Leica M3 Review

[@AdamLeeGuitarist]

Had an M4, had a friend dent it. Sold it, got an M3. Will never need another Leica. It is the quintessential apex of the 35mm rangefinder experience. A true masterpiece! Wonderful video, Matt! :)

[@AlbertVillaroman]

don't you get fomo since the widest frameline is 50mm?

[@etherealmonk007]

is your friend alive

[@joeloya1153]

i like how the BEHEMOTH is just chillin on the shelf

[@joetrrs]

The photo of Nora waddling down the hall is priceless! Definitely a heartwarming photo. Great work as always, Matt!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! One of my favorites I made with the camera.

[@NegativeFeedback]

Oh man... Exactly the same situation with having the M6, slightly scared to try one now incase I can't resist! Great vid as always.

[@mattdayphoto]

Haha, the M3 does feel great but if you use the meter in your M6, you'll likely miss it.

[@NegativeFeedback]

That's my main concern! I think it would have to be an addition as opposed to a replacement

[@epicon6]

Throw the M6 in the trash. But first tell me the time and the place of the trash can.

[@camsmith4633]

Nora is so young in this! Glad to see that you’ve done an M3 review after all this time of watching your videos, and thanks for giving the M3 a run for its money on camera.

[@thechaosvlogs6904]

I've probably watched this video 20 different times since it's been posted and every time the photos gets me in the feels. Well done Matt

[@CamiloCasta7]

Matt you should do a "re-do" of the Leica M6 review

[@xasaintx]

Fantastic review as usual. Even in spite of the audio problems everything about these videos just speaks of excellence. I leave feeling blown away with the quality of what you do, especially considering how busy you are with everything else in your life. Also, killing it with those shots of Nora and Molly! I love the way you capture such a range with those two!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks a lot, Chris! That means a lot to hear!

[@jujogomez]

My first Leica was the M3, given to me by my old boss and mentor. And one of the first thing he made me do was to learn to expose without a meter. And now it's so much faster and easier to take photos. Now I don't have to think anymore. This camera will die with me.

[@Amia67360]

But how do you do without a light meter for the exposure and speed ? Tell me please because I have so many difficulties to photograph with my M3 (1956) ... to find the speed and the right aperture .

[@ElReySupr3me]

@@Amia67360sunny 16 rule

[@DnG3Brasil]

Hey Matt, I know you do your videos for the fun and passion of photography, but I am surprised that you don't have more subs, simply because for the content you put out, the way the videos are made and specially your personality. I hope you keep growing strongly and delighting us with your knowledge about photography and cameras and your skill as a photographer. Big hug for your girls and cheers to the family and the upcoming new member! Take care. :-)

[@berghuisbs]

Nice review Matt. Great photos too! Your love for family really shows. I've been contiplating getting the M3 for a long time. My mind is made up now.

[@josemanuelcollcatalan3140]

Hey Matt! Your videos keep getting better and better! I never miss one.Thanks for sharing, man. Loved the photos too... the one of your baby walking is great!

[@sophrapsune]

Great review Matt. I loved the way you let the photographs speak for the camera.

[@markyp2532]

Matt, I've only recently discovered your channel. Your nothing short of inspiring, in both a photography sense, but also your family values. That picture of your daughter walking down the hall gave me goosebumps, beyond stellar. Congrats on the news also !

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! Glad you found the channel!

[@markyp2532]

+Matt Day Do you do any editing in LR / PS with your film ? Or just scan and done ?

[@zaxeZra]

I don't know what it is, but this video really motivated me to get out there and shoot. Thanks for all your videos, Matt. You take a chance by putting so many personal stories out there in the public. Regarding the video, I think I'm going to stick with my M6 as well, but that M3 just looks so damn good...

[@dankerin4208]

Just swapped my M5 for the M3 a few days ago and love it. keep up the good content.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks man!

[@FinersDiner]

been watching your videos for a while, and you may not take too much notice to it; much like not realizing how fast your child grows up, but you've been improved greatly. Taking everyday moments and producing them into artful memories. Keep up the good work.

[@mattdayphoto]

I appreciate that! That's great to hear.

[@AnimeStudioMotion]

Finally ordered one can't wait to shoot my first roll

[@chriswalters6434]

Great review and such lovely photos, I often come back to this review for inspiration. Thanks Matt!

[@WillSalesTV]

Love the style/format of your videos - definitely one of my favourite photography KZbinrs out there. It's really great that you focus mainly on analogue photography, I feel that if it wasn't for people like you promoting the scene it'd be dying out. Film is something really great, thanks for keeping it alive!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate that!

