Do you guys use a shoe cover for the M3 or the M-A? The shoe is a different shape from my digital M bodies and has that little screw on it, and in the case of the M3 it isn't even a hot shoe. I've never bothered covering it before, but I'm wondering if anyone has found a silver chrome shoe cap that actually fits these models.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Do you guys use a shoe cover for the M3 or the M-A? The shoe is a different shape from my digital M bodies and has that little screw on it, and in the case of the M3 it isn't even a hot shoe. I've never bothered covering it before, but I'm wondering if anyone has found a silver chrome shoe cap that actually fits these models.
Only on my M10r - matching silver chrome OEM shoe cover from popflash.
I always folded up part of the film packaging and stuck it in the cold shoe, but now I've got 3D printed covers with film speeds on them. They have a recess for the screw. I would, however, buy nice metal versions of these if they existed. Brass could be cool.
I've owned both an M3 (now sold) and an MP (use it regularly) for many years as a 50mm shooter and I'd take the MP any day of the week. Both are exceptional cameras, the MP is just a more "refined" experience. But I do think it's pretty subjective. To me the MP's RF is brighter, it feels tighter to operate, and it has the quick load system. (Not sure I could go back to the spool...the quick load works every time and is significantly easier to handle out and about.) You absolutely cannot beat the M3's viewfinder as a 50mm shooter! But in every other aspect it's the MP that takes it.
So...keep both, that's the answer. Also another +1 for Artisan Obscura, their hot shoe covers look good and have a notch for the little screw that sticks up.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I just purchased an M-A and am debating whether to part ways with my M3. My copy is almost mint and was recently overhauled by Don (DAG), so it works perfectly. Functionally, there are no issues, but a few limitations pushed me toward this decision.
I don't mind shooting without a meter, but the M3's rangefinder can't focus closer than about 0.9 to 1 meter, unlike the MP or M-A, which can go down to 0.7m. Another limitation is the lack of 28mm or 35mm framelines due to the magnification, which are focal lengths I really enjoy. As a result, I haven't been using the M3 as much as I'd like.
Sure, it's fantastic and likely a better choice for 50mm or 90mm shooting, but if I need higher magnification for 50, 75, 90, or 135mm, I can always use the LLL 1.4x magnifier on the M-A. (Like I do with my digital M bodies)
I think I will wait for the M-A to arrive before making a final decision, but I already have a feeling I will love it if it handles like the MP, which I shot for a couple of years before selling.
Feel free to share your thoughts on these two cameras....Show more →
It's not a rare body however they dont make them any more, either. Sounds like you have a really nice M3, hate to see you sell it
Close focus isn't the strong suit of the M line, probably part if the reason I didn't get into Leica more, since I do a lot of macro
I used to send B&W in to get it developed, afraid id screw up the development curious what terrified your daughter on the Joshua tree adventure?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Do you guys use a shoe cover for the M3 or the M-A? The shoe is a different shape from my digital M bodies and has that little screw on it, and in the case of the M3 it isn't even a hot shoe. I've never bothered covering it before, but I'm wondering if anyone has found a silver chrome shoe cap that actually fits these models.
My wife bought me couple cheap shoes but I rarely attach to my m cameras.
I have several friends addicted to the shoe cover, they have different style and from cheap to expensive ( up to $100 )
I just don't get it.
sirimiri wrote:
One of my biggest "gear regrets" is having sold off my M3 DS->SS
I was the 2nd owner, DAG had completely overhauled it and converted it to SS.
Had the SBLOO, Summaron 35 and matching LTM adapter, too.
L'aaargh!
Fred, you're allowed to have a decorative piece or two....
Same here. I have a beautifully running M3 SS that was overhauled by DAG. I really like the M-A, but with all the regrets people have shared here, I am probably keeping the M3 as well.
I stuck a rapid load spool from Cameraworks-UK in my M3, and it solves the “slow” loading issue. And it still has the best finder out there for 50mm and 90mm.
Fred, like you, I have a mint M3 (DS). It looks like a jewel and takes great images. I too like shooting at 35 and 28mm so the M3 is a little restrictive. I've had the M4-P in the past which really was a perfect camera for me with 28mm frame lines. However, I don't think I could part with the M3. It's as much an emotional decision than anything. My M3 is mint from circa 1955 and such a classic camera perhaps only exceeded perhaps by the M6. Even if I stop shooting film, I won't part with the M3 from a historical perspective as the first classic M. Perhaps you don't feel the emotional tug that I do and it's part historical and part the beauty of the camera and the condition of my copy.
Also another +1 for Artisan Obscura, their hot shoe covers look good and have a notch for the little screw that sticks up.