Am I crazy?

[LeicaFan]

Guys, I've been thinking about giving up my D3 for an M3.

Don't get me wrong, the D3 is an excellent camera, but I feel like it is more of a tool for somebody who photographs for a living, not a passion. I've gone through a few DSLRs and while I think that they're great, I've never really been happy with them.

I've known about Leica for some time now, but only recently (maybe about a year) did I discover what a Leica really is. I enjoy street photography and I think that a Leica would be the perfect tool for my desires. I enjoy the 50mm focal length so I believe that a M3 would be perfect for me.

I know that by giving up a DSLR for a film rangefinder, I will be losing a lot of features, but I think that those features (e.g., autofocus, metering, etc...) are features that take away from the photography experience.

I do think that I would still want a digital camera for certain conditions. Ideally, I would like an M3 and an M8, but I don't want to spend that much. If I sell my D3 and prime lens, I can allow myself $1400 for an M3 (looking for an SS and then with the money left over, I can have it CLA'd, top and bottom plates refinished, and have the vulcanite replaced with some sort of leather.... in other words, a "new" M3), $1000 for a 50/2 Cron (hoping for the current version... basing my price on what antiquecameras.net says), and with whats left over, I can buy an E-P2 and adapter for the M lenses.

Worst case scenario, I decide that the M3 is not for me and I sell everything and buy another DSLR. I do know that as soon as the D3 successor comes out, the price of the D3 will drop significantly. If I decide to go back to a D3, I would probably be able to buy one for much less than what I sell mine for. From what I've seen, Leica prices (for the older film models) are pretty much set (increasing, even?).

I just wanted to put my thoughts into words and hopefully get some feedback from your guys. Have any of you made a similar switch? Do you regret it?

[LeicaFan]

I agree with you, and you seem to have thought your experiment out rather meticulously. You have very little to lose and perhaps a creative stimulus to gain. I suggest you go for it, try the M3 + 50mm. My only advice is that you be open to trying an older dr or rigid 50/2 summicron. It is a smashing lens, and it can obtained for a bit less than a current version.

Thanks for your opinion.

I'm not opposed to buying an older Summicron (I believe that the current model shares the same optics with some of the previous models, correct?), but there might be a problem in locating an older Summicron that is in well-kept condition.

[Stuart John]

Nope not crazy but you may not like a rangefinder though. As much as I like the idea of rangefinders I actually prefer my FM2 and 35mm 2.5 E. I got as for as the camera store a couple of years ago with both my DSLRs and my Nikon lenses ready to trade in for an M6 but just could not quite do it.

I am still tempted about every couple of months to sell my Nikon gear and get a Leica but still have not done it. I started looking a Leicas in 1998 and still have not taken the plunge. I've have a couple of Canonets which I've had since 1998 and have put plenty of rolls through them but still can't decide if a rangefinder is for me.

I may look again in the new year though as the band I have been playing in for the last 2 years has split up so I have a bit more time for photography.

I want to shoot much more film and make the most of it while it is still around. There is plenty of time to shoot digital but film may be much harder to come by in another ten years.

[LeicaFan]

Stuart, I already have a rangefinder (see sig). I like them! :)

[Stuart John]

Thats good, I've had my Canonets for years but I'm still not sure. I guess one day I am going to have to buy a Leica M to see how it suits me long term.

[archeophoto]

You didn't tell us what type of photographs you take/want to take. Or why you don't like the D3. Is it too big maybe? You also didn't tell us what lenses you use on your D3. Some of them turn the D3 into a real awkward monster.
I for myself would never give up my D700 for any 35mm camera. The low ISO performance and flexibility of the D700/D3 can not be replicated with any 35mm setup. I would miss that greatly.
I know what you mean by being passionate about 35mm film cameras though. I enjoy shooting with my IIIf more then I do with the D700. But the flexibility of the D700 is just unmatched.

