Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/08/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Greetings all, I thought about this quite a bit myself before switching to an M series Leica. I had lots of years using SLRs from Japan Inc., particularly the C brand, and enjoyed them immensely. Then I switched to medium format and finally 4x5. After lugging around all this big stuff I decided to add in the 35mm for portability, so went through the R4 to the RE SLRs. The Leica glass was the excuse that allowed me to justify carrying a miniature camera around. The Leica re-awoke my love for the 35mm, but the SLR was still too much, so I decided to go to the rangefinders. I was/am sold on the glass, so it was down to what body could I afford, and what compromises was I going to make as a result of this. I like the larger viewfinder of the M3, but also need the 28mm lines, 'cause I use that lens as much as any other. The M3 has a silky feel, partly cause of construction, partly cause they've all been somewhat broken in over the years. I like the fact that they last forever. YET . . .I wanted a built in meter. I was trying to reduce what I had to carry, not add to it. And yes, I could learn to judge light by experience, but I wasn't really interested in getting into a learning process of months or years when I want to make pictures now. I also assume that, complaints about current production cameras not with standing, the current crop of cameras will last as long and feel as good in 35 years time. Given that, I figured I'd rather get in on the early life of the camera, and get the 28mm lines and the meter as well. I'll get a M6HM later, because I want the big viewfinder for the 75mm and 90mm lenses, when I shoot portraits & etc. The old ones are nice, but the new ones are nice too, and they're new. The only real drawback was waiting a few extra months to save up the needed money. No complaints, I bought a new chrome M6, had Leica readjust the rangefinder patch slightly for me, and its been the nicest camera I have ever owned, bar none. No regrets, the M3s are interesting cameras, and if I ever have enough money to buy cameras cause they're interesting, instead of useful, then I'll get a M2 or M3. My $0.02 worth. Norm Aubin