Leica M3 vs. M6, comparison & buying guide (english)

In this video I would like to show you the Leica M3 and compare it to the Leica M6. Some differences that might be relevant if you should decide to enter the world of Leica with a vintage film camera.

[jennkolbinger]

I inherited my father's M3 with a 50mm Summilux in pristine condition.  He bought it in 1959.  A few years ago I bought an M6 on ebay and have been using both.  To me, the M3 is more solid in my hands - you can feel the quality with every shot.  M6 is a great camera but feels like a mass produced product.  

My favorite cameras, aside from the lenses are the M3, Olympus OM-2 and Sony A7R.

[feeltherain]

Hi, thank you for your review based on your own experience and personal preferences. As a happy user of a m4-2, which is so under-rated, i would add this model as an alternative between your two options. No lightmeter and entirely mecanic, but newer than the M3 and with 35 framline, . And without some issues of the m6 like flare and too many lines in the viewfinder. Plus, it still has brass. Thanks!

[NBartrina]

I watch this videos on mechanical leicas over and over again. You put much more passion in this explanations than with digital cameras. Do more of them then!

[ripemangosmdm]

It seems the main differences that sway people are 1)light meter, which to me prevents the user from feeling confident and being OK with failing a few times and learning lights wildness. 2)the prices! Oh the prices, to get a beautiful M3 ds or ss, mostly mint, is the cost of a used probably never cla'd 3)the ability to say you have an M6. 4) the focal lengths..which to me if you aren't going to zone focus or get an external viewfinder or learn the confines of the viewfinder and know what will be added/cutoff, the focal length makes the most sense to me as to why get one or the other. It's really interesting because they are both just Lil boxes that blink and let light in, but to spend $2000 to $2600 on a used probably not cla'd camera over an m3, m2, minolta cle(for the light meter), leitz cl, and so being cheaper is just mind boggling. But to each their own.

[jeremoe]

Good video with some sound advice!  I have the M3, which I truly love.  It has a selenium light meter on top, which I understand is an incident meter, not a reflective.  I never use the meter because I prefer using an external meter.  The current one I have is the Sekonic L-308S, which works perfectly - so far, no complaints. For years, my choice of camera was the Nikon F2 until I got the Leica.  I still use the F2, mainly because I have several focal length lenses.  The camera I love best is the Leica.  Just thought I'd share that with you.  Keep the videos coming!

[kimchi]

Wonderful Leica collection! got myself couple M bodies except digital. they are a work horse and a pleasure to use every click! Cheers!

[Narsuitus]

When I was shopping for a Leica rangefinder, I did not even consider the M3 because I wanted to use a 35mm lens and the M3 did not have 35mm frame lines. I only considered the M2, M6, and MP. I purchased the M6 because it was the first I found in good shape for a reasonable price.

I now shoot with an M6 and an M10 with 21, 35, and 90mm lenses.

[jimshulman]

Great review!  One note: there was (and still is) a fully mechanical Leica produced after the M6--the MP.  You can still order one from Wetzlar, though it's a king's ransom.

[Iggy_Garcia]

You have the M6 Classic from 1988, same as mine, the only version with the M6 label on the front alone, without the Leica name on white letters. This is the M6 version I like the most aesthetically. I purchased it for that reason. Great review, well done.

[helxis]

You can overexpose negative b/w film 4 or 5 stops with minimum repercussions, so don't worry so much about the metering. Meter for your shadows, and just set it, forget it, and shoot.

[ChristopherAlga]

thank you for creating this video, keep the good work!

[MegaYuyu]

I think this one is better than this one ! :)

[Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

Great video.  I doubt that I'll ever buy a Leica film camera again, but if I do, it will be the M6.

[helthuismartin]

Buy  the M2 intead of the M3.The M2 has framelines for 35mm too.

[acidsnow]

thanks for this great review!
i think it is a great review!

[sekander]

Great video, thank you!
I was wondering if the late M6 TTL still has a flare issue in the viewfinder. Any idea?
Cheers

[helthuismartin]

I bought a Leica M1 today in almosst mint condition for only 300 euro.Theres not even a focussystem build in because for streetphotography you use prefocus combined with depth of field.

[RyanWoo]

Thank you for the video. I learned quit a bit from it.

[elifan]

Get a Minolta CLE and spend the money you save on proper glass.

[jt]

Hi, thanks for your review. May I ask if you have experience of the 50mm Summicron or a Summilux on the M6?  In your experience of using either, do you experience “finder blockage”, which obstructs you when composing? And which one of the two (Summicron or Summilux) has a serious blockage?

Thanks again.