[LeicaFan]

You didn't tell us what type of photographs you take/want to take. Or why you don't like the D3. Is it too big maybe? You also didn't tell us what lenses you use on your D3. Some of them turn the D3 into a real awkward monster.
I for myself would never give up my D700 for any 35mm camera. The low ISO performance and flexibility of the D700/D3 can not be replicated with any 35mm setup. I would miss that greatly.
I know what you mean by being passionate about 35mm film cameras though. I enjoy shooting with my IIIf more then I do with the D700. But the flexibility of the D700 is just unmatched.

I like the D3 and it is an excellent camera, but I think that I am just not happy with DSLRs in general. Like I said before, I feel like it is more of a tool for somebody who does photography for a living, not a passion. As cliché as it may sound, I want to connect with the subject, not just point and shoot.

I am a prime lens kind of guy, so I am using the 50mm 1.4G. It's fairly small so the D3 doesn't look ridiculously large. I know that I would be losing out on a lot of things, but I think that the e-p2 might make up for that (well, not in terms of ISO performance). Even so, a lot of the things that I would be losing out on are things that take away from the experience.

And I enjoy street photography/cityscape. Here are some of my pictures (none of these were taken with the D3, btw lol):

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4989226298_de279a659d_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5247830997_69704debb8_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5067072250_82862f0f92_z.jpg

[dave lackey]

No, you are not crazy as you have thought this out pretty well. Look at it this way, in a year or two, what will have replaced the obsolete D3? The M3 is not going anywhere and it certainly will not be obsolete, so why not give it a go?:)

Life is too short, experience the Leica-ness!:cool:

[archeophoto]

I see where you are coming from and the D3 wouldn't be my ideal street shooter either. I use a Leica IIIf or a Rolleiflex for that.
But I don't get your comment about the "experience". While I like using my old mechanical cameras more (feel, quality, film development etc.), the D700 doesn't take any experience away from me. On the contrary, I get shots from it I just would not get with the vintage mechanical gear. It just adds to the experience, it doesn't take anything away.

[LeicaFan]

I see where you are coming from and the D3 wouldn't be my ideal street shooter either. I use a Leica IIIf or a Rolleiflex for that.
But I don't get your comment about the "experience". While I like using my old mechanical cameras more (feel, quality, film development etc.), the D700 doesn't take any experience away from me. On the contrary, I get shots from it I just would not get with the vintage mechanical gear. It just adds to the experience, it doesn't take anything away.

Well let me put it this way, digital and mechanical offer two different experiences. Right now, I feel as if the mechanical experience will bring me the pleasure that digital has not provided.

[atlcruiser]

seems like a good idea to me :)

I would suggesst a M6 ..the meter is great and really speeds up street shooting

[LeicaFan]

David,

I've looked into the M6, but if I got one, it would have to be a TTL because I would want the .85x finder and it would have to be in chrome (don't like the black bodies). Most likely, that would put me over my budget. :(

[shadowfox]

Wes,
Consider that at some point you may have a shift in your focal-length preference.

If you spend your budget on a decked-out M3, then you realize that you'd prefer 35mm or wider lenses, you're out quite a bit and probably won't be able to recover it.

An M4 may be a more flexible choice in my mind.

[dave lackey]

Wes,
Consider that at some point you may have a shift in your focal-length preference.

If you spend your budget on a decked-out M3, then you realize that you'd prefer 35mm or wider lenses, you're out quite a bit and probably won't be able to recover it.

An M4 may be a more flexible choice in my mind.


35mm is no problem with the M3.

[italy74]

Wes

I honestly think you might have to evaluate something else; what you're proposing to do is like a base jump from 1000 m having only the flying squirrel suit on...

You said you feel mechanical would provide you more pleasure to shoot. Try to realize "why" the M3 and not another rf or slr camera. Has it to do (unconsciously) with fetishism that some have for Leica branded cameras? Or does it truly answer to a need (or supposed one) you have?

On one hand I understand the urge you have, on the other I have to warn you that it might be a very painful move (especially if you don't have a accordion-like walet)

[JoeV]

Of course, if you choose a film camera, you are also choosing a film "work flow". Meaning that you are limited to whatever film stock will be available in the future. And there's the processing and scanning and/or optical printing side of working with film cameras. You're not just changing cameras, but the entire what-happens-after-I-press-the-shutter process.

