phovsho Posted November 2, 2008 Share #1 Posted November 2, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I took possession of my silver M3 a few days back and had a chance to walk the streets of Hanoi for a few hours with the camera. I'm struck by just how much smoother this camera feels than my other Ms (M6ttl, M7, MP and M8). It feels so precise and integrated. Hard to believe this camera feels so superior after all these years. The finder is fantastic - big and bright. Sure its not going to be the favoured choice below 50mm focals, but for 50s and above its is simply superb. The uncluttered view finder is a revelation. My MP is almost disappointing in comparison - something I never thought I would say. Distracting frame lines and the fit and feel not as convincing. All my other Ms have built in meters. I was initially put off the M3 and other early Ms because of the lack of meter. Having taken the plunge I decided to initially rely on the sunny 16 rule, backed up by a hand held light meter. Plan is to go solo once I get sufficient confidence. So far the meter and I are scoring exposures pretty consistently so starting to build a bit of confidence in that regard. Of course I haven't got any photos back yet... Infatuated Murray Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 2, 2008 Posted November 2, 2008 Hi phovsho, Take a look here M3 Impressions. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
dcoombs Posted November 2, 2008 Share #2 Posted November 2, 2008 You will find that with practice and experience you will be able to estimate exposures with a surprising degree of accuracy. Just looking at a subject you will be able to say - Yes, 60th at f4. And be right. Of course it helps that modern films allow a fair degree of latitude, too. Enjoy your M3, I know I do mine. Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alw Posted November 2, 2008 Share #3 Posted November 2, 2008 Oh no, I´ve tried resisting the M3. Now I feel I have to give in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mole73 Posted November 2, 2008 Share #4 Posted November 2, 2008 Hello Murray, thanks for your impressions. But to put these in the right corner, you have to say that they are no more no less than "subjective impressions". ---Beginning of my subjective impressions--- I had the opportunity to compare an M3 and MP side by side for some months. The feeling of the M3 was very good but not anywhere near the MP. The MP is the smoothest, finest and best built Leica my hands ever touched (I had every regular production M in my hands!). Beneath that it has also the brightest and most clear viewfinder I ever saw (and I tested the Zeiss Ikon too). The medal of excellence goes without a doupt to the MP. ---End of my subjective impressions--- Have fun with the M3! Robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
klaush Posted November 2, 2008 Share #5 Posted November 2, 2008 Some days ago I was able to compare a MP to my M2 (built 1961). My impression was: the M2 "felt better", more precise, smoother operating. Of course these are subjective impressions. Klaush Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Hiles Posted November 2, 2008 Share #6 Posted November 2, 2008 The finder is fantastic - big and bright. Sure its not going to be the favoured choice below 50mm focals, but for 50s and above its is simply superb. The uncluttered view finder is a revelation. This is - for me - the point of M leicas. And the M3 remains the best. Yes, the lenses are wonderful, and the mechanisms are fabulous, but the point is a machine that enables your vision. The M3 and a 50mm lens gets out of your way and lets you connect the world with your mind's eye. The next in the list is the simple uncluttered M2, particularly if you favour 35mm lenses. The lack of meter means nothing to me. I use a spot meter when I have time, and that provides way better control of my negative than anything built in. When I do not have time for metering, experience and judgment work very well. Cheers, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jreitner Posted November 2, 2008 Share #7 Posted November 2, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I agree with the build of earlier leicas, in fact, the only reason I use a m6 is because it is the only leica i own with a meter. I have to say the m4 is my favorite, and I only favor this over the m3 becuase of loading and the 35mm frameline. For my m6 to be built almost 50 years after my m3, I have to say m3 wins on quality all around. and those brass gears. man do they feel smooth. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergio44 Posted November 3, 2008 Share #8 Posted November 3, 2008 Hi guys! I own an M3 and am very happy with it. I recently bought a 35mm f/ 1,4 SC Voigtlander and am actually near the end of the learning curve (really great lens!!). I focus and then compose with an external optical finder. I recently began to think that an M7 with the finder magnifier, could make my life easier - you can get an M7 in good conditions with the new MP finder at half the price of a new one - and I found very interesting the consideration that many of you are doing of the M3 being a better camera and that it is better to spend money on new cristal or a second body. As a lightmter I use a Zeiss Ikon Ikophot, wich, at least for the Leica sistem, works better tan the other Gossen digital I use with other cameras. Could somebody please elaborate a little more on the subject? Kind regards Sergio Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jreitner Posted November 3, 2008 Share #9 Posted November 3, 2008 personally, if you are looking for another all-mechanical alternative, I'd go with a m6 and get the finder upgrade- it will save you another bit of change and it doesn't need batteries to work (on all shutter speeds, you still get some speeds without the battery not sure which ones thoough, probably 1/60 and/or 1/125) The m7 camera is a great camera in its on right, but ive been too many places where I couldnt get batteries, or the weather was a problem (drastic though, deserts or well below 0) German cameras are like german cars, beautiful engines, the best- but can be an electronic lottery. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jreitner Posted November 3, 2008 Share #10 Posted November 3, 2008 and I picked up a nokton too, its a great lens for the price and SC works great with black and white, not a big fan of the color though- unless its on slide film. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.