It should be remembered the M3 was introduced in 1954, the new 'M' range did not replace the screw thread leicas as the IIIf continued until 1956 and it's replacement the IIIg was introduced in 1957 and ceased production 1960. Loading a screw thread leica is easy once you have the knack and that comes with practice. Interesting upload featuring three nice cameras.
I shot weddings with an M3 and an MP until 2010. The M3 was the fastest loading by having two spare cassettes with the film inserted in my pocket. Just drop the cassette and film into the camera , make sure it's on the sprocket and close up. Also, 100% guaranteed for the film to be attached once in the camera. MP needs care and more time to ensure it's winding. Cheers for the video.
I liked your video comparing the different types of Leica’s. Leica range finder cameras aren’t for everyone. Only wished I got my M2’s and M3 in the 60’s when I got my Nikon F…..they were selling NEW at around $300-$350. Leica M3’s were about $25-$75 more than an M2. Unlike one of the comments they do not cost much to maintain. Like all mechanical cameras they need an occasional CLA which is less than a SLR. My 60+ year old M2’s and M3 are still working like new and only needed one or two CLA’s Range finder photography is different than SLR photography. Ranger finder cameras are more suited to a narrower niche than SLR’s. I prefer range finders for the type of photography I practice. There are a lot of great used range finders from Nikon, Cannon, Bessa and some Russian brands….but do your research before buying. Thanks for your informative video.
I really enjoy your videos. I'm kind of in the market for a Leica so watching your video is educational for me. I've wanted an M6 for a long time but the used prices are outrageous. I might look into a M3 or M4 as alternative.
If you like the rewind crank on the M6 then get an M4. There were several versions of the M4 so do your reaseach. If you don’t like the extra framelines then get an M2 or M3 depending on the lenses you want to use. If you use 28’s and 35’s then get a M2. If you only use a 50mm then a M3 is a better option but they run a little bit more than a M2. Good luck on your quest….do research on the different models
@@owinthomas I thought about the M4-P as well. It really is a beautiful camera. WIth that said, the cost of that camera has skyrocketed also. I'll keep poking around until I find something I like.
This was a good video comparing the similarities more than the differences of the M's. I shoot with an IIIa. The big thing for me is: since I shoot street. I see it more of a risk to shoot with a four digit valued camera than one that's only three digits in the bank account.
Well, at least your video sent me to Lime Two...which is sold out. For some reason my grandpa's 3c came to me with a canon ltm 50mm 1.4. Yes it's nice, but I prefer the Fed 50, 3.5 ltm.
I'm rather impressed with that little meter. Sorry to hear it's sold out, but I expect they will make more of them. We should do a review on the meter, too, now that I think of it. As for the Fed 50 3.5 - such a classic piece of glass.
The Barnacks and the M2 are all brass and will brass beautifully. The classic M6’s have zinc top plates and will not brass but will blister horribly with pockmarks. Leica makes a point that the new issue M6 is all brass similar to their other current film cameras, the MP and beautiful like the M2, M-A.
To me shooting the Leica III is *the* experience of shooting a Leica. Also quite a bit more compact than any of the Ms. Not that they are without their quirks, but the IIIf is easily my choice.
For sure. And they brought it back because they can charge heaven and earth for a camera that anyone with half a brain could get for 1/3 the cost off of any reputable resale site.
The new M6 as mentioned by one commenter is basically an MP. It differs from the MP by having a M4 - M6 rewind crank. The new M6 by using the MP view/range finder fixed the glare problem common to so models of the M6. Leica no longer can service the light meter but I heard that there are some third party circuit boards. Without a light meter you have an M4. All in all, I just prefer using my M3 and M2’s which I bought used but could of paid a little more for an M4 but I just liked the older M’s more. Another advantage of the older M’s if you shoot with only 28, 35, 50 and 90mm lenses is you don’t have the extra distracting frame lines.
Love my minty M4. I paid about half of what the cool kids pay for their used M6's here in Japan. I don't require the hoaky 3 red LED lights (metering). The M2 is nice too though and I totally get why people love its simple design. Those Barnack Leicas are really classically beautiful as well. Will pick up a iic or iiif at some point.
There are conversion kits to change the M3/M2 take up spool to the M4 fast loading spool. I prefer the M2/M3 view finder because they only have a single frame line instead of two sets which I find annoying.
The M6 is the meme leica that the cool kids all want, that's why they 're-introduced' it. Apparently it's more of an MP with M6 name on from what I've read. The film door is to make it easier (possible?) to get the film over the sprocket teeth to advance it.
Here's a tip to load a Barnack Leica without having to trim the film leader. First, you remove the lens. Then you set the shutter to T. Open the shutter, then load the film. If it gets jammed along the top of the film gate, you can use your finger to push it up. Then, close the shutter, wind on a frame or two, and you're good to go.
HA! Brilliant! That never crossed my mind but it would solve a lot of frustrating moments I have had. Thanks for that tidbit - I expect it will come in rather handy.