That said, I would like to ask the OP if he has seriously tried "street" photography with his current DSLR? The reason I ask this is because, if street is really your passion, you could be found satisfied to pursue it with whatever tools you have available, regardless of them being a rangefinder or a DSLR. In fact, I've found some of the newer cameras like micro four thirds are also pretty good for street.

The crux of my question gets down to your motivations; are you really passionate about street photography, or are you in fact passionate about the idea of owning a Leica rangefinder? Because those are two entirely different questions, the answers to which will lead you in two entirely different directions.

~Joe

[LeicaFan]

Wes,
Consider that at some point you may have a shift in your focal-length preference.

If you spend your budget on a decked-out M3, then you realize that you'd prefer 35mm or wider lenses, you're out quite a bit and probably won't be able to recover it.

An M4 may be a more flexible choice in my mind.

I'm fairly set on the 50mm focal length. I've always felt comfortable with it, but you're right. 35mm would be nice so I need to keep your suggestion in mind.

35mm is no problem with the M3.

With the M3, don't I need to add goggles in order to use 35mm?

Wes

I honestly think you might have to evaluate something else; what you're proposing to do is like a base jump from 1000 m having only the flying squirrel suit on...

You said you feel mechanical would provide you more pleasure to shoot. Try to realize "why" the M3 and not another rf or slr camera. Has it to do (unconsciously) with fetishism that some have for Leica branded cameras? Or does it truly answer to a need (or supposed one) you have?

On one hand I understand the urge you have, on the other I have to warn you that it might be a very painful move (especially if you don't have a accordion-like walet)

I enjoy rangefinders and SLR cameras. I'm fine with either as my primary. If I'm going to make the switch from digital to film and give up my D3, you better believe that I'm going to buy a Leica. And me choosing the M3 is based on a couple of things. 1) It is the best for the 50mm focal length and 2) I enjoy the simplicity of it. I supposed that an MP with an .85x finder would be a good choice as well, but those are still pretty expensive.

So I'm left with the M3 and the M6 TTL .85x. I'm not opposed to the M6 (if the price was right), but I not sure how reliable the M6 is.

[dave lackey]

I'm fairly set on the 50mm focal length. I've always felt comfortable with it, but you're right. 35mm would be nice so I need to keep your suggestion in mind.



With the M3, don't I need to add goggles in order to use 35mm?



I enjoy rangefinders and SLR cameras. I'm fine with either as my primary. If I'm going to make the switch from digital to film and give up my D3, you better believe that I'm going to buy a Leica. And me choosing the M3 is based on a couple of things. 1) It is the best for the 50mm focal length and 2) I enjoy the simplicity of it. I supposed that an MP with an .85x finder would be a good choice as well, but those are still pretty expensive.

So I'm left with the M3 and the M6 TTL .85x. I'm not opposed to the M6 (if the price was right), but I not sure how reliable the M6 is.


Jeez, Wes, life is too short, if you want a Leica, an M3 or other model, go for it. There is nothing special about the cost of an M3 and it is certainly something you will regret if you really would like to try one and do not follow through. The re-sale down the road will cost you nothing as the value of my own M3 has risen in the last two years. I thoroughly enjoyed my Nikon S3 2000, but am enjoying the M3 even more. The Leica experience was something I had to do and I made the right decision with the M3.

That said, the M6 is very reliable as are all Leica cameras. Just decide if you want to use a separate meter or a camera with one built-in. And, the M3 works better with goggles for the 35mm lens but they look cool!

And, yes, shooting with film is different but the workflow is no big deal. Many options there. One thing about going with film is the experience of a lifetime will be more difficult 10 years down the road. So, why not now?:)

Good luck,

[LeicaFan]

Of course, if you choose a film camera, you are also choosing a film "work flow". Meaning that you are limited to whatever film stock will be available in the future. And there's the processing and scanning and/or optical printing side of working with film cameras. You're not just changing cameras, but the entire what-happens-after-I-press-the-shutter process.

