Really good comparison, Matt! I own an M2-R, M3, and M4, and I enjoy the differences in each. I generally keep a 35mm on my M2-R, and a 50mm on my M3 & 4. I love their build quality & tank-like sturdiness!
I owned an M3 some years ago that had been sent to Wetzlar for CLA by the previous owner. they had to replace the viewfinder and they offered him to put a new old-stock in, also 40 years old, ok now, but maybe deteriorating within years OR to put the modern 0.85x from the M6TTL in. So I once had an M3 with a viewfinder nat as big and uncluttered as it should be, but still bigger than all other finders and it came with 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135 mm. It was a really nice camera. I am quite sad that I sold it.
I used a M2 back when they were new and loved it. I was a trainee wedding photographer. Our main cameras for formal shots were Rollei tlrs. Leica for casual shots. We tried out a Kodak Retina Reflex S but the boss didn't like it. The Schneider lens on it was better than the collapsible Elmar we had on the M2. My favourite Leica now is my Zorki 4K with the Jupiter 8 50mm f2 lens. Easier to load. 15 times Cheaper to buy
Hi Neil thanks and great to hear about your M2 experience. Yes I can see why you used Leica for speed and TLR for formals. I just got a Rolleicord (see my "lockdown" video). Proper review to follow. Interesting about the Kodak and the Zorki. I have a FED2 which is better than I expected, older Barnack Leicas but no Zorki yet. I did hear good things though (and fast to load!) and some Jupiter lenses are very good. I have the Jupiter 3 50/1.5 (see blog) + 35mm lens. Thanks
My Leica M2 dates to 1960 (there are sites on the interweb which list Leica serial numbers and dates of manufacture if you want to find out) so is a year older than me. Unlike me, it still looks almost like new and works perfectly. Mine came with a 50mm collapsable Elmar lens which I believe was a more entry level lens but it works fine and is contempoary with the camera. I own quite a few cameras of all sorts which I've acquired over the years but the M2 is probably my most prized possession.
Hey Matt I have a M2 and I have bought a couple accessories for mine I have the fast load spool and also the mp has a crank you can add to the knob so you can rewind faster. The accessories are expensive but it does help
Thanks Jon. Ah yes I have seen those. Thanks for mentioning. Once I finish a camera I tend to use a second film body so it’s not too much of an issue for me but thanks!
Nice review Matt. A point about flash. A speedlite with a pc cord can be attached to the X synch port on an M3 or M2 with an M3 to PC adapter. bought one years ago, was easy to find. A vivitar 2500 or 252 are small and can fit into cold shoe and the pc cord can be wound around the base before plugging in the back. easier than it sounds, but a bit of a pain compared to say an M4P with hot shoe, but an M2 is SO much smoother than an M4P. Of course with a spare $5100+ you can buy a new M-A...
Adam Lang thanks Adam, thanks for sharing, especially for others. Yes in my earlier Leica days pre M4-P I did just that. If you dig deep on my Flickr there are examples. I will do a proper flash video at some point. (I’m not sure if you follow me on other platforms but I’m now posting an extra 2-3 videos a week on Patreon + loads of other content. It would be great to have you on there if you think you can get value from it. You can join from £1 a month and cancel any time. (I’m trying to point it out to my key commenters on YT especially). Link can be found on latest videos.
About the faster rewinding: In the past they mentioned that if you rewind too fast, it might develop static electricity, which might add lighting tracks on your film. I don’t know if that still applies now I don’t know. I do rewind slowly on my M6 because of that reason. I like my first Leica M2 for many reasons, took my first wedding with it, only using a rigid 50mm Summicron
Thanks Bart! Great tip, i've not heard this but it makes sense. It is why movie film has the anti-static remjet layer. There is a lot to be said for an M + Summicron combination :)
I only use M3. I really love this camera. Even using 90 Summicron and Elmarit with Visoflex, 135 Elmar or even my beloved 35 Summicron 8 elements or my 21 Super Angulon with viewfinder, its a wonderful experience to use this masterpiece.
great video!! m3 is really the most amazing camera of all time, wish Leica did a limited edition M3 in digital form one day. Unfortunately I shoot 35mm most of the time, so instead I got the 'modern film M3', the M--A which is really an amazing camera if you ever get the chance to try it. Would be great to also have you compare the M3 / M2 vs MP / M-A ...since M4-p/6/7 are much cheaper built quality with viewfinder flare etc (still great cameras though)
Your cameras looks so good, cosmetically. Have you had them serviced or have you just been waiting for a clean one to hit the market? Thank you for the walk through. Most helpful.
Thank you Nils, I bought these cameras 4-5yrs ago maybe, and before the big price jump. I've not had them modified in any way but the M3 was recalibrated. (For additional content and 2-3 more weekly videos you can now find me on - mrleica.com/mrleica-patreon/).