[@mjfalcon007]

As always, fantastic video and beautiful photos of your family. I found the music pleasant also.

[@TreyPiepmeier]

Thank you so much for making these videos. Any time you come out with a new camera review, I stop what I'm doing to watch it. I always end up wanting whichever camera you review. :)

[@mattdayphoto]

That's awesome to hear, Trey! Thanks a lot!

[@dmburke007]

Hello Matt. Great video. One comment though. Having used M3 since the 1960 s the camera require maintenance every 30 years or so and when you rewind the film you hold the rewind knob with your left thumb and index finger keeping the camera stationary then With your right index finger flip the camera to rewind the film The camera becomes the lever!

[@legofest]

Beautiful photos, loved them!

[@patrickjclarke]

Matt, great video! Love your indoor setup and look you have. Even more, loving the GoPro on top of the camera and then showing the frames you took. Very cool! I'm still a Leica R guy and love the Summicron, but for a rangefinder, the M3 looks very nice!

[@MrJooDoe]

Mine was made in 1963 (SS). I have just had it overhauled to brand new condition. It is incredible! The only thing is you have to try shooting it with a Leica lens. Amazing!

[@Carterofmars]

I love my M3. I have a great light meter on her: Voigtlander VC Meter.

[@Carterofmars]

Also have a Leica Rapid Loading Spool that is really quick to load.

[@caioproenca7126]

What a wonderful time for this video came up. Thanks for sharing, Matt! Ive just bough a M3 with the Summaron 35mm 2.8 w/ Goggles. What a wonderful camera! And I agree with you, I have a M6 and wont change it for nothing. But both of them are giants in film photography, and I really love both. Cheers!

[@mattdayphoto]

That's awesome! Enjoy that M3!

[@nunobartographer]

Matt`s Back with an awesome review...Miss your reviews on gear and general photography. Cheers from Portugal

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks for the patience! It's been a busy year!

[@hgrgrnd1206]

Thanks Matt! I've been shooting an M2 this past year with a 35mm and don't think I'd ever part with it. I love that it doesn't have a meter and forces me to think, but then again I only use it to shoot street. Same film (hp5) pushed to 800 and always around f8 or f11. That kind of makes guessing exposure pretty simple. For portraits or documenting my personal life I stick with an slr (fm3a) or more often than not my 6x6 or 67:)

[@mattdayphoto]

Ohhh, the FM3a is a camera that's always tempted me. Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@hgrgrnd1206]

I wouldn't object to a short term trade, say for a month or two. I've been thinking about buying a Pentax 67. Let me know if you're interested in a swap?

[@normandong4479]

Nice video here on Leica M3. This is a classic camera that set a standard for 35mm rangefinders. It is smooth, precise and well made. Have an M3 and enjoy it so much. Voigtlander has a series of M Mount lenses for the Leica and provide sharp photos at lower cost than older Leica lenses. The M3 simply rocks.❤

[@josephfine3394]

Matt, you have a great photographer's eye! Black & white is so powerful. Well done video. Thank you.

[@davideastham]

Another great video. I really miss my film cameras and darkroom.

[@ChristopherMay]

Fabulous set of images, Matt. Some of the stuff of Molly and Nora was especially nice. Well done.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@kennethgray5447]

Man...those photos moved me. I've got my very first Leica on the way now. An M4 in what appears to be mint condition.. Can't wait! I want the Zeiss 35mm F2 to pair it with. Cheers!

[@nakedexposure964]

Hope you still got that M4, it’s a gem! Picked up my M4 a few weeks ago and love it

[@kennethgray5447]

@@nakedexposure964 yes, still have it! Need to shoot more. Cheers-enjoy it!!

[@nakedexposure964]

@@kennethgray5447 awesome to hear! Still blows my mind only 48,000 M4’s were ever produced, wonder how many still function to this day

[@elinmalmedal2200]

Great video! I love seeing the photos in context like this, seeing the world from the photographer's POW. Very nice! And what a beautiful baby :)

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@timothybarker6191]

Really enjoyed that review. Love the family photos and architectural vignettes. M3 is as good as it gets!

[@mamboferido4741]

woah that's a great lighting right there!

[@EdwardIglesias]

Great video. Really like how contrasty the shots looked. Seeing the image with the go-pro then film was amazing.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks! All of the HP5 was pushed to 1600.