That said, I would like to ask the OP if he has seriously tried "street" photography with his current DSLR? The reason I ask this is because, if street is really your passion, you could be found satisfied to pursue it with whatever tools you have available, regardless of them being a rangefinder or a DSLR. In fact, I've found some of the newer cameras like micro four thirds are also pretty good for street.

The crux of my question gets down to your motivations; are you really passionate about street photography, or are you in fact passionate about the idea of owning a Leica rangefinder? Because those are two entirely different questions, the answers to which will lead you in two entirely different directions.

~Joe

Joe,

I'll admit, I love the idea of owning a Leica, but also, street photography IS what I enjoy. :)

Jeez, Wes, life is too short, if you want a Leica, an M3 or other model, go for it. There is nothing special about the cost of an M3 and it is certainly something you will regret if you really would like to try one and do not follow through. The re-sale down the road will cost you nothing as the value of my own M3 has risen in the last two years. I thoroughly enjoyed my Nikon S3 2000, but am enjoying the M3 even more. The Leica experience was something I had to do and I made the right decision with the M3.

That said, the M6 is very reliable as are all Leica cameras. Just decide if you want to use a separate meter or a camera with one built-in. And, the M3 works better with goggles for the 35mm lens but they look cool!

And, yes, shooting with film is different but the workflow is no big deal. Many options there. One thing about going with film is the experience of a lifetime will be more difficult 10 years down the road. So, why not now?:)

Good luck,

Dave,

Thanks. You're right. Life is too short. I think I'm going to go for it.

Selling the D3 won't be a problem. The problem will be locating the camera that I choose. I've been looking around and haven't seen too many M3 SS's on the market. Last night, I looked for M6 TTL's and didn't come up with too much, either. I guess good things come to those who wait, right? :D

[italy74]

Wes
I have no idea if they sell abroad, nor if it's convenient for you given the unfavourable euro / dollar exchange rate, however one of the places where I'd look here is this:

http://www.newoldcamera.com/Catalogo.aspx?Marca=LEICA-M&Tipo=CO

I know it's all in Italian but they have plenty of M3's bodies and being placed in they are probably one of the two most reputable shops here in Italy for second hand camera market.

[berlincontemporary]

Have any of you made a similar switch? Do you regret it?

I made several. Digital is vulgar. Go and shoot some film.

[shadowfox]

35mm is no problem with the M3.

Using a goggle is just not my idea of using a rangefinder.

And what about 28mm?

[ChrisCummins]

Hi Wes, I too had a similar rationalisation as to your first post - although, as I am still a student, I made the revelation with lower quality cameras!

I started shooting on a D3000, but found the process quite dissatisfying. After a couple of months travelling in the middle east I realised that on all the photos I was taking, I was disabling the features which set a DSLR apart. I was shooting MF (without a rangefinder... those were the days haha), VR-off, my 18-55mm lens always fixed at 35mm (50mm equivalent on full frame) and guessing the exposures. I then spent weeks on photoshop degrading the image quality of all the photos I had taken, converting to black and white, adding vignettes etc and trying to recreate the 'analog magic'.

At this point, I had to evaluate what was the point in having a camera like that at all? So there's where I bought myself a FED-2 after realising that Leica's were the cameras used by all the photographers who shared their style closest to mine.

Months down the line, I never use my DSLR except for negatives digitising, and always use my rangefinder. It has all of the romance and enjoyable quirks that I wanted from my DSLR and was 1/6th the price.

Good luck with your choice whatever you do.

[LeicaFan]

Well, I listed my camera for sale. Now, it is only a matter of time before it sells.

[ChrisCummins]

Good luck!

[Ranchu]

And congratulations!

;)

In seriousness, a D3 is not my idea of a street camera, too big, too threatening. It helps me with my nerve on the street if I look like some kind of innocuous geek. It's nice with the sky too. Digital beats color neg film in resolution and shadow detail, everything else, I like the film.

Have fun!

[pvdhaar]

Well, I listed my camera for sale. Now, it is only a matter of time before it sells.
Perhaps I stumbled on this thread somewhat late, and it may even be too late for my comment.