oh man, what an explain - very useful and understandable. some time ago I started to think again about that I have no film rangefinder in my camera "collection" (i use all the film cameras I have), so first of all I tried to read about Leica ( even I'm some kind of anti-Leica bcos of different reasons) and very fast I got that I like these both M3 and M2 bcos of simplicity of both - no battery, brass build, simple winding mechanism. everything is fine but the viewfinder framelines. I don't think to use any 5cm lens with a rangefinder and also 35mm with the time v=become too close for me. So 28mm is my favorite focal length and from your explain and from some others I got that the only way to use M3/M2 with 28 is to use an external viewfinder and I don't like this idea. Anyway, I'm still researching this idea to have a rangefinder working without batteries, is suitable for 28mm and build well as these leicas :-) thank you for the great explain
Hi Victor! Good to see you here :D .. from what you say you can use M2 and full viewfinder area for 28mm or M4-P, again not battery, has 28mm framelines BUT less brass, RF can haze more.. I would go M2and after few rolls you know exactly what in frame
This is a very helpful video for me. I have a Canon P with a Jupiter 8 and a Canon 35mm f2.8. The build quality is very good and I prefer the viewfinder to the M's. The shutter sound is not quite as nice but for £150 you are getting a lot for your money as the P was designed to compete with the M's but with improvements, ie 35, 50 and 100mm framelines, cranked rewind knob, 100% viewfinder and hinged back. Getting an M3 or M2 would seem to be duplicating a lot of what I have already got so I am thinking about a 111f or 111g (with an external 35mm viewfinder) for the smaller size, Leica shutter sound and in my opinion better looking camera.
Thanks for your comment. I have a Canon RF cameras actually but i've not had time to try it yet. I should! :) As for the Leica iii options I can help. I've done 2 Leica iii videos, this one includes the iiig and at the end of the video it should link to the other video - ua-cam.com/video/WMCDSj-tr2g/v-deo.html
If you want to use the viewfinder with glasses on, the M3 viewfinder is difficult. The M2, on the other hand, is perfect. You can always get screw-in correctors in a range of dioptre values.
Henry Law thanks Henry, I’ve not heard others say this but I don’t wear glasses when taking photos so I can’t comment. I would expect M3 lines to be more visible than say 28mm lines on M6 etc
Just sold my M3 😢 but I am really thinking of an M2. Actually it was my first Leica for a couple of days but there was a problem with a light leak at the curtain so the seller kindly gave the money back and I got the M3 then. There was something special about the M2 for me.
Hi Matt, I didn't hear you mention the Leica work-around that allows one to use a 35mm lens on the M3--the goggles mounted on the lens that correct the viewfinder to show full frame,. I use this set-up on my M3 and find it satisfactory. Only cavil is that this makes the lens vulnerable to external shocks, and of course since it is Leica, it's horribly expensive.
I second your conclusion. For me (a 35&50mm man, no flash, bw only) a M2 is basically a M6 without a lightmeter. I tend to take out the M6 more than the M2, because the lightmeter cuts down on the guess work or the fumbling with an external meter. But the M2 handles more nicely: It has brass gears, thus winding more softly than the M6 (steel gears). M3? I think you mentioned the right word: "overenginered". A sorry departure from the Leica design philosophy. Never understood why some consider it Leica's "finest".
Have an M3 DS (1955) and an M2 (1960) .I always seem to prefer the M3 .I think its the viewfinder and auto frame indicator (def the later) .I also have a BPM4 (1969).It`s a lovely thing but is the quick loader really that quick ? I don`t find it so . Nice sensible reviews as always .
Thanks Michael! Yes agreed, I would rate my cameras M3 (1st), M2, M6, M4-P for enjoyment to use but the 2 newer bodies are useful for flash photography (hotshoes) and 28mm photography.
I got my m3 last week and I have to say, wow! I've been missing this all my photography life. Now that being said, I purchased a 45mm chiyoko which was an M39, and adapted it to the M mount. Pretty much 45 is just outside those 5cm framelines and I'm alright with it.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom my first test roll, there were 0 shutter/advancement fails. On the Contax and the barnacks, I shoot with I tend to get one or two bad ones, this one just did its thing. i think the twin stroke has taken a lot of the issues out of the advancement issues I've dealt with. Overall, couldn't be more pleased.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom well the barnack absolutely need it. When I got mind I ran a test roll of 24 through it and noticed where the shutter curtain was burned. Got it fixed shoots like a dream. As far as lenses, I mean, I got the M3 at rock bottom price. I went ahead and figure since I'm doing street or "touristy shooting" I have a canon serenar and am getting a chiyoko, and those are coated, so I'll just stick with the m39's and have them adapted on.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom for the first time ever I am seriously considering a leica after years of being anti range finder so I'm now doing the research haha. The slow loading thing is still quite off putting to me. Especially because the M2 is the one I am most interested in.
@@WesleyVerhoevePhotography It really isn't that slow. I did in slow in the video to show people but you'll soon do it with your eyes closed. I prefer the M2/M3 old loading style to the M6... even the old Leica iii cameras are fast to do with practise! :) Don't let that stop you from getting the best camera you've ever owned! :) ;)
Hello Matt. I've inherited a Leica M and I'd like to get the flash off so I can see the model and serial#. Could you perhaps do a quick video? Many thanks.
Hi Rudy. I don’t use the specific Leica flash, I use a Godox. Can you not slide it off the cold shoe? Contact me via MrLeica.com/zoom if still struggling
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yeah about that…. The same week I got the m1 I ended up also purchasing a I standard e. Slapped a rokkor 45mm and am loving it
Great vid! Question: What (good quality vintage but not that expensive) 35mm analog camera do you recommend for me as a beginner? Viewfinder or SLR? I do work with advanced Digital cameras but far less knowledge when it comes to manually correctly measuring ISO, etc. THANKS❗️subscribed btw!