You are forgetting the Leica M5. That thing, all do also completley mechanical, had so radically different design Leica got a boat load of backlash and bad reviews what forced it to quickly launch M4.2 model (I think) and Leica M6 is a carbon copy of that model, with added light meter of course...
@@UnderexposedwithAlastairBird Yes, those was "cheap" on eBay, because of the exchange rate from Norwegian Krone. US was down in about 6X, and know it's 10X.
@garysong8163 yeah, that ship has sailed. That said, though, it looks like the hypoxic prices for Leicas we saw in 2021 and 22 are no longer. I saw a 35mm f2 (pre asph) for $1750 on Craigslist. Cheap!!
Sadly, I personally believe Leica as a brand, is so over-rated, even though I own a couple of their cameras myself. I find the futtzing to load film is tiring, the constant repairs and associated costs to fix them exceedingly high. Leica has managed to become nothing more than fashionable jewellery to be hung around ones neck. As far as reliability and accuracy the M3 is in my opinion the only one worth getting if you must get a vintage Leica, and the digital options are about as obscene as it gets when it comes to pricing.
Leica range finder cameras aren’t for everyone. I gave up using my Nikon F and F2 and changed over to a used M2 and M3 I bought used in the early 1970’s. You get used to the loading system and you learn to choose your shots more wisely. I find the cameras highly reliable and only needing an occasional CLA which is cheaper than for a SLR. There are enough good Leica repair service people. If you send it to Leica then you’ll pay a higher price though. My M’s still working great after 50 years with few CLAs. If I had to get a new Leica’ I’d get the MA and opt out for the 28, 35 and 50 frame lines and have the other ones deleted
It should be remembered the M3 was introduced in 1954, the new 'M' range did not replace the screw thread leicas as the IIIf continued until 1956 and it's replacement the IIIg was introduced in 1957 and ceased production 1960. Loading a screw thread leica is easy once you have the knack and that comes with practice. Interesting upload featuring three nice cameras.
Thanks for the details. Hard to keep it all straight. M3 then M2... IIIf, IIIg...
@@UnderexposedwithAlastairBird I totally agree with you.
I shot weddings with an M3 and an MP until 2010. The M3 was the fastest loading by having two spare cassettes with the film inserted in my pocket. Just drop the cassette and film into the camera , make sure it's on the sprocket and close up. Also, 100% guaranteed for the film to be attached once in the camera. MP needs care and more time to ensure it's winding.
Cheers for the video.
This 100%. Using the Leica M3/M2 take up spool I always know the film has caught. My MP I shot a whole roll just to find out the leader did not catch.
I've done that a couple of times at a wedding. Fortunately two body setup got me through.😅
I liked your video comparing the different types of Leica’s. Leica range finder cameras aren’t for everyone.
Only wished I got my M2’s and M3 in the 60’s when I got my Nikon F…..they were selling NEW at around $300-$350. Leica M3’s were about $25-$75 more than an M2.
Unlike one of the comments they do not cost much to maintain. Like all mechanical cameras they need an occasional CLA which is less than a SLR.
My 60+ year old M2’s and M3 are still working like new and only needed one or two CLA’s
Range finder photography is different than SLR photography. Ranger finder cameras are more suited to a narrower niche than SLR’s.
I prefer range finders for the type of photography I practice.
There are a lot of great used range finders from Nikon, Cannon, Bessa and some Russian brands….but do your research before buying.
Thanks for your informative video.
I really enjoy your videos. I'm kind of in the market for a Leica so watching your video is educational for me. I've wanted an M6 for a long time but the used prices are outrageous. I might look into a M3 or M4 as alternative.
If you like the rewind crank on the M6 then get an M4. There were several versions of the M4 so do your reaseach.
If you don’t like the extra framelines then get an M2 or M3 depending on the lenses you want to use. If you use 28’s and 35’s then get a M2. If you only use a 50mm then a M3 is a better option but they run a little bit more than a M2.
Good luck on your quest….do research on the different models
@@owinthomas I thought about the M4-P as well. It really is a beautiful camera. WIth that said, the cost of that camera has skyrocketed also. I'll keep poking around until I find something I like.
This was a good video comparing the similarities more than the differences of the M's.
I shoot with an IIIa. The big thing for me is: since I shoot street. I see it more of a risk to shoot with a four digit valued camera than one that's only three digits in the bank account.
A shutter sound comparison would be nice.
Funny you should say that. It came up in conversation and then we forgot to do it. We do have a short with the M2 shutter sounds, though...
Well, at least your video sent me to Lime Two...which is sold out.
For some reason my grandpa's 3c came to me with a canon ltm 50mm 1.4. Yes it's nice, but I prefer the Fed 50, 3.5 ltm.
Hi Terry, check out the KEKS KM02 as an alternative. I find it accurate and easy to use.
@@alcadman Thanks for the tip.
I'm rather impressed with that little meter. Sorry to hear it's sold out, but I expect they will make more of them. We should do a review on the meter, too, now that I think of it. As for the Fed 50 3.5 - such a classic piece of glass.
