Leica M3 or M6 TTL - which one?

Mozg31337 · Jan 19, 2018

Hello everyone,

I am considering of upgrading my Leica IIIf to either M3 or M6 TTL with 0.72 viewfinder titanium edition. I have seen a few fine looking examples on eBay and I was wondering which camera should I go for? I mainly use 50mm lens, but have a few 35mm that I might use once in a while, but not too often.

I have used the M3 before and love it. The build quality is just amazing! I have not used or touched the M6.

Thanks

guangong · Jan 19, 2018

If a built in through the lens meter is not important to you, but a brighter viewfinder and, despite an M3 being a few decades older, better build quality is a decisive would be a better choice. However, if a TTL meter is more important and you can deal with led lights, a viewfinder of somewhat lesser quality and cheaper internal construction makes no difference then go with an M6.
I have M3 and M4 and used wife’s M5 since she bought it when it came out. Couple years ago I bought my own. I prefer match needle to diods. Sometimes a built in meter is more a nuisance than a help.
If you are happy with your IIIf, you will not be disappointed with your M3. Probably got mine in 1969-70 and still going strong. Had a CLA two years back just to keep it that way. Got a deal on a IIIf last year that was just to good. Great little camera!

Mozg31337 · Jan 19, 2018

Thanks for the comments. I love the IIIF, the build quality is second to none and the shutter sound is just too good. The light meter is a plus, but I can live without it in most cases as I've got used to the sunny 16 rule.
How does the viewfinder differ between the M3 and M6? The M3 viewfinder is very very good and I absolutely love it. I think M6 has a few different versions of the viewfinder magnification. Would it make a lot of difference between 0.85 and the standard 0.72?

Theo Sulphate · Jan 19, 2018

Tough choice. The M6 TTL will give you the 35mm framelines when you choose to use that lens, it'll give you metering, and the shutter speed dial is easier to access. I don't find the lesser magnification to be a liability because I can see what's outside the frame.

I have both M3's and M6's, including the TTL, and while I agree the M3's quality is excellent, the M6 is very close. I actually prefer the feel of the M6's wind lever.

Mozg31337 · Jan 19, 2018

Oh, you have some fine examples on that picture )))
What about the M4? How does that compare between the M3 and the M6? I've not really heard much about the M4. Most people tend to be either the M6 or the M3 people.

WilmarcoImaging · Jan 20, 2018

If price is manageable I recommend the newest camera that meets your shooting style.

guangong · Jan 20, 2018

It is not just a difference in image size. Disregarding size, viewfinders for M3, M4, M2 and M5 were basically of same construction while M6 was “improved” (cheaper to make) but not quire as bright. Also, more plastic inside M6.

Phillip Nondorf · Jan 20, 2018

I have an M6 and an M3, both are amazing cameras. I picked up the M3 because the viewfinder makes it easier to use longer lenses (50mm and over) while the M6 is better for the wides. The meter has died in my M6, so no difference there. The M6 is also easier to load and rewind than the M3, but not a huge deal. My recommendation would be if you're using wides primarily, grab an M6, if you're using 50mm primarily, grab the M3. But honestly, they're both great options. Just grab the cleanest example you can find and go shoot.

Ko.Fe. · Jan 20, 2018

I sold my M3 on this Monday. True Leica comparing to M6 (IMO), but I'm not 50mm user. I went for less expensive, cheaply build, but absolutely new Bessa R2M for 35/50 framelines and TTL. But I also have M4-2 and working, serviced professionally Zorki.

IMO, M2 might be much more practical comparing M3 and more Leica comparing to M4-2.

Just remember what suggestion to be ready for $$$ CLA, repair bill if buying M of the ebay is as real as it was never been before. Even M6 TTL is old camera now. And some electronic parts are not available anymore for this flavour of M6. M6 classic seems to be not in the jeopardy, yet.
Be careful what you are wishing for. Barnacks and M are in different categories for CLA, service cost. And after using of both, Barnack and M, I have feeling what M isn't as tough and as long lasting as Barnacks are. IMO and if camera is in use, not on display .

Mozg31337 · Jan 20, 2018

Thank you everyone for their feedback and comments. Much appreciated. I have placed an offer on the M6 Titanium in a good condition. If the offer is accepted, I will use the camera and if I don't like it, I am sure I can sell it without much loss and get myself an M3.

John Koehrer · Jan 20, 2018

Well you made an offer. That's good.
The major difference in the M3 to the others is that it has no frame for 35's
Both the 2 & 3 you need to remove the take-up spool to load and has 35/50/90 frames. 135 frame?
M4 loads a bit like the old rapid load for the 2 & 3 & has 35/50/90/135 frames.
M6 has a swing open back & different magnification viewfinders? and I believe that depending on the magnification
of the finder the frames available also change**
** never had one, just a guess.

mshchem · Jan 21, 2018

For me my final solution was a M6ttl with. 85 viewfinder. I have had a IIIf, an M2, and a .72 finder M6ttl. The .85 finder is the perfect 50 mm finder for me. I wear glasses so I get a bit of vignetting unless I smash the viewfinder up against my face. 35mm lens is as wide as I plan to go. I love the Summicron f2 50mm, mine is the 6 bit version, not the newest 6500 USD Asph. Craziness. I went for a couple years without a 35mm rangefinder. I love my M6ttl, if the LED lights bug me I can always take the battery out. The LEDs do serve a very useful purpose, they flash incessantly if try to take a picture while a lens cap is mounted.
I use a small incident meter .
Best Mike

Leica M3 or M6 TTL - which one?

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