Thanks! If you shoot 50mm FL mostly RF are good (if you are happy with 1m MFD). If you like wider than 28mm (wider than 50mm really) or longer than 90mm get a SLR. To focus
Hey Matt, I'm traveling to UK in August and planning to get my first M camera over there, I was thinking on visiting red dot camera store, do you have any experience there? I love your videos! Thanks
Hello, congratulations on your channel, I'm always learning something about Leica cameras and lenses. I have an M3, 1956, the shutter curtain sometimes locks. I send it every time to an authorized Leica technician, who is in another state, sometimes the shutter arrives normal, unlocked, other times it arrives there still locked. No one can know what the problem is and why the shutter freezes during movie operation. Could you tell what the defect is? What can it be? Grateful.
Hi thanks. It sounds like you need a better repair guy (no offence to anyone). If it comes back with the same issue it's not fixed. You might need a new shutter to fix the issue. I've had shutters replaced on some of my Leica iii cameras.
It's funny, really. The term 'Cold Shoe' was only created when 'Hot shoes' came into being. Prior to this, they were simply accessory shoes. The same with 'analogue" cameras, capture, photograhy, light meters. The term 'analogue' came into use simply to differentiate from 'digital' this, that, and the other.
Hey Matt, great videos, really enjoying them. Just wondering what your recommendations would be for the cheapest 35mm film camera for my leica summar f2 lens? I'm keen to give film photography a try!
Thanks Travis and congrats in advance for looking to try film! :) The Leica iii cameras are some of the cheapest but no light meter (see those videos). For a meter perhaps the Voigtlander Bessa R3A or a similar model (that has light meter). I show it in one of the videos.. read the thumbnails you will see it.
If you can use a handheld meter or meter with digital Leica iii or Leica CL film (Aka Minolta CL)(See that video - it has meter but they normally dont work). Nice and small!
Hi Matt another great vid which I have watched quite a few time now as I have been stalking eBay for a couple of months and yesterday I finally won an M3 with an Elmar 50mm f2.8 attached. Very difficult to find an M2 or M4-P at a decent price. Matt was looking for some advice if you don’t mind! I intend to shoot at same time with my CL or Q for light reading, but I have to say from using the digital cameras I prefer 35mm or 28mm focal length. So Question 1) is there a good cheap viewfinder I should try to find? 2) Any recommendation for a 35mm non- leica fast Lens? ( was seriously thinking of the Light Lens Lab summicron copy) and lastly 3) I have a m42/M adapter and a load of M42 lenses. Will I be able to focus the rangefinder with an m42 lens attached? (It’s a K&F concept adapter if that’s of any help!)…….thanks for any help you can give and hope to join a photo walk soon when you next in London (do you have some dates when you coming down?.
Hi Ken, sorry I missed this. Cheap and viewfinder doesn't really go together but I found a beautiful Leica X 36mm finder recently. Because 36mm it's at a discount vs 35mm yet pure Leica quality and wont lose value. 35mm lenses (1) Ultron f2 (2) Skopar 2.5.. Skopar is hard to beat for size/price/quality. Not sure of LL price. No you can't focus M42 lenses on RF camera but can scale/zone focus. Hopefully photowalk in July as weekends all full in June sadly but i'll send email so you wont miss anything.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom no worries Matt I got a voigtlander bessa 28mm finder for £70 and the ttartisans 28mm f5.6 it’s gorgeous but no chance to try it yet. Also got a voigtlander ultron 35mm f2. Tips mainly picked up from your videos thanks! The m2 looks great with the ultron or the 28mm I have some film but I’m waiting on some new skins to come from USA before I take the m2 and m3 for a walk! Then I decide which one to keep…….look forward to hear about the walks.
I have a silly question but can’t find the answer anywhere. I have a M3. A 35mm lens with goggles but I hate the Googles. If I bought a 35mm lens, I know I don’t have frame lines for it in my m3, but I can still see the focusing area right? I will still be able to focus it, just need to estimate framing right?
hey Matt, have you ever reviewed the chinese lenses, like the 50mm 7Artisans or the 50mm TTArtisan on your Analog Leicas.. if you have, can you do a video just for those lenses. it would be nice tho.. thanks!
What the comparison doesn't mention is that the M2 has a depth-of-field indicator in the viewfinder, wheras th M3 (at least going by the instruction manual) does not.
Hi Matt, I wanted to ask you about the Voigtlander 28 mm/1:2,0 Ultron VM. Do you recommend the type 1 (chrome and matt black and has a filigree focusing lever, which will especially appeal to fans of a very classic look) or type ii monochrome (silver or black) and has a pronounced recessed grip for quick and intuitive focusing. Which is the one to use on M11 and which one would you pick ? When was this lens released?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for your reply. Your photography is amazing and based on watching your videos I have just bought an M5, a iiif with f2 collapsible lens and a Yashica D medium format camera. Thanks for directing me back to film. Conor
@@conorisdell3937 Thanks Conor! Great to hear you bought those amazing cameras, especially the M5 and iiif that I am more aware of. I looked at the Yashica TLRs but got a Rolliecord first as found a good deal.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom You willing to sell an m2 though? Am in the market for one in the U.S and ebay is nothing but shady sht for way over inflated prices lol.
Hi Mat. I love Leica M cameras, but unfortunately I can't afford them, so three months ago I bought (eBay) a Yashica YF which is very similar to the Leica M3/M2. I am trying to find information about this camera, but there are just a few blogs and a couple basic video in UA-cam. Do you know this camera? Do you have any information about it? So far I love the camera, but I can't compare with a real Leica M. Thanks in advance for any information that you can share with your audience.
Hi Rafael. I think I know this camera you have but i've never used one. It will take the same photo as a Leica if you use the same lens on both. See my other Leica vids, I love the older Leica iii cameras and use them instead on M bodies a lot now. Smaller, cheaper and beautifully made.