The Barnacks and the M2 are all brass and will brass beautifully. The classic M6’s have zinc top plates and will not brass but will blister horribly with pockmarks. Leica makes a point that the new issue M6 is all brass similar to their other current film cameras, the MP and beautiful like the M2, M-A.
To me shooting the Leica III is *the* experience of shooting a Leica. Also quite a bit more compact than any of the Ms. Not that they are without their quirks, but the IIIf is easily my choice.
They brought back the M6 because it is insanely popular.
For sure. And they brought it back because they can charge heaven and earth for a camera that anyone with half a brain could get for 1/3 the cost off of any reputable resale site.
The new M6 as mentioned by one commenter is basically an MP. It differs from the MP by having a M4 - M6 rewind crank. The new M6 by using the MP view/range finder fixed the glare problem common to so models of the M6. Leica no longer can service the light meter but I heard that there are some third party circuit boards. Without a light meter you have an M4.
All in all, I just prefer using my M3 and M2’s which I bought used but could of paid a little more for an M4 but I just liked the older M’s more. Another advantage of the older M’s if you shoot with only 28, 35, 50 and 90mm lenses is you don’t have the extra distracting frame lines.
Love my minty M4. I paid about half of what the cool kids pay for their used M6's here in Japan. I don't require the hoaky 3 red LED lights (metering). The M2 is nice too though and I totally get why people love its simple design. Those Barnack Leicas are really classically beautiful as well. Will pick up a iic or iiif at some point.
I borrowed an M2 and absolutely hated the loading and rewinding. They feel very well made but I just always found myself wishing I was using my FE2.
Glad I'm not alone in my lack of enthusiasm for the way the film is loaded into those cameras.
There are conversion kits to change the M3/M2 take up spool to the M4 fast loading spool.
I prefer the M2/M3 view finder because they only have a single frame line instead of two sets which I find annoying.
The M6 is the meme leica that the cool kids all want, that's why they 're-introduced' it. Apparently it's more of an MP with M6 name on from what I've read.
The film door is to make it easier (possible?) to get the film over the sprocket teeth to advance it.
You syould sey something about Nikon SII SP and SIII the biggest fear of Leica
Here's a tip to load a Barnack Leica without having to trim the film leader. First, you remove the lens. Then you set the shutter to T. Open the shutter, then load the film. If it gets jammed along the top of the film gate, you can use your finger to push it up. Then, close the shutter, wind on a frame or two, and you're good to go.
HA! Brilliant! That never crossed my mind but it would solve a lot of frustrating moments I have had. Thanks for that tidbit - I expect it will come in rather handy.
A friend of mine burned a smalll hole in his M6 ttl cloth shutter and after seeing light leaks realized that the camera was in need of service!
You are forgetting the Leica M5. That thing, all do also completley mechanical, had so radically different design Leica got a boat load of backlash and bad reviews what forced it to quickly launch M4.2 model (I think) and Leica M6 is a carbon copy of that model, with added light meter of course...
Ah the M5. I’m not sure I have ever seen one. Wait, I have but never used one in any capacity. I understand those who like it, like it a lot.
Regret that I didn't buy a M6 when the prize was about today's US 600.
Was it ever that cheap? I remember about $1000 or $1200…. Oh, those were the days…. And don’t get me started on the price of Leica glass…
@@UnderexposedwithAlastairBird Yes, those was "cheap" on eBay, because of the exchange rate from Norwegian Krone. US was down in about 6X, and know it's 10X.
Checked old photo magazine of that time period
Leica M-4P $889 USD
M6. $1695 USD
Summilux $739
Summichron $349
@garysong8163 yeah, that ship has sailed. That said, though, it looks like the hypoxic prices for Leicas we saw in 2021 and 22 are no longer. I saw a 35mm f2 (pre asph) for $1750 on Craigslist. Cheap!!
Sadly, I personally believe Leica as a brand, is so over-rated, even though I own a couple of their cameras myself. I find the futtzing to load film is tiring, the constant repairs and associated costs to fix them exceedingly high. Leica has managed to become nothing more than fashionable jewellery to be hung around ones neck. As far as reliability and accuracy the M3 is in my opinion the only one worth getting if you must get a vintage Leica, and the digital options are about as obscene as it gets when it comes to pricing.
Leica range finder cameras aren’t for everyone. I gave up using my Nikon F and F2 and changed over to a used M2 and M3 I bought used in the early 1970’s. You get used to the loading system and you learn to choose your shots more wisely.
I find the cameras highly reliable and only needing an occasional CLA which is cheaper than for a SLR. There are enough good Leica repair service people. If you send it to Leica then you’ll pay a higher price though.
My M’s still working great after 50 years with few CLAs.
If I had to get a new Leica’ I’d get the MA and opt out for the 28, 35 and 50 frame lines and have the other ones deleted
What Leicas do you own and what would you want to sell them for?