiers and I did not like either of them. I tried the Leica 1,25x and a Megaperl's 1.35x. Both were well made, but I could not adapt my vision to see through them without the VF image being some combination of fuzzy, slightly distorted or not as bright. Others have found the magnifiers to be fantastic, so YMMV. If you have tried a Zeiss Ikon M, and found it easy to focus your vision through its VF, you might like a magnifier. Give me my good old M2/3 or my MP as it is out of the box. Sometimes less is more! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted October 26, 2008 Share #13 Posted October 26, 2008 What about adding a magnifier on a different viewfinder? There's the 1,4x newly available also, which makes the .72 finder a 1.0... I haven't ever tried the magnifiers. Are they any good? I use a 1.25x magnifier on a 0.85x mag MP with a Noctilux. I think the magnifier is excellent. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeplanter Posted October 26, 2008 Share #14 Posted October 26, 2008 ....been contemplating buying an M3 as a user..... It's not my intention in talking anybody out of buying an M3, I have one and use it every once in awhile, but just be aware that these cameras can be 50+ years old and their viewfinders are starting to show their age. The rangefinder in my double-stroke (early production M3) is so faint to be almost unusable. And yes, it has been given a thorough CLA by well-known Leica repairman. Just be sure to try before you buy. Jim B. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NB23 Posted October 27, 2008 Share #15 Posted October 27, 2008 While I certainly agree that my M3 finder is the best and the feel of the M3 shutter release is great compared to my M6(0.85) and M7's(0.85), in the final analysis, using the same lens on any of these cameras will result in the same photograph, so any discussion is purely academic, as the purpose of the camera is to take photographs and not provide sensory stimulation.-Dick Yes... But No. Is a fat woman as good as a skinny woman? An organ is an organ you say? Sensory stimulation is a must. I shoot very differently with a M7 Versus a M4P. I simply see things differently. Also, I started to shoot much better pictures with my M8 once I changed the original covering to Griptac. It just felt better, made me feel better, made the pics better. It probably sounds crazy to you but to me, it isn't. Just like a car Clutch, just like shoes, just like a favorite pair of underwear. No, a fat woman isn't the same as a physically fit woman. My performance is extremely affected by the woman in question. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KM-25 Posted October 27, 2008 Share #16 Posted October 27, 2008 I like the M3 so much that I decided I needed a workhorse. So I had this M3-Stealth created with all black including the reversed counter. What can I say? My BP LHSA 50 ASPH needed an M3...;-) There is not a trace of chrome on it... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/66560-using-an-m3/?do=findComment&comment=697502'>More sharing options...
Ludwig Gretch Posted October 27, 2008 Share #17 Posted October 27, 2008 There is not a trace of chrome on it... .........How sad! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KM-25 Posted October 27, 2008 Share #18 Posted October 27, 2008 .........How sad! It's OK, my other one has plenty, that is why I need a dark horse... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/66560-using-an-m3/?do=findComment&comment=697795'>More sharing options...
phovsho Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share #19 Posted October 28, 2008 Beautiful Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted October 28, 2008 Share #20 Posted October 28, 2008 Yes the M3 is a beautiful tool. Especially when the M3 is black Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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