[@tuisitala9068]

I too love the contrast look. How was the film developed please?

[@-DreniM-]

Great review and great pics

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks!

[@ac3ythisplacecalledvil316]

Matt Day hey do you have ig as well?

[@satyarodrigo1205]

Thanks for the great video. Was nice to hear someone talk about the M3 after shooting the M6 for awhile - so helps us who have been wandering back and forth on which film M to get :) Your video convinced me to go with my first feeling of getting the M3! I have a old 90 S'Cron and 50 - so the large beautiful VF of the M3 and feel of the M3 has me convinced that for black and white this may be the best for slowing down process and enjoying taking the photo.

[@satyarodrigo1205]

PS: I'm getting myself a Mastin Labs shirt too :)

[@thanhduynguyen680]

I really love your photos

[@TimothymakeupsDitzler]

Dude, that shirt!

[@geezerpower6780]

Nice job, Matt. Very informative video. I particularly like the fact that, unlike many in your age group, you speak clearly, slowly and distinctly. As to the camera, I've had my M3 SS since the 1970s and, hard to explain, there is just something about Leicas in general that make you a better photographer. Maybe its the fact that the Leica ergonomics make you take your time and think about your composition, exposure etc. before you press the shutter release. Best regards and keep shooting.

[@Sailingbill1]

Great review and beautiful family! I just bought the Q2 (new), about to pull the trigger on the M6 Ttl and you might have sold me on the M3. Rock on and be safe!

[@antonioramirez694]

Wonderful photos! Very good review.

[@seanlee4294]

Wow Nora is so tiny and this is pre-Elliot!! The cameras and photography is why I come but I also love watching your family grow.

[@julieta203]

Nice review. Wow that M3 looks brand new!!

[@romangomez9289]

I know this is a slightly older video so you might not see this, but the use of a gopro while shooting is fantastic. Its neat comparing the photos taken with what you saw

[@twotwofresh]

Superb, excellent review love the images Matt

[@stevesurfaro]

As always, wonderful video! I've been using the Zeiss on M7 or M8 and love the look, although I get comments about it's softer look, but seeing the portrait shots early in the video, it reminds me of why I use it, even when I am fortunate to have a 50 lux, too. Glad you got the hang of that loading on M3, but that and no meter would just make it too much of a nuisance. Time for you to review the MP

[@ulearntoday4247]

I really do enjoy your photos!!! Great job!!!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@theraven6836]

Great photos. Love the 50mm field of view.

[@rbruce63]

The choice of camera, film and motives plus the musical has made my eyes water, I want to see my parents and hug my wife and my two boys...

[@larrylanggard2609]

And you had the M3 for only a week. Great photos. Well done.

[@Pentaprysm]

I know I'm late to the party but these came out so well!

[@micheleren1534]

The "dream camera". As soon as I find one in good condition I'll take it.

[@BelaMoritzVideo]

Awesome photos! You could catch some great moments..

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@LukaiTakashi]

Hey Matt, lovely review on the M3, coincidentally I am looking to get one myself. Always find your photos relaxing to look at. :)

[@Janardandas108]

Nice review, I sold m6 and bought m3 recently... Both are perfect in my opinion 😎

[@morbuch5903]

Comment on the Zeiss 1,5/50 you used; out of the factory, it will focus shift at f/1,5 as it is optimized for f/2,8. Zeiss will readjust for maximum sharpness at f/1,5 for no charge.

[@samng7939]

Amazing pictures u got there! Thanks for the video

[@Mike_cuomo]

Awesome video Matt just like always. Your photos were really awesome, love your style :)

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks a lot, Mike!

[@guyulin5157]

Hi matt, I watch your video before I bought my first leica. Definitely love everything about my m3, except the frame lines, sometimes I really want to use a wider lens, but adding another viewfinder on top just makes it less smooth. Hope to try a m6 someday : )

[@rideroundandstuff]

The GoPro sequence is so good. You're pointing your camera at what seems to be nothing in particular and then - boom - great photo.

[@88belfry]

I understand the attraction to the M6's meter but this can be overcome / equalized by using a Voightlander VC lightmeter which is small and slides into the cold shoe on the top plate.. I think it's a great help for occasional shooters like me who aren't sharp enough to look at a scene and "guess" exposure... Thanks for a great video and may you end up with your own M3 one of these days...

[@kt78667]

This video is still by far my favorite video of yours! The feel is just right and the photos are awesome! Love everything you put out there. Its always so personal and inspiring and easy to connect with. Keep up the great work!

