Getting a rangefinder again... R3A or M3

about to extinct

D
about to extinct

  • 0
  • 0
  • 48
Fantasyland!

D
Fantasyland!

  • 9
  • 2
  • 116
perfect cirkel

D
perfect cirkel

  • 2
  • 1
  • 122
Thomas J Walls cafe.

A
Thomas J Walls cafe.

  • 4
  • 8
  • 295

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
198,746
Messages
2,780,295
Members
99,693
Latest member
lachanalia
Recent bookmarks
0

Huss

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2016
Messages
9,058
Location
Hermosa Beach, CA
Format
Multi Format

warden

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
3,033
Location
Philadelphia
Format
Medium Format
So lucky me, there was a shop locally that had the M3 and a variety of M2 and M4 bodies available. I tried the M3 and the 50 framelines are just too close to the edges, like the 40 were on the R3A. So while the view was gorgeous it was not appropriate, especially as with glasses I couldn't even see the 50 frame lines. So that wouldn't work with a 50 for me, let alone a 40.

On to the M2/4/4-2/4-P bodies that were available, and the 50 frame lines are just right. Plenty of space around them without glasses and just right with my glasses on. I tried it with the Voigtlander 40/1.4 and 35/1.2 (sadly no 40/1.2 in stock but that gave me a good idea of the size and handling) and various 50s. I think I'll go with a 40/1.4, the 1.2 is interesting but judging by the 35/1.2 it would be too big and intrusive in the finder.

So, I am now the proud owner of an M4 and will do a bit more thinking on whether I want a 40/1.4 or maybe a 50 Cron/Summarit/Nokton. Thank you all for the suggestions and opinions!

Sweet! Congrats on the new camera!
 

Ko.Fe.

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2014
Messages
3,209
Location
MiltON.ONtario
Format
Digital
So lucky me, there was a shop locally that had the M3 and a variety of M2 and M4 bodies available. I tried the M3 and the 50 framelines are just too close to the edges, like the 40 were on the R3A. So while the view was gorgeous it was not appropriate, especially as with glasses I couldn't even see the 50 frame lines. So that wouldn't work with a 50 for me, let alone a 40.

On to the M2/4/4-2/4-P bodies that were available, and the 50 frame lines are just right. Plenty of space around them without glasses and just right with my glasses on. I tried it with the Voigtlander 40/1.4 and 35/1.2 (sadly no 40/1.2 in stock but that gave me a good idea of the size and handling) and various 50s. I think I'll go with a 40/1.4, the 1.2 is interesting but judging by the 35/1.2 it would be too big and intrusive in the finder.

So, I am now the proud owner of an M4 and will do a bit more thinking on whether I want a 40/1.4 or maybe a 50 Cron/Summarit/Nokton. Thank you all for the suggestions and opinions!

M4 is very wise choice.
I have same feeling if in glasses about 50 mm framelines. I like them more in M4-2 and in R2M, than in M3.
I couldn't get used to 40mm on M3. Negatives never matched the framing.
 
OP
OP

film_man

Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
1,575
Location
London
Format
Multi Format
Speaking of glasses, I need to get a rubber eyepiece or whatever. Whoever thought metal eyepieces are a good idea...
 
Last edited:
OP
OP

film_man

Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
1,575
Location
London
Format
Multi Format
Right so the M4 is now paired with a Voigtlander 40/1.4. What a great little combo. Thank you all for the recommendations, looking really forward to the weekend when I'll be putting a few rolls through it!
 

JWMster

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2017
Messages
1,160
Location
Annapolis, MD
Format
Multi Format
Glad you got a good combo. These manual beasts are wonderful indeed. Have fun! But like they used to say about Lay's potato chips, "Betcha can't have just one!"
 
OP
OP

film_man

Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
1,575
Location
London
Format
Multi Format
Glad you got a good combo. These manual beasts are wonderful indeed. Have fun! But like they used to say about Lay's potato chips, "Betcha can't have just one!"

Obviously I'll need a metered one because I'm lazy. The really positive thing is that my other half saw the M4 and instead of the usual reaction (rolling eyes..."oh yet another camera") I got a "you're not selling that, ever". So obviously I can get a few more now.
 

JWMster

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2017
Messages
1,160
Location
Annapolis, MD
Format
Multi Format
M6 TTL is a nice way to go for a meter. Much as I love the M4-2, the M6 is the one to grab when you don't wanna mess with a meter.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom