A little game: MP or M3?

[kshapero]

Used MP (the new version) usually goes for $3000-$4000 and has a meter, while an M3 CLA'd (the full deal, new skin, curtains, etc.) can run $1200-1700 but no meter and limited framelines.
Would you go for the M3 and pocket the difference or the newer body MP?
This is not necessarily a yes or no, if you wish to philosophize, go right ahead.

[jsrockit]

Can I say neither and that I'd go for a M6?

[kshapero]

Originally Posted by jsrockit

Can I say neither and that I'd go for a M6?

yes, go right ahead, but you must wax why as well. OP makes the house rules.

[richardhkirkando]

I'm with jsrockit. 35mm frame lines are a must for me, so that rules out the M3. I don't think I could ever justify paying $3000+ for a 35mm camera. I'd go with an M2 or an M6.

[Steve Bellayr]

Neither. I agree the M6 or M6ttl is a better and more efficient model because:
1. Newer model than M3
2. Less expensive than MP
3. Has meter
4. Easier tot load
5. With .85 viewfinder about like M3
6. More framelines & lens compatibility
7. Easier rewind
8. M6 readily available in in high grades in chrome or black because many made

[jplomley]

I went with an M6 Classic and M4-P, both LNIB for a total of $2500. Could'nt be happier. I'd rather spend my $$ on glass, and I have. Added a nice 35 Cron Asph in chrome.

[Steinberg2010]

I'm going with the M3, the only niggle I have with it is those baroque window edges... the smooth lines of an M2 look somehow more elegant. Mustn't think about that too hard though as I have no money!!

~S

[boomguy57]

Originally Posted by Steve Bellayr

Neither. I agree the M6 or M6ttl is a better and more efficient model because:
1. Newer model than M3
2. Less expensive than MP
3. Has meter
4. Easier tot load
5. With .85 viewfinder about like M3
6. More framelines & lens compatibility
7. Easier rewind
8. M6 readily available in in high grades in chrome or black because many made

I sold my M3 in favor of my M6TTL 0.85. After buying the M6 and selling the M3, I ended up only paying out $200...so I had the 75/135 lines masked and the finder upgraded to the MP finder.

That's my vote.

[jsrockit]

Originally Posted by kshapero

yes, go right ahead, but you must wax why as well. OP makes the house rules.

Well, it's simple for me. I like in camera meters and the M6 is the cheapest model with a meter (outside of the CL and M5 which aren't the classic style M camera design). I believe the MP is the ultimate Leica M. However, with so many deals on the used market these days, it would be hard to justify buying one.

[lcpr]

M2 or M4 here, although I do like how clean the lines on the MP are.

[BobYIL]

Originally Posted by kshapero

Used MP (the new version) usually goes for $3000-$4000 and has a meter, while an M3 CLA'd (the full deal, new skin, curtains, etc.) can run $1200-1700 but no meter and limited framelines.
Would you go for the M3 and pocket the difference or the newer body MP?
This is not necessarily a yes or no, if you wish to philosophize, go right ahead.

Provided that 50mm is your most used FL:

Do you need to use your exposure meter frequently? Then M6, preferably .85 version. If not then M3 + a small exposure meter in your pocket.

A fine M3 (SS) can be purchased for $1.000 to $1.300. (Your eyes would love your decision.)

However if 35 & 50 are your equally favorite lenses: Then an M6 .72 or an M4 + pocket lightmeter with the same criteria as above. (M4 is the Bentley of classical Leicas, can be obtained within the similar cost range like the SS M3's..)

[kshapero]

Originally Posted by boomguy57

I sold my M3 in favor of my M6TTL 0.85. After buying the M6 and selling the M3, I ended up only paying out $200...so I had the 75/135 lines masked and the finder upgraded to the MP finder.

That's my vote.

Was it to get the built in meter, the framelines or just something newer? Or all of it?

[shiro_kuro]

MP
The philosophy behind this ; )
If your asking ,I'm thinking this is the camera you really want so why not get it ?
Faced with a similar decision I went with the M4 over the MP ............. The cash I saved is long gone .
The M4 is beautiful thing ........

[gilpen123]

I think barrack is prettier than any M.

[burancap]

For the price of just the MP...

If you have to have a meter: M6 + your favorite lens

No meter: M2 + 2, maybe 3 of your favorite lenses.

[wjlapier]

M7. Simple. I like AE.

[kmallick]

how about a Zeiss Ikon ZM? great viewfinder (comparable to M3), AE and a much better price to boot.

[boomguy57]

Originally Posted by kshapero

Was it to get the built in meter, the framelines or just something newer? Or all of it?

I wanted the in-camera meter, yes. I also like that I can get 35mm frame lines. With the 75/135 masked I now have 35/50/90 and an uncluttered VF, like the M3, really--but with a meter built-in and 35 lines.

The M3 is a great camera, but I had trouble getting along with a camera that had no meter built in. But that's just me. Honestly, the MP may be the greatest film Leica ever, bla bla bla, but the added cost (even saying $3000 for a used one, and I got my M6 for $1100) is hard, if not impossible, to justify. For that price I can add an X100 or an X-Pro 1 to go with my M6; I'm not 100% digital anyway.

[dshfoto]

I had one of my M3's fitted with a MP finder. Only thing lacking is a meter, but the hand held meter works ok, Also, you can measure the exposure, without bringing up the camera, which sometimes will cause you to lose the shot.

[Pirate]

M3

You don't need 35mm frame lines, everything you see in the viewfinder is your 35mm area.

[Mackinaw]

Do what I did and buy both. I use the MP for most everything, the M3 when I feel nostalgic.

Jim B.

[Jonnyfez]

After selling my M2 three years ago, I recently bought another in anticipation of selling my beloved M6.

Not certain if I'm evolving or devolving. Are we not men?

[shadowfox]

If I'm getting it for my collection, I'll get an MP a'la carte.

If I'm getting it for taking pictures, I'll find the cheapest M4-P (or M6 if I *had to have* a meter) and use the rest of the money for lens and film.

To me the *only* redeeming value of an M3 is that I can sell it quickly (putting on anti-flame suit )

[Speedfreak]

Originally Posted by kshapero

Would you go for the M3 and pocket the difference or the newer body MP?

I´d pocket everything and buy a small digital camera instead. How about a Panasonic GX1 with 20/1.7?

[celluloidprop]

M6 with the 75, 90 and 135 framelines masked during a CLA.