What do you guys prefer a Leica M3 or a Nikon F?

Machinery

A
Machinery

  • 6
  • 3
  • 72
Cafe art.

A
Cafe art.

  • 1
  • 7
  • 89
Sheriff

A
Sheriff

  • 0
  • 0
  • 68
WWPPD2025-01-scaled.jpg

A
WWPPD2025-01-scaled.jpg

  • 3
  • 2
  • 107

Forum statistics

Threads
198,096
Messages
2,769,524
Members
99,561
Latest member
jjjovannidarkroom
Recent bookmarks
0

2F/2F

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2008
Messages
8,031
Location
Los Angeles,
Format
Multi Format

Rol_Lei Nut

Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
1,108
Location
Hamburg
Format
Multi Format
Why, with this lens set, would you prefer the M3 over an M2?

Well... The Summaron 35 with goggles does look incredibly cool! :wink:

Probably a PITA to mount, though.
 

buzzardkid

Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
23
Location
Netherlands,
Format
Medium Format
Well... The Summaron 35 with goggles does look incredibly cool! :wink:

Probably a PITA to mount, though.

Not at all.

Clicks on just as easy as any other lens without the goggles.


Regarding the OP's question: I'd take an M3 over a Nikon F anytime. Just posted the Nikon F as my most disappointing camera ever in another thread in this forum: it has nothing over the Nikkormat FTn. My Nikkormat FTn's are black with the early styled full metal lever (identical to the Nikon F), they have a meter in a much smaller finder, and a meter read-out on the top which makes them ideal companions for other camera's that have no meter. It's real easy to use them as a spotmeter wthout having to lift them to the eye.

The M3 is the summit of mechanical craftmanship. Maybe an Alpa or a Robot Royal 36 could compete, but I really cannot think of any other camera
 

darinwc

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 14, 2003
Messages
3,126
Location
Sacramento,
Format
Multi Format
The Nikon F is really big and heavy. If I were travelling/sightseeing, it would be way too much to carry around.
Unless I needed a long telephoto for wildlife or something, hands-down it would be the Leica.

And frankly, the F is kinda clunky. An F3 or an FE2 is much more my style.
 

sangetsu

Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2009
Messages
214
Location
東京
Format
4x5 Format
I have an M3, two M4's, and an M6. I can't say that they are superior to a Nikon F in any way other than that their winding action is a little smoother, and that they may focus better in low light. But the M cameras are not as reliable, cannot focus closely, and don't allow you to see exactly what the lens sees.

As far as weight is concerned, an F with an eye-level meter weighs roughly the same as a Leica M. I like to shoot with a 28/2.8 AIS lens, which weighs about the same as a 35mm Summicron, but less than a 50mm Summilux.

If your goal is to simply take good pictures, then the F is the obvious choice. You can spend the hundreds of dollars you save on good lenses or film.
 

Leigh Youdale

Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2007
Messages
231
Location
Sydney, Aust
Format
Medium Format
Well, whilst I agree that the Nikon (or Nikkormat in my case) and the Leica (M6 in my case) are almost equally heavy as camera bodies, the minute you start adding extra lenses to the mix the weight and bulk factor starts to favour the Leica. Unless the trip is oriented towards car travel and there's not too much walking around then the weight of the Nikon kit can see you getting more and more reluctant to haul it around.
Frankly, my own travel kit now is basically the much lighter Bessa R4A for B&W and the Fuji X10 for colourful 'snaps'.
 

Nikon 2

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Messages
1,543
Location
Moyers, Oklahoma
Format
Multi Format
Guess what I would pick...?
 

GregY

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2005
Messages
3,125
Location
Alberta
Format
Large Format
I've used both systems extensively. I do like the small and light...so I'd go for an M2 with a 35mm. (I don't use a 50 much). Also depends on the subject & terrain. Do i need long lenses? In European cities i'd go with the Leica 21 & 35. Since i photograph in B&W & print....if i needed long lenses i'd go with a 645 & a 200 & 300.
 

Besk

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2005
Messages
578
Location
Southern USA
Format
Multi Format
Depending on the type of travel anticipated, quietness of the camera can be important.
The M3 is going to be much quieter that an F. In my case, the shutter of my F2 even with the mirror locked up is much louder than my Leicas - IMO that is..
 

Nikon 2

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Messages
1,543
Location
Moyers, Oklahoma
Format
Multi Format
Depending on the type of travel anticipated, quietness of the camera can be important.
The M3 is going to be much quieter that an F. In my case, the shutter of my F2 even with the mirror locked up is much louder than my Leicas - IMO that is..

I think it’s true, my Leica M3 was extremely quiet compared to the F2 I’m currently using…!
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,262
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
Give me one of each with full sets of lenses for me to use and own and I will get back to you.
 

Nikon 2

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Messages
1,543
Location
Moyers, Oklahoma
Format
Multi Format
Give me one of each with full sets of lenses for me to use and own and I will get back to you.
1682038336592.png
 

Nikon 2

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Messages
1,543
Location
Moyers, Oklahoma
Format
Multi Format
What I have amassed so far, the Leica lenses tend to be sharper especially on the corners, but seem too clinical also. Otherwise, the vintage Nikon lenses have that softer non clinical look that many prefer…!
 
  • Huss
  • Deleted

GregY

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2005
Messages
3,125
Location
Alberta
Format
Large Format
Well... The Summaron 35 with goggles does look incredibly cool! :wink:

Probably a PITA to mount, though.

The goggled 35mm i found bulky, awkward with weird balance....
For me that was the M3 deal-breaker
Stuck with the M2
 

Nikon 2

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Messages
1,543
Location
Moyers, Oklahoma
Format
Multi Format

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,262
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
Interested readers want to know!
 
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