The Yashica YF has a Yashinon 5cm f/1.8, that it looks like the Canon 50mm f/1.8 (m39), so far I like the imagen quality. Thanks Mat for take the time to respond to my comment. Have a great day!
Haha thanks, any feedback is good. This was one of my first videos in 2019. I’ve done maybe 150 since then so you might last til 1:45 on a more recent vid :)
"Old wives tales from the internet". Yes Matt, you are right; the old wives look like the Hell's Grannies of Monty Python. The old wifes are all over the internet, in the photoshops and at the photoclubs. They can not live without a Leica. A few put a film in it and make some photos. They scan the film. Scanning a film from a Leica is blasphemous. It is like pouring your tomato ketchup over an italian meal in Rome. Some photographers know how to handle a Leica, the rest are just show offs. Brian Duffy once said on people having a Hasselblad. "Most of the time the wanker is a gynaecologist from Kensington". The retired old lads do not ride their caferacers anymore. A fat BMW is too heavy and a plastc Nikon DSLR is too cheap. So all that rests is a Leica around their necks. Over a 90% of the Leica owners can not make decent photos. They do not know how to choose the right colourfilter for the FP4-Plus film when the steamtrain is passing by. The biggest photoshop in The Netherlands sells new and secondhand Leicas. Nobody behind the counter can put a new film in a Leica M3. Do you know how I get my free cup of coffee in the Rotterdam photoshop?
Thanks Nathan! I don't own the M5 but it is detailed in the blog review that is linked. I only have the M2,3,4-P and 6.. after that period I realised I had enough!
Still one of the best reviewers on UA-cam. To the point, with tons of hints.
Thanks I'm sure these older videos I did are harder to watch but I tried to include the same information! :)
Great comparison Matt. I own my self a M2. My favorite feature is the film advance it’s so buttery smooth. Looking forward to see more videos.
MrBillboeing thanks Bill! Yes the older M2 and M3 feel great to use for sure :) Thanks!
Really good comparison, Matt! I own an M2-R, M3, and M4, and I enjoy the differences in each. I generally keep a 35mm on my M2-R, and a 50mm on my M3 & 4. I love their build quality & tank-like sturdiness!
Freedom Panda thanks for checking out the video and your kind words. It sounds like you have some nice Leica kit! :)
I owned an M3 some years ago that had been sent to Wetzlar for CLA by the previous owner. they had to replace the viewfinder and they offered him to put a new old-stock in, also 40 years old, ok now, but maybe deteriorating within years OR to put the modern 0.85x from the M6TTL in.
So I once had an M3 with a viewfinder nat as big and uncluttered as it should be, but still bigger than all other finders and it came with 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135 mm.
It was a really nice camera. I am quite sad that I sold it.
Thanks for sharing! Yes that is an uncommon find. I guess it makes it almost like an M4 :)
Thanks a lot for all videos & advices i just bought a M2 with Elmar 2.8 and i’m so in love with
Thanks Mashk and congrats! I will try to make a "more modern M2 video in 2022" as this is an old video :)
I used a M2 back when they were new and loved it.
I was a trainee wedding photographer. Our main cameras for formal shots were Rollei tlrs. Leica for casual shots.
We tried out a Kodak Retina Reflex S but the boss didn't like it. The Schneider lens on it was better than the collapsible Elmar we had on the M2.
My favourite Leica now is my Zorki 4K with the Jupiter 8 50mm f2 lens.
Easier to load. 15 times Cheaper to buy
Hi Neil thanks and great to hear about your M2 experience. Yes I can see why you used Leica for speed and TLR for formals. I just got a Rolleicord (see my "lockdown" video). Proper review to follow. Interesting about the Kodak and the Zorki. I have a FED2 which is better than I expected, older Barnack Leicas but no Zorki yet. I did hear good things though (and fast to load!) and some Jupiter lenses are very good. I have the Jupiter 3 50/1.5 (see blog) + 35mm lens. Thanks
My Leica M2 dates to 1960 (there are sites on the interweb which list Leica serial numbers and dates of manufacture if you want to find out) so is a year older than me. Unlike me, it still looks almost like new and works perfectly. Mine came with a 50mm collapsable Elmar lens which I believe was a more entry level lens but it works fine and is contempoary with the camera. I own quite a few cameras of all sorts which I've acquired over the years but the M2 is probably my most prized possession.
Thanks Kevin, yes the M2 is lovely. I still use mine and enjoy it. The Elmar is maybe better than you think. See that video.
Great video Matt! I have the M2 myself, but one day I will pick up an M3 for a price I am willing to pay, as I shoot with 50mm more often than not.
John Roberts thanks John, yes if you ever see an affordable M3 grab it. You’ll love it! :)
Well done. Nice review. I have the m3 DS. I only shoot 50mm f/1.4 .091 mag viewfinder is the best leica has produced thus far for the 50mm
Thank you! Agreed the M3 with a 50mm is this perfect setup!.. and the best finder :)
Great photos Matt, enjoyed the comparison videos. I review film cameras too 👍🏻
Thanks mate, thanks for stopping by! Cool I will have to take a look, thanks!
Hey Matt I have a M2 and I have bought a couple accessories for mine I have the fast load spool and also the mp has a crank you can add to the knob so you can rewind faster. The accessories are expensive but it does help
Thanks Jon. Ah yes I have seen those. Thanks for mentioning. Once I finish a camera I tend to use a second film body so it’s not too much of an issue for me but thanks!
Great comparison thanks
Thanks Ivor!
