M6 vs M3

[Ibon Recio]

I have one black M6 non TTL and one M3 from 1960 and I love both but if I have to choose one of them I prefer the M3, why? because I shoot mostly with the 50mm and if I want to shoot with a 28mm/21mm lens I have only to attach a external viewfinder and also the M3 is stronger (I don't mean a M6 is a bad camera)

Regards,
Ibon.

[moreammo]

I'm fixing to sell both an M6 and an m3 to pay for some glass to use on other M cameras but I have both and love both but reach for the M6 more. the finder is much clearer on the M3 but is limited to 50mm frame lines at its widest so if you want to shoot 35 you need a separate finder. Also removing the spool to load film is not a big deal but the simple slide in loading of the M6 is nice. Also there's the lack of meter in the m3, also not a big deal but those things keep me reaching for the M6. since have two m6's though... i would get the m3, it's still fun to shoot, there's just something about it. however if you only had one M6 i would say keep it.

[raid]

I usually use them together in the camera bag. I meter with the M6, but may shoot with the M3 or the M6, depending on the circumstances. Usually, I have the Rigid Summicron on the M6 and the goggled Summicron 35mm on the M3.

[kshapero]

Originally Posted by raid

I usually use them together in the camera bag. I meter with the M6, but may shoot with the M3 or the M6, depending on the circumstances. Usually, I have the Rigid Summicron on the M6 and the goggled Summicron 35mm on the M3.

That is probably the ultimate 50mm Leica setup.

[raid]

I got the M3 with these lenses in like new condition (with receipt from Germany) from an old gentleman many years ago. It is a beautiful classic set-up.

[kiemchacsu]

Originally Posted by raid

I usually use them together in the camera bag. I meter with the M6, but may shoot with the M3 or the M6, depending on the circumstances. Usually, I have the Rigid Summicron on the M6 and the goggled Summicron 35mm on the M3.

Interesting enough that I also have M3 and M6 but I weld M6 with 35/2 Pre-ASPH while M3 is often with 50/2 tabbed (a 90/2 sometimes in the bag). The reason is I so much love the view of 50mm in M3 while nothing can beat the 35mm view in .72x M6 IMO. I haven't tried the goggled 35mm view on a M3 though. Is it perfect as the 50mm view?

[raid]

I like using the goggled Summicron but many users dislike the goggles. My M6 has .85 VF.

[zvos1]

Have both, see my sig. Usually carry both, bw (HP5+) in M3 and colour (Ektar) in M6.

[kshapero]

Since I cannot afford 2 Leica's, my setup is like this:

M3 + 21/3.4 & 50/2 B/W film
FE + 40/2 & 105/2.5 Color Film (but often B/W, too.)

[qhoti]

M3 with M Elmar 2.8 (old)

[Vincent.G]

Is seeing the 50mm frame lines in a M3 similar to seeing 35mm frame lines in a M2? I wear spectacles and need to scan around a little for the 35mm lines in the M2 viewfinder.

[maddoc]

Originally Posted by Vincent.G

Is seeing the 50mm frame lines in a M3 similar to seeing 35mm frame lines in a M2? I wear spectacles and need to scan around a little for the 35mm lines in the M2 viewfinder.

I found the 50mm frame lines in the M3 cameras as easy (or difficult) to see as the 35 mm frame lines in the M2.

[Vincent.G]

Thanks Gabor! I think I will prefer the 50mm frame lines in a 0.72 VF.

[semilog]

Keep the M6 0.72. If you want an M3, trade the M6 0.85. I have the 0.85 and I love it, but if you have two bodies you really do want the wider and narrower VF combination. Besides, I'm not a fan of the TTL models. The shutter speed dial turns the wrong way. Better that your cameras should be consistent in that regard.

[Steve Bellayr]

The loading is difficult on the M3 v. M6; and there is not meter. If you trade the M6 .72 viewfinder for the the M3 then you will be left with the M6ttl .85 and no option for 28mm lenses and the viewfinder on the M6ttl .85 is not well suited for the 35mm.

[paradoxbox]

i dont know how anyone can find loading the m3 difficult, you shove the film into the spool and then slide it back into the camera

it could probably be done wearing mittens

[Erik van Straten]

With a 50mm the M3 is unbeatable.

Leica M3, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, Ilford HP5.

Felixstowe, England.

Erik.

[bastian a.]

If you prefer 50mm, if you don't need a built in meter, if you don't wear glasses: an M3 is the perfect camera for you. Otherwise it's the M6 you already have.

[Rayt]

Between the M3 and the M6 I would choose the M6 only because it can take a Rapidwinder which is important to me. Yes the M3 can be modded but that is a hassle.

[taskoni]

M6,M3 etc... Those are only tools really. You are having GAS my friend, better go out and shoot more and think less of camera equipment.

Regards,

Boris

[kshapero]

Originally Posted by paradoxbox

i dont know how anyone can find loading the m3 difficult, you shove the film into the spool and then slide it back into the camera

it could probably be done wearing mittens

agree, agree, agree.

[Erik van Straten]

Leica M3, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, HP5.

Dovercourt, England.

Erik.

[Johnmcd]

Originally Posted by Erik van Straten

Leica M3, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, HP5.

Dovercourt, England.

Erik.

Great shots Erik. What are they developed with?

John

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, John, the developer was Microdol X.

Leica M3, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, Tmax100.

Amsterdam, 1988.

Erik.

[Rangefinderfreak]

Originally Posted by BobYIL

M3 is the pinnacle of Leica workmanship.

I totally agree ! If the M3 shutter sounds good ( that "tsik tsik" on 1/15 sec)
and finder is not cloudy, it is the camera that will serve well for another 20-30 years.