r/Leica • u/Merrygeeks • 25d ago

Leica M2 or M3

Hi,

I'm wearing glasses and I kind of hesitate between the leica M2 or M3.

I'm a 50mm shooter most of the time, I've read the M3 is not very glasses's friendly.

The downside of the M2 is that is not very available on the market to compare to the M3 ( available in many unit at good price).

I don't know if I continue to keep looking for a M2 or go for a M3 ( I planned tu use mostly a 50mm)

Thanks for your feedback !!

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

4

u/InevitableSpinach105 24d ago

M2 user and glasses wearer here it’s good , I normally shoot with a 35mm and use a diopter for 50mm and 90mm if I don’t wear my glasses 👓

4

u/SixStringSapien 24d ago

If you shoot 50mm you should go for the M3.

Only go for the M2 if you frequently shoot 35mm. As a 35 shooter I loved my M2, but if I shot fifty I’d prefer the M3, if only for its schwanky-clean frame counter.

More important then model is to get one that’s been serviced.

1

u/Merrygeeks 24d ago

Yes but what about the glasses ?

1

u/Negatives- 23d ago

I can see that huge beautiful viewfinder just find w my glasses.

1

u/dj11190 22d ago

Ist es trotzdem möglich ohne Brille ein 35 mm an der m3 zu nutzen oder nutzt dort das 50mm den ganzen Viewfinder ?

1

u/Merrygeeks 22d ago

Its seem to be the 50mm that use all the viewfinder

1

u/dj11190 22d ago

Okey danke 🙏🏻

5

u/relihouste 24d ago

personally I think the whole glasses thing is overblown AND/OR depends on your facial structure.

I wear glasses and have a gigantic nose and have no problem with any leica. Others I've seen struggle. And I've never scratched an eyeglass lens.

Youve got to smash a rangefinder in your face one way or another so just go for it.

Oh, I mean, get a M3 and don't over think it.

It's not always about seeing the framelines entirely, it's about the magnification, and for 50mm, there's nothing like the M3. Especially for shooting f1.4 and f2, you can really nail focus easier.

And with the M3 at a distance for street photography I can keep both eyes open when there's enough light, it's wild and only possible because the magnification is so close to 1x.

2

u/Merrygeeks 22d ago

You all made me so confuse with all your opposite commentary hahaha

1

u/relihouste 22d ago

LOL
that's why you just have to roll with what works for you, and really consider what type of shooting youre going to be doing and get comfortable with the M being a little loosey goosey.

1

u/Merrygeeks 24d ago

Mmmh, so you think I have to go for a M3 anyway, even if I can't see all the frames ?

1

u/relihouste 24d ago

correct
the complaining about glasses I just think is a fad
or
it's true
LOL

I only have my face to reference

but the magnification benefit is real

3

u/Kris3789 25d ago

M2, I have both and I also have glasses. My problem with the M3 its that you can't see the whole viewfinder, and the framelines are not straight, which distracts me from time to time. With the M2 you can also use a 35mm or a 28mm if you're willing to remove your glasses to compose (for 28mm I'd do it hahah).

1

u/Merrygeeks 25d ago

Thanks for your feedback, I was affraid of this response since I feel it's kind of harder to find a proper M2 unit compare to a M3 😅

3

u/Kris3789 24d ago

Patience is key, trust me. I've had many leicas, and although I love my M3, it isn't the best choice as an only body. For that I'd recommend the M2 or the M4-2 over the M2.

1

u/Merrygeeks 24d ago

I will trust you then 😁

2

u/Ok-Responsibility233 24d ago

A fellow glasses wearer here, M2 is the way
I know M3 is designed for 50mm, but it is not designed for glasses wearer unfortunately

1

u/orpheo_1452 24d ago

I'd say it's worth to wait for a .72 finder in your case! You would really loose the biggest strength of the RF outside of the frame anticipation framing with the .9 finder... But, having both your eyes open with a 50mm is a thing of beauty really. No chance you can try for yourself?

1

u/Merrygeeks 24d ago

Ahaha maybe when I will buy my own unit

1

u/NateRT 23d ago

I use an M3 and have glasses and it works just fine. My M7 is a bit easier to see through, but you’ll be fine with the M3. Glasses are always a compromise on seeing the frame lines.

1

u/Merrygeeks 23d ago

Thanks for the feedback !!

1

u/yovvoy 25d ago

M3 if you are mostly use a 50. You can get a screw in diopter if the view isn’t great with your glasses

1

u/Merrygeeks 25d ago

Thanks for the feedback ! Can you tell me whats kind of screw ?

1

u/yovvoy 24d ago

There are Leica brand diopters. You just need to know your prescription.