I can understand listing the digital stuff and aiming for a Leica. Heck, every once in a while I'm tempted to do the same. But what isn't clear to me from your posts, is whether you've actually already used/handled an M. They're certainly an acquired taste.. some like 'em, some don't.

If it's the film/manual experience you're after, you could do worse than get a cheapish FE/FM and work that for a while to see whether that satisfies your appetite.

Selling the M after a while and buying back into a (D)SLR system again seems like an expensive learning curve to me..

[Fraser]

Maybe M3s are more expensive in the USA but in the uk you can pick up a decent one up for £350 I only paid £300 for an M2 from a dealer. I would keep the D3 (bit late now maybe). Its the second best camera in the World 5dmk11 being the best:D
Good luck and have fun with whatever you decide.

[som300+]

wes.... you are not so crazy .....on the another side of the world I also became leicaphile....

I strongly agreed with Dave...live is too short...go for it with your passion, consume it, partake it (leica) , I can say....enjoy your life with Leica....like me!:rolleyes:

Have a nice weekend and Merry Christmas!:o

one day, I will eye the film like you probably! who know.;)

[LeicaFan]

Good luck!

And congratulations!

;)

In seriousness, a D3 is not my idea of a street camera, too big, too threatening. It helps me with my nerve on the street if I look like some kind of innocuous geek. It's nice with the sky too. Digital beats color neg film in resolution and shadow detail, everything else, I like the film.

Have fun!

Thank you, both!

Perhaps I stumbled on this thread somewhat late, and it may even be too late for my comment.

I can understand listing the digital stuff and aiming for a Leica. Heck, every once in a while I'm tempted to do the same. But what isn't clear to me from your posts, is whether you've actually already used/handled an M. They're certainly an acquired taste.. some like 'em, some don't.

If it's the film/manual experience you're after, you could do worse than get a cheapish FE/FM and work that for a while to see whether that satisfies your appetite.

Selling the M after a while and buying back into a (D)SLR system again seems like an expensive learning curve to me..

No, I have not, actually. I do have a rangefinder (see sig), however, and I really enjoy it. If anything, a Leica would be much better.

And I don't understand the last bit. For the most part, Leica (film) bodies are increasing in price. DSLRs, however, constantly drop in price as soon as the next model comes out.

Maybe M3s are more expensive in the USA but in the uk you can pick up a decent one up for £350 I only paid £300 for an M2 from a dealer. I would keep the D3 (bit late now maybe). Its the second best camera in the World 5dmk11 being the best:D
Good luck and have fun with whatever you decide.

Well, I could probably get an M3 DS for around that price, but in my original post, I put such a high price for the M3 because I was looking at an SS model and I was taking into consideration a CLA and and refurbishing that must be done in order to return the camera to new condition.

wes.... you are not so crazy .....on the another side of the world I also became leicaphile....

I strongly agreed with Dave...live is too short...go for it with your passion, consume it, partake it (leica) , I can say....enjoy your life with Leica....like me!:rolleyes:

Have a nice weekend and Merry Christmas!:o

one day, I will eye the film like you probably! who know.;)

Thanks for the kind words and Merry Christmas to you, too! :)

oh and, off topic, but what is the meaning of your avatar? It looks very similar to the logo for Panerai (the Italian watch company).

http://www.paneristi.com/gallery/page12/old_panerai_logo.gif

[thegf]

hey,

this is my first post on the forum. i have been lurking for a few weeks, learning about Rangefinders and becoming intrigued by Leicas. formerly, i shot only on a DSLR (d80 then a 7d). i was recently reacquainted with my dad's Nikon Nikkormat (plus 24, 35, 50 macro lenses). i am smitten; there is something about the film aesthetic and technique that cannot be replicated by digital. i am also toying with the idea of developing b+w film in my basement.

however, i am trying to decide if i should pursue film photography without my DSLR. i still have a g11, which i could use whenever digital is "needed".

i could probably afford to keep my 7d+lenses but i don't know if i like the idea of having several different types of camera setups. based on a lot of what i have read on RFF, it seems that many people have no problem at all holding onto a boatload of gear, but i wonder if that would just leave me confused. the other consideration is that i have in the past used my 7d for video. in total, i would estimate my DSLR collection to be worth about $2500-3000, which could probably buy me a body, lens, and maybe even put money towards something for video.

in light of all this, i am just wondering what it would be like to ditch the DSLR and jump into the RF world. is this a big leap that i may regret? or become frustrated with?

any advice?