Nice review Matt. A point about flash. A speedlite with a pc cord can be attached to the X synch port on an M3 or M2 with an M3 to PC adapter. bought one years ago, was easy to find. A vivitar 2500 or 252 are small and can fit into cold shoe and the pc cord can be wound around the base before plugging in the back. easier than it sounds, but a bit of a pain compared to say an M4P with hot shoe, but an M2 is SO much smoother than an M4P. Of course with a spare $5100+ you can buy a new M-A...
Adam Lang thanks Adam, thanks for sharing, especially for others. Yes in my earlier Leica days pre M4-P I did just that. If you dig deep on my Flickr there are examples. I will do a proper flash video at some point. (I’m not sure if you follow me on other platforms but I’m now posting an extra 2-3 videos a week on Patreon + loads of other content. It would be great to have you on there if you think you can get value from it. You can join from £1 a month and cancel any time. (I’m trying to point it out to my key commenters on YT especially). Link can be found on latest videos.
Great Video! thank you.
And I don't know why but I kinda like your voice very much!
Thanks, this is old video so new video might sound different/better (I did 150 videos after this) :)
About the faster rewinding: In the past they mentioned that if you rewind too fast, it might develop static electricity, which might add lighting tracks on your film. I don’t know if that still applies now I don’t know. I do rewind slowly on my M6 because of that reason. I like my first Leica M2 for many reasons, took my first wedding with it, only using a rigid 50mm Summicron
Thanks Bart! Great tip, i've not heard this but it makes sense. It is why movie film has the anti-static remjet layer. There is a lot to be said for an M + Summicron combination :)
I only use M3. I really love this camera. Even using 90 Summicron and Elmarit with Visoflex, 135 Elmar or even my beloved 35 Summicron 8 elements or my 21 Super Angulon with viewfinder, its a wonderful experience to use this masterpiece.
Estevao Calahani Thanks Estevao, happy to hear you love your M3 too! My favourite and most used film camera. :)
Nice Video...thank you!
Thank you Benjamin! I have another Leica camera video currently rendering so it should be out tomorrow if you're interested :)
great video!! m3 is really the most amazing camera of all time, wish Leica did a limited edition M3 in digital form one day. Unfortunately I shoot 35mm most of the time, so instead I got the 'modern film M3', the M--A which is really an amazing camera if you ever get the chance to try it. Would be great to also have you compare the M3 / M2 vs MP / M-A ...since M4-p/6/7 are much cheaper built quality with viewfinder flare etc (still great cameras though)
Daniel Silva thanks Daniel! I’ve not tried the MA but I hear good things. If I get the opportunity to try one then yes I will happily do a review 👍🏻
Your cameras looks so good, cosmetically. Have you had them serviced or have you just been waiting for a clean one to hit the market?
Thank you for the walk through. Most helpful.
Thank you Nils, I bought these cameras 4-5yrs ago maybe, and before the big price jump. I've not had them modified in any way but the M3 was recalibrated. (For additional content and 2-3 more weekly videos you can now find me on - mrleica.com/mrleica-patreon/).
oh man, what an explain - very useful and understandable. some time ago I started to think again about that I have no film rangefinder in my camera "collection" (i use all the film cameras I have), so first of all I tried to read about Leica ( even I'm some kind of anti-Leica bcos of different reasons) and very fast I got that I like these both M3 and M2 bcos of simplicity of both - no battery, brass build, simple winding mechanism. everything is fine but the viewfinder framelines. I don't think to use any 5cm lens with a rangefinder and also 35mm with the time v=become too close for me. So 28mm is my favorite focal length and from your explain and from some others I got that the only way to use M3/M2 with 28 is to use an external viewfinder and I don't like this idea. Anyway, I'm still researching this idea to have a rangefinder working without batteries, is suitable for 28mm and build well as these leicas :-) thank you for the great explain
Hi Victor! Good to see you here :D .. from what you say you can use M2 and full viewfinder area for 28mm or M4-P, again not battery, has 28mm framelines BUT less brass, RF can haze more.. I would go M2and after few rolls you know exactly what in frame
Hi matt, I have both M2 and m3 actually I have 2x M2 on is in Japan being painted Black. I love them both. Great Review,Thanks Dominique.
Thanks, yes the M2 is perfect for 35mm. Black paint version - nice!
Hi Dominique, just for my curiosity: only the black paint in Japan, or the CLA as well?
@@MrMauriziomazzoni HI, both CLA an repainted.
Thank you, Matt!
Thanks Greg, I must tried to make new videos for these great cameras
This is a very helpful video for me. I have a Canon P with a Jupiter 8 and a Canon 35mm f2.8. The build quality is very good and I prefer the viewfinder to the M's. The shutter sound is not quite as nice but for £150 you are getting a lot for your money as the P was designed to compete with the M's but with improvements, ie 35, 50 and 100mm framelines, cranked rewind knob, 100% viewfinder and hinged back. Getting an M3 or M2 would seem to be duplicating a lot of what I have already got so I am thinking about a 111f or 111g (with an external 35mm viewfinder) for the smaller size, Leica shutter sound and in my opinion better looking camera.
Thanks for your comment. I have a Canon RF cameras actually but i've not had time to try it yet. I should! :) As for the Leica iii options I can help. I've done 2 Leica iii videos, this one includes the iiig and at the end of the video it should link to the other video - ua-cam.com/video/WMCDSj-tr2g/v-deo.html
If you want to use the viewfinder with glasses on, the M3 viewfinder is difficult. The M2, on the other hand, is perfect. You can always get screw-in correctors in a range of dioptre values.
