Leica M3 35Mm Rangefinder Film Camera

[Yes] If you are a Leica fan, a 35mm film shooter, and believe in the virtues of the rangefinder system, the MP will satisfy your needs. It is a lot of money, but it is a brilliant piece of gear that will do what you want it to do. I use two other Leica cameras, M6's, so this the perfect addition to my system. You will be glad you made the purchase.

[Black] This pouch fits my Leica M rangefinder with a 35mm lens & hood attached perfectly. I avoid dedicated camera bags, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. With my camera protected with this pouch, I can safely toss it into a knapsack along with other stuff.

[-2 to 20 EV] I purchased the Leica MP with a 35mm F/2 Summicron and use this for general walk-around/travel photography. I don't consider myself a street photographer, but I've been intrigued with rangefinder cameras for quite some time. Build quality is amazing. The camera feels like a solid block of metal. I would have preferred a match needle meter instead of the LED lights, but there's really not much to complain about. I'm a left-eye shooter, so things can get a little uncomfortable with the winder, but I'm used to that from my older cameras. Holding the camera properly takes some getting used to. I found myself covering the rangefinder mirror on the right side by accident on a few occassions. Also, I wish faster shutterspeeds were available, but I understand there are limitations due to the type of shutter used. Overall, the MP is a pleasure to use, and is quickly becoming my favorite camera.

[0.02 lb] I own a Leica MP film camera as well as the Leica M11-P digital camera. Thanks to this diopter I can now focus my rangefinder cameras in lightening speed.

[Standard 35mm] This is simply an outstanding film rangefinder camera, but let's be honest, most of the Leica film bodies are wonderful. The build quality is top notch. The MP viewfinder is improved over the M6 (classic) with less/no flare, smoother operation and quieter shutter. Overall such a joy to use.

[Approx. 0.32x] I use this lens on my Leica CL. The images are amazing. I'm going to use it on my M3 and see how the lens does with film.

[Plastic] Why Leica M-A when we have the M3, M2, M6, MP... It is more a philosophical discussion and less a technical one. I am sure there is no possible technical way you can justify creating a new Leica M unless you would dilute the lineage by introducing frivolous digital-type technology. For the film Leica M purist Leica M-A is a completely new camera that is fully mechanical and does not have a meter and needs no batteries - hence it is closer to the M3/M2 in lineage. In my opinion even though it is not different than an MP, if you have, like me, shot used Leicas in the past, this gives you an opportunity to shoot with a brand new M body. Every thing is buttery smooth and it feels like a new M camera - which is an experience probably my dad had when he got his Leica M 35 years back and I never had. That may not mean much in terms of imaging quality as I am sure you can get same images from any of the Leica M bodies with good glass. But considering the big picture it shows that Leica is committed to the film fraternity and is investing in this space. I have the Leica M2, M3 and an M6 and I still got the M-A because it just felt like a modern take on every possible good thing from past Leicas (Like the deviation from the plastic ISO dial at the back to a metal one - small detail but makes the camera look and feel so much better). If we read regular blogger reviews that delve in the technical mumbo jumbo of camera bodies, surely you will come away feeling underwhelmed. I love the pull-up grater style film rewind and some people just hate it. So most of your decision will be based on what you feel the M-A is worth. Technically it is not a better camera than MP or an M3 or even and M2. The Leica M-A has that Je Ne Sais Quoi as the french say - something pleasant but hard to describe. I would recommend going to a Leica store and holding this beauty in your hands - It looks and feels much better in person.

[4.35 lb] This is the goat when it comes to 35mm film camera. I 'm glad Leica is still making it. Love it!

[Acetate] I love this film. I shoot it through my Leica m3, without a light meter, and get the most surreal images. I like high contrast , surreal subjects. Dark and moody images. This stuff delivers for me every time. Yes it is slow, and I don’t need a tripod because for what I do, motion is acceptable.

[Acetate] I use a Leica M3 and Black and White film for my photography. Delta 3200 allows me to shoot indoors without flash. This films gives wonderful results with a vintage look and grain that is unmistakably film. That is what I am looking for and Delta 3200 makes that possible.