[LeicaFan]

Welcome to the forum.

If you've never used a rangefinder, I suggest that you buy something cheap to begin with and see if you like it. Rangefinders and SLRs are completely different cameras. In general, if you don't like the rangefinder experience, a Leica will not change that.

I suggest that you pick up something like a Yashica Electro 35 and use that for a bit. If you enjoy shooting with rangefinders, then you can consider ditching your gear for a Leica.

[flip]

A guy comes into KFC and asks if chicken is good.

Pull up a chair and get a plate.

[LeicaFan]

A guy comes into KFC and asks if chicken is good.

Pull up a chair and get a plate.

But KFC isn't actually all that good. :D

[tbarker13]

What do you like to shoot?
Rangefinders are fantastic tools, but there are some limitations that come with the fabulous form factor, lenses, etc.
Probably the biggest issue you need to consider is whether you can do without telephoto. Certainly you can get a 90 or 135, but rangefinders just don't compete with an SLR or DSLR in this arena.

They also aren't all that hot for extreme wide angles - particularly if you don't like using an auxiliary finder. And you won't be doing much macro work with a rangefinder.

But if you do the vast majority of your shooting in the 28-90 range, you could do quite well with a rangefinder. If that's the case, go for it.

[David Hughes]

It worries me that the M3 hasn't a built in meter and is purely manual: your two have built in meters and are auto. Ditto that the M2 would be better, having frames either side of 50mm (flexible) rather than going out from 50mm. OK you can use a 35 with spec's but that's narrowing your choice.

Having said all that I'll wish you luck with your new move and I'll warn you that no one in the entire world has ever just bought just one Leica body and just one lens...

Regards, David

[Arvay]

If queue comes to 35 mm then it's possible to buy an external viewfinder for M3 (Voight f.e.)
If somebody needs a meter in M3 he will definitely buy it as Leica's and Voight's are on sale.
Why is all that mess about one-man-wants-a-legend?

Wes, I used to shoot M6 but sold it for financing Canon 85/1.2. I thought it will be ok as I have ZI as well. But I'm going to buy Leica again and it will be an M3 as well.
Just because I want it.
Metering is not a question if you use your experience and feel it.

[matt335]

Wes, yes I guess lots of people here have made that switch. I kept my digitals but soon sold them to buy another lens. Rangefinders are, as you know, different cameras. What I love is the size, the quietness of the shutter, the ability to see around the framed-lined image through your viewfinder, hence anticipating the image, the ability to keep seeing even when the shutter is clicked. Most of all it fits in my hand and I can raise it to take a photo with minimal fuss. DSLR's have their place. But RF's and Film processes coupled with processing your own negs and making wet prints beats the hell out of staying stuck behind a computer. But like everything in life, it's a personal preference, so if it feels good, do it. Good luck !

[LeicaFan]

Ok guys, the D3 has been sold. I'm sad that I parted with such a nice camera, but I sold it for what I bought it for. With the new cameras that should be coming out in 2011, from a financial standpoint, it made sense to sell it. But really, that's probably just an excuse that I'm telling myself so that I can try something new. I hope that by buying a film camera for my primary, the emptiness that I felt with digital will be filled.

So now the search begins. As I've said many times, 50mm is my favorite focal length. An M3 would be great. The only downside is that there is no meter. With some experience, I'm sure that I can do fine without a meter, but for the time being, I can buy an external pocket meter or even use the free light meter app for the iPhone.

The M6 also came into the equation, but after much thought, I decided against it. People seem to be bothered by the flair from the M6 and the M6 seems to have been produced during Leicas "low point." Additionally, I prefer the classic styling of the M3.

