Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Carlos Blanco wrote: > Hi, my name is Carlos Blanco, I'm >from Argentina and I'm new in the >group. I have recently bought a M2 with a Summicron 50 1:2 all for $1300. >In Argentina Leica prices tend to vary a lot: you can get a 35mm for the >M3 with the viewfinder adapter for $350 but a brand new M6 is $3000 and a >new summicron M $1000. I would like to know if I have done a (rather) >good purchase. I decided for the M2 because: 1- someday I'd like to >buy a 35mm (H Cartier Bresson used to say that he never used the 135mm) > 2- it was newer than the M3 3- automatic film counter and self >timer were not important for me. I imagine that the discussion M2 vs M3 >is as old as the cameras themselves but nontheless I'd like to receive >your opinions about it. 1- is it true that the ideal body for the 50mm >is the M3 due to the viewfinder 2- I know that the M2 was intended to be >an economic version of the M3 but, that affected also the quality of the >body or only the elements that were not included, etc thank you and >forgive me for my indian-like english Hi Carlos, and welcome to this peculiar group of malt whisky-drinking Leica nuts. First, never apologise for your English - I'm sure it's a lot better than most people's Spanish on the LUG. So long as we understand what you're saying - and there's no difficulty there - that's just fine. I've used two M3s and an M2 for years. It's certainly true that the M3's finder is outstanding for 50mm, and of course you're getting a bigger image for the 90mm frame too, compared to the M2. I occasionally use a 35mm with spectacles on the M3, but much prefer using a straight 35/1.4 Summilux on the M2. As far as build quality is concerned, the M2 certainly isn't a 'cheap' version of the M3. Having to re-set the counter is no big deal, and in nearly all other respects it handles and functions just the same. Sounds like you got a reasonable deal - but remember this kit tends to be considerably cheaper in the US where there's a lot more of it. And, of course, you can pick up some wonderful bargains from your fellow-LUGnuts on Fridays (whenever they are). Hope you enjoy our discussions of matters Leica and non-Leica, and looking forward to seeing further posts from you. Are there any other Argentinian LUGgers out there? Slan Alex Alex Hurst Cork Florists 19 Winthrop St, Cork Republic of Ireland Tel: +353 21 270 907 Fax: +353 21 271 248 email: corkflor@iol.ie Website: http://www.flowerlink.com/corkflorists Home website: http://homepages.iol.ie/~corkflor/