Henry Law thanks Henry, I’ve not heard others say this but I don’t wear glasses when taking photos so I can’t comment. I would expect M3 lines to be more visible than say 28mm lines on M6 etc
great work
Thanks Michael! :)
Just sold my M3 😢 but I am really thinking of an M2. Actually it was my first Leica for a couple of days but there was a problem with a light leak at the curtain so the seller kindly gave the money back and I got the M3 then. There was something special about the M2 for me.
See my latest video. You see both cameras again. Each camera offers benefits.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I will thanks!
Hi Matt, I didn't hear you mention the Leica work-around that allows one to use a 35mm lens on the M3--the goggles mounted on the lens that correct the viewfinder to show full frame,. I use this set-up on my M3 and find it satisfactory. Only cavil is that this makes the lens vulnerable to external shocks, and of course since it is Leica, it's horribly expensive.
Thanks Jeremy, yes sorry I tried to keep the video simple so only compared standard body vs body. Good point in 35mm with goggles option.
I second your conclusion. For me (a 35&50mm man, no flash, bw only) a M2 is basically a M6 without a lightmeter. I tend to take out the M6 more than the M2, because the lightmeter cuts down on the guess work or the fumbling with an external meter. But the M2 handles more nicely: It has brass gears, thus winding more softly than the M6 (steel gears). M3? I think you mentioned the right word: "overenginered". A sorry departure from the Leica design philosophy. Never understood why some consider it Leica's "finest".
Thanks for the feedback and i'm happy to hear that you enjoy the M2 too! :)
Have an M3 DS (1955) and an M2 (1960) .I always seem to prefer the M3 .I think its the viewfinder and auto frame indicator (def the later) .I also have a BPM4 (1969).It`s a lovely thing but is the quick loader really that quick ? I don`t find it so . Nice sensible reviews as always .
Thanks Michael! Yes agreed, I would rate my cameras M3 (1st), M2, M6, M4-P for enjoyment to use but the 2 newer bodies are useful for flash photography (hotshoes) and 28mm photography.
I got my m3 last week and I have to say, wow! I've been missing this all my photography life.
Now that being said, I purchased a 45mm chiyoko which was an M39, and adapted it to the M mount. Pretty much 45 is just outside those 5cm framelines and I'm alright with it.
Congrats! It's called the best film camera ever for good reason. Still my #1 ..yes 40mm/45mm is perfect on M3. Just use more/ all of the VF.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom my first test roll, there were 0 shutter/advancement fails. On the Contax and the barnacks, I shoot with I tend to get one or two bad ones, this one just did its thing. i think the twin stroke has taken a lot of the issues out of the advancement issues I've dealt with. Overall, couldn't be more pleased.
@@andychandler3992 great. A cla will fix most old Barnacks too fyi. All mine needed a service when I got them.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom well the barnack absolutely need it. When I got mind I ran a test roll of 24 through it and noticed where the shutter curtain was burned. Got it fixed shoots like a dream.
As far as lenses, I mean, I got the M3 at rock bottom price. I went ahead and figure since I'm doing street or "touristy shooting" I have a canon serenar and am getting a chiyoko, and those are coated, so I'll just stick with the m39's and have them adapted on.
Love my M2!
Eric Hartke thanks Eric, I do for 35mm but I usually shoot 50s so use my M3 more. Happy shooting!
I enjoyed your comparison. Thanks!
Henry Chavez Thank you Henry! I’m sure this review has been done 1000 times already but I thought I would give my 2p worth!
Very helpful! Thank you!
Wesley thanks Wesley, many thanks! I’ll try to share more camera reviews like this soon! (many to come!) :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom for the first time ever I am seriously considering a leica after years of being anti range finder so I'm now doing the research haha. The slow loading thing is still quite off putting to me. Especially because the M2 is the one I am most interested in.
@@WesleyVerhoevePhotography It really isn't that slow. I did in slow in the video to show people but you'll soon do it with your eyes closed. I prefer the M2/M3 old loading style to the M6... even the old Leica iii cameras are fast to do with practise! :) Don't let that stop you from getting the best camera you've ever owned! :) ;)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom good to know! Thank you! I am now lusting for a M2-R,love the story behind those
@@WesleyVerhoevePhotography Great choice! I hope you can find one! Good luck!
Hello Matt. I've inherited a Leica M and I'd like to get the flash off so I can see the model and serial#. Could you perhaps do a quick video? Many thanks.
Hi Rudy. I don’t use the specific Leica flash, I use a Godox. Can you not slide it off the cold shoe? Contact me via MrLeica.com/zoom if still struggling
Erm I just purchased an m1 and oddly… I love this one more. For some reason, taking the focus worry and just going zone helped my composition
Great stuff Andy, I totally understand. I use my similar older Leica iii cameras that have no RF for the same reason. 1931 Leica Standard is my fav.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yeah about that….
The same week I got the m1 I ended up also purchasing a I standard e. Slapped a rokkor 45mm and am loving it
Great vid! Question: What (good quality vintage but not that expensive) 35mm analog camera do you recommend for me as a beginner? Viewfinder or SLR? I do work with advanced Digital cameras but far less knowledge when it comes to manually correctly measuring ISO, etc. THANKS❗️subscribed btw!
Thanks! If you shoot 50mm FL mostly RF are good (if you are happy with 1m MFD). If you like wider than 28mm (wider than 50mm really) or longer than 90mm get a SLR. To focus
Hey Matt, I'm traveling to UK in August and planning to get my first M camera over there, I was thinking on visiting red dot camera store, do you have any experience there? I love your videos! Thanks
Hello yes! Reach out to me on MrLeica.com and I’ll help you
Lieca M3 are the best camera ever made, with the nikon F2 photo mic. Saad from Canada.
Hey Saad, agree the Leica M3 is the best!
Hello, congratulations on your channel, I'm always learning something about Leica cameras and lenses. I have an M3, 1956, the shutter curtain sometimes locks. I send it every time to an authorized Leica technician, who is in another state, sometimes the shutter arrives normal, unlocked, other times it arrives there still locked. No one can know what the problem is and why the shutter freezes during movie operation. Could you tell what the defect is? What can it be? Grateful.
Hi thanks. It sounds like you need a better repair guy (no offence to anyone). If it comes back with the same issue it's not fixed. You might need a new shutter to fix the issue. I've had shutters replaced on some of my Leica iii cameras.
It's funny, really. The term 'Cold Shoe' was only created when 'Hot shoes' came into being. Prior to this, they were simply accessory shoes.
The same with 'analogue" cameras, capture, photograhy, light meters. The term 'analogue' came into use simply to differentiate from 'digital' this, that, and the other.
Ah great point, thanks for sharing! Yes I yes film cameras were just "cameras" pre-digital! :)
Hey Matt, great videos, really enjoying them. Just wondering what your recommendations would be for the cheapest 35mm film camera for my leica summar f2 lens? I'm keen to give film photography a try!
One with a built-in light meter preferably...
Thanks Travis and congrats in advance for looking to try film! :) The Leica iii cameras are some of the cheapest but no light meter (see those videos). For a meter perhaps the Voigtlander Bessa R3A or a similar model (that has light meter). I show it in one of the videos.. read the thumbnails you will see it.
If you can use a handheld meter or meter with digital Leica iii or Leica CL film (Aka Minolta CL)(See that video - it has meter but they normally dont work). Nice and small!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the info Matt! Will check them out. Really appreciate it. Great work on flickr too :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Good to know. I love small cameras!
Hi Matt another great vid which I have watched quite a few time now as I have been stalking eBay for a couple of months and yesterday I finally won an M3 with an Elmar 50mm f2.8 attached. Very difficult to find an M2 or M4-P at a decent price. Matt was looking for some advice if you don’t mind! I intend to shoot at same time with my CL or Q for light reading, but I have to say from using the digital cameras I prefer 35mm or 28mm focal length. So Question 1) is there a good cheap viewfinder I should try to find? 2) Any recommendation for a 35mm non- leica fast Lens? ( was seriously thinking of the Light Lens Lab summicron copy) and lastly 3) I have a m42/M adapter and a load of M42 lenses. Will I be able to focus the rangefinder with an m42 lens attached? (It’s a K&F concept adapter if that’s of any help!)…….thanks for any help you can give and hope to join a photo walk soon when you next in London (do you have some dates when you coming down?.
Hi Ken, sorry I missed this. Cheap and viewfinder doesn't really go together but I found a beautiful Leica X 36mm finder recently. Because 36mm it's at a discount vs 35mm yet pure Leica quality and wont lose value. 35mm lenses (1) Ultron f2 (2) Skopar 2.5.. Skopar is hard to beat for size/price/quality. Not sure of LL price. No you can't focus M42 lenses on RF camera but can scale/zone focus. Hopefully photowalk in July as weekends all full in June sadly but i'll send email so you wont miss anything.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom no worries Matt I got a voigtlander bessa 28mm finder for £70 and the ttartisans 28mm f5.6 it’s gorgeous but no chance to try it yet. Also got a voigtlander ultron 35mm f2. Tips mainly picked up from your videos thanks! The m2 looks great with the ultron or the 28mm I have some film but I’m waiting on some new skins to come from USA before I take the m2 and m3 for a walk! Then I decide which one to keep…….look forward to hear about the walks.
I used to have a iiiF black dial with a 50mm f2 Summitar. Never owned a Leica M.
Nice Ian! I've never tried out one of the very early Leicas.
I have a silly question but can’t find the answer anywhere. I have a M3. A 35mm lens with goggles but I hate the Googles. If I bought a 35mm lens, I know I don’t have frame lines for it in my m3, but I can still see the focusing area right? I will still be able to focus it, just need to estimate framing right?
Hi Jessica, yes I do this all the time. Use any 35mm M lens on M3 and get 35mm finder or guestimate framing.
Matt what voigtlander lens would be your favorite on the m3❓
50 apo
hey Matt, have you ever reviewed the chinese lenses, like the 50mm 7Artisans or the 50mm TTArtisan on your Analog Leicas.. if you have, can you do a video just for those lenses. it would be nice tho.. thanks!
Hello sorry not yet. I tend to buy vintage lenses instead. If I ever get one to test I will do a video no problem.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom understood.. thank you sir!
Hi Matt, I’m looking at the M3, which is a better choice, the single or double stroke version? Thanks
Hi Ron, I prefer SS as I forget my DS is double so miss shots!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt for the information! Have a great weekend!
Matt, you didn't mention if the M3 and M2 have a self timer?
Ah sorry if I forget this. Yes a benefit over my Leica M4-P/ M6. I must do some new versions of these old videos with sample photos.
What the comparison doesn't mention is that the M2 has a depth-of-field indicator in the viewfinder, wheras th M3 (at least going by the instruction manual) does not.
Thanks David, i'll be honest i've never noticed that so thanks!