Considering my desires, an MP would be another good option, but the only problem is the price. I'd be willing to spend 2600-2700 for one, but it may be hard to find one for that price. There is a photography show coming up at the beginning of January that I'm going to go to. Maybe I'll get lucky and find something there.

[Roninman]

Wes,


Buy the M6 and get the MP finder upgrade from Youxin Ye. He can also replace the winding mechanism with a brass gear and it will just purr like an M3. I've just done this and although I backed into the repair I am very glad now and the finder upgrade makes me feel stupid I haven't done this sooner. The cost of the upgrades plus a very nice M6 body would be over a $1000 savings over the MP decision. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Enough green money to buy almost any Leica, CZ, or CV 50mm of your choosing.

Just my 2600.00 dollars worth of advice :)

[Andy Kibber]

You'll never recoup the money you sink into refurbishing an M3. If you're fine with that, carry on as planned. Also, a Konica Hexanon 50mm lens is at least as good as a current Summicron and it costs half as much. A couple of things to think about from someone who's been down this road before.

Anyhow, it's your money you can do as you wish. :)

[LeicaFan]

Wes,


Buy the M6 and get the MP finder upgrade from Youxin Ye. He can also replace the winding mechanism with a brass gear and it will just purr like an M3. I've just done this and although I backed into the repair I am very glad now and the finder upgrade makes me feel stupid I haven't done this sooner. The cost of the upgrades plus a very nice M6 body would be over a $1000 savings over the MP decision. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Enough green money to buy almost any Leica, CZ, or CV 50mm of your choosing.

Just my 2600.00 dollars worth of advice :)

Thanks for the advice. It is definitely something that I'll keep in mind if the right M6 pops up.

Quick question about the brass gear replacement that you mentioned... Is that related to the rough (if you would call it that) feeling of the film advance? It is supposed to be much better on the M3 and MP.

You'll never recoup the money you sink into refurbishing an M3. If you're fine with that, carry on as planned. Also, a Konica Hexanon 50mm lens is at least as good as a current Summicron and it costs half as much. A couple of things to think about from someone who's been down this road before.

Anyhow, it's your money you can do as you wish. :)

Funny that you mention the Hexanon. Just the other day I was reading about the Hexanon 50mm on Ken Rockwell's site. In short, he said that it was a rip off of the Summicron and that the build quality and optics are inferior.

Of course, I take anything that Ken Rockwell says with a grain of salt... :D

[Andy Kibber]

Funny that you mention the Hexanon. Just the other day I was reading about the Hexanon 50mm on Ken Rockwell's site. In short, he said that it was a rip off of the Summicron and that the build quality and optics are inferior.

Of course, I take anything that Ken Rockwell says with a grain of salt... :D

Yeah, I don't pay too much attention to KR.

I owned one copy of the Hexanon and used it almost exclusively for a couple of years. In my experience the Hexanon was optically as good as any other modern 50mm lens. The build quality was great -- better than the few Zeiss M and modern Leica lenses I've owned.

[Roninman]

Quick question about the brass gear replacement that you mentioned... Is that related to the rough (if you would call it that) feeling of the film advance? It is supposed to be much better on the M3 and MP.

Yes. See this thread for some great advice from Tom A.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88756&highlight=film+advance+gear+replacement

[Nomad Z]

I see absolutely no point in shelling out money to get an M3 refurbished so it's "like new". For one, it might not even be possible to do that without rechroming it, and I believe vulcanite is no longer available. Secondly, in a couple of years, it won't look like new anyway. Far better, in my view, to look for a nice, clean example and budget for a CLA and possible curtain replacement, should either/both be needed.

[LeicaFan]

Yes. See this thread for some great advice from Tom A.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88756&highlight=film+advance+gear+replacement

Great, thanks.

If I do buy an M6, I would definitely do the MP finder upgrade as well as the brass gear upgrade.

For purely cosmetic reasons, I would also be interested in the MP/M3 film advance lever. On flickr, I saw a picture of an M6 that had the MP/M3 film advance lever as well as the classic rewind knob/top plate. I can only imagine how much that cost.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincentli/3761784143/in/photostream/