[@robiulahmed]

You took some hauntingly beautiful photos.

[@henryzhang6122]

Beautiful shots!

[@UbuntuDibi]

Great video and pictures Matt!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@MrAlcmj]

been waiting for this, nice review as always Matt! cheers

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks a lot!

[@BobSmith-dx9bj]

I have a m6 and love it. Maybe one day I'll try a m3.

[@mattdayphoto]

Try it out if you can! It's awesome.

[@Tom13Z]

Really cool video man! i liked the fotograph of the motorcycle driving by and the one of your dog playing in the garden. thanks for sharing Matt Day

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@wilborha]

Loved your photos!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@seanpeterlynch]

I have the MP film camera and love it. So nice. Outside of new coatings on viewfinder and light meter same thing.

[@mattdayphoto]

Oh, I would love an MP. Best of both worlds!

[@seanpeterlynch]

You only live once

[@jaymelee]

I loved the photos great stuff

[@12macevedo]

Hey just one thing to note is that you can get quick load kits for Leica Messsucher cameras. The downside to adding a quick load kit to the M3 is that you still have to take the spool out to reset the counter. On the M2 if you add the add the quick load kit there is no need to take the spool out since the counter is set manually by rotating the dial.

[@thesabersupply]

Was that bike...floating?

[@ronznine7870]

Cool pup. Beauty of a baby. You got it going.

[@BryanSwagerty]

Matt, these shots are amazing.

[@cdotbot]

are all of your photos taken without light meter? Awsome review and pictures :)

[@mattdayphoto]

No, I used a handheld meter. Thank you!

[@maged779]

If you can put a link or model of the meter you're using, that will be great. Thanks man awesome video!!

[@Ahhh714]

Another great review Matt, but I couldn't help but notice your Pentax 67. It'd be cool to see an updated review on it; if you've contemplated doing one.

[@mattdayphoto]

Definitely doing a new video comparing the Pentax 6x7 to the Pentax 67ii, now owning both. Thanks!

[@RoarCrusade]

Man that last shot is perfect!!!! :)

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@igorkurtz3843]

That dog in the driver seat though... Great video Matt.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@Idkmaybe73]

great video!! and great pics!!:) you can actually get a meter on your smartphone, I downloaded one and it seems pretty good, but I have only tested it a little

[@rayborillo5340]

Loved your review! I have a Leicameter M-4 on my M3. I also added a Leica rewind lever. 2 solutions to the "shortcomings" of the M3. I also use the Zeiss 50mm 1.5. Never had an issue with it wide open, luckily. Great normal lens. Awesome bokeh.

[@mattdayphoto]

That's awesome! I really enjoyed shooting that lens and the results too.

[@node547]

Hey Matt, when comparing to your M6 you say the M3 feels a lot smoother. I had an issue with my M6 and had it CLA'ed. It came back a lot smoother than I used to and the typical M6 rangefinder flare was fixed as well. Just saying that perhaps your M6 could benefit from a CLA. Of course, that won't give you the M3 viewfinder... ;) Thanks for your videos: always fun to watch (your daughter grow up ;) ).

[@ameerahalgohary]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@christophk.4544]

Nice Camera and very nice Pictures Matt!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@CamiloCasta7]

So so so so so so so good, I love that camera!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@edmund1245]

have you thought about "scanning" your film using a "slide copier" such as the nikon es-1. I remember you using an espon v600 for your scanning. A slide copier and macro lens would be just as quick with monochrome film and perhaps yield better "scans". love the channel, fantastic review.

[@jenquest]

Excellent series of videos & shots. God speed.

[@deliobartolucci5399]

Very nice roll. I took mine yesterday

[@artsandcraftscreations3492]

Big fan of owning one of each!! M6 and an M2 or M3! Great video. Thanks!!

[@joangilisuarez7090]

Really nice photos Matt!

[@vnollora]

Great video Matt! I wonder what you would think of the Leica MP which is essentially the M3 with a meter

[@mattdayphoto]

Oh, I would love an MP.. Maybe someday! Thanks for watching!

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

watching this four years later when I am considering an M2 move

[@alongoi]

A lot of beautiful shots! Amzg M3!!!

[@MrKeeper06]

Good video. I shoot with an m4 and it's probably my favorite camera I've ever owned.

[@mattdayphoto]

Right on!

[@RunningDigger]

Great one! Thanks por posting the video, Matt.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks for watching!