Hi Matt, I wanted to ask you about the Voigtlander 28 mm/1:2,0 Ultron VM. Do you recommend the type 1 (chrome and matt black and has a filigree focusing lever, which will especially appeal to fans of a very classic look) or type ii monochrome (silver or black) and has a pronounced recessed grip for quick and intuitive focusing. Which is the one to use on M11 and which one would you pick ? When was this lens released?
Personal preference. If you shoot street I’d say get modern tab design for speed/ faster focusing.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom which one is good for travel the one you prefer is ?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom the modern design is type II ?
I usually shoot 50mm but prefer the M2 over the M3 as I am wearing eyeglasses...with the M3 I have difficulties seeing the 50mm framelines.
Thanks, I’m sure others might find that fact useful too. Thanks for sharing.
Do you have to send the M2, M3, M6 in for adjusting often? I'm looking to buy one of those models in 2022.
No not unless you knock it hard. Sent my M3 once, not M2 or M6. I've sent M240 more.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Why do you have to send m240 in more? How often on average?
The M2 has a cleaner design and has more versatile frame lines.
Thanks, yes more useful with 35mm lines for sure.
Anybody use a KEKS EM01 light meter that attaches to the cold shoe of the M2 or M3? Very interested in one.
Hi no sorry but I have seen these kind of meters on Facebook etc.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for your reply. Your photography is amazing and based on watching your videos I have just bought an M5, a iiif with f2 collapsible lens and a Yashica D medium format camera. Thanks for directing me back to film.
Conor
@@conorisdell3937 Thanks Conor! Great to hear you bought those amazing cameras, especially the M5 and iiif that I am more aware of. I looked at the Yashica TLRs but got a Rolliecord first as found a good deal.
M3 or MP for mod cons / flexibility
Thanks yes I will have to try an MP sometime, thanks!
How does having a cold shoe limit anything? Just attach a PC synch cord and you're good to go?
Wireless triggers are just easier on location but yes I know what you mean. See the video I recently made on the M3 + flash
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Ah, that's true...Counter point before I watch your video, many triggers have an output for pc synch :p so TOUCHE good sir!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom You willing to sell an m2 though? Am in the market for one in the U.S and ebay is nothing but shady sht for way over inflated prices lol.
@@Adrian-wd4rn hi Adrian, sorry no I’ll never sell these. (Another guy just asked me to sell the M3 only 5mins ago) :)
@@Adrian-wd4rn thanks!
Hi Mat. I love Leica M cameras, but unfortunately I can't afford them, so three months ago I bought (eBay) a Yashica YF which is very similar to the Leica M3/M2. I am trying to find information about this camera, but there are just a few blogs and a couple basic video in UA-cam. Do you know this camera? Do you have any information about it? So far I love the camera, but I can't compare with a real Leica M. Thanks in advance for any information that you can share with your audience.
Hi Rafael. I think I know this camera you have but i've never used one. It will take the same photo as a Leica if you use the same lens on both. See my other Leica vids, I love the older Leica iii cameras and use them instead on M bodies a lot now. Smaller, cheaper and beautifully made.
The Yashica YF has a Yashinon 5cm f/1.8, that it looks like the Canon 50mm f/1.8 (m39), so far I like the imagen quality. Thanks Mat for take the time to respond to my comment. Have a great day!
I have a leica m2 its ok, but for some odd reason I like my m1 more.
I like the Ms for portraits but prefer the Leica iii cameras for a smaller setup :)
If you've got a smartphone you've got a light meter..
Thanks Zach, yes a great reminder! I know it’s there but I usually guess.
fell asleep at 1:32..... moved to another review...
Haha thanks, any feedback is good. This was one of my first videos in 2019. I’ve done maybe 150 since then so you might last til 1:45 on a more recent vid :)
"Old wives tales from the internet". Yes Matt, you are right; the old wives look like the Hell's Grannies
of Monty Python. The old wifes are all over the internet, in the photoshops and at the photoclubs.
They can not live without a Leica. A few put a film in it and make some photos. They scan the film.
Scanning a film from a Leica is blasphemous. It is like pouring your tomato ketchup over an italian
meal in Rome.
Some photographers know how to handle a Leica, the rest are just show offs. Brian Duffy once said
on people having a Hasselblad. "Most of the time the wanker is a gynaecologist from Kensington".
The retired old lads do not ride their caferacers anymore. A fat BMW is too heavy and a plastc Nikon
DSLR is too cheap. So all that rests is a Leica around their necks.
Over a 90% of the Leica owners can not make decent photos. They do not know how to choose the
right colourfilter for the FP4-Plus film when the steamtrain is passing by. The biggest photoshop in
The Netherlands sells new and secondhand Leicas. Nobody behind the counter can put a new film in
a Leica M3. Do you know how I get my free cup of coffee in the Rotterdam photoshop?
Haha thanks Jaco!
You seem to miss out the ugly duckling (the Leica M5) 🤣
Thanks Nathan! I don't own the M5 but it is detailed in the blog review that is linked. I only have the M2,3,4-P and 6.. after that period I realised I had enough!
MrLeicaCom I have the M5 and M4, nice using the M5 as it has the meter which is really accurate 👌🏼
@@nathan_woodgate Thanks Nathan, yes a few people said to me on various pages that the M5 is good. Nice to know, thanks!
MrLeicaCom and you can pick them up nice and cheap, well cheap in Leica terms 🤣
@@nathan_woodgate haha
Mat can you a review on the M5 nice camera the metering is very accurate and spot on
Thanks I will for sure if I get to use one!