Fell in love with M3

[zimster]

I have a damaged Canonet QL 17 with 45mm lens so I went to a camera store to check out what else there is. I want a reasonably priced rangefinder with a 90mm lens so I can take portraits and later landscapes.

Also, being curious about medium format I first looked at a Rolleicord, very nice for $175 but weird to hold. What a difference it was to look and see such a large clear view. The thing is like a very deluxe box camera I had in 1960 but way too old-fashioned.

So I said, can I see a Leica? The salesman hands me a two stroke M3 for $795. There is a 90mm lens for $300. He hands it to me and as I look through the viewfinder I say to myself "My goodness, the rolleicord is a lot brighter than my Canonet, but the M3 is so bright. "Who turned the lights on?" I couldn't believe how clear the viewfinder is. But the focusing knob was quite sticky. So I gave it back and looked at the Rolleicord again. I don't have the money now anyway and I just have to get a Leica. I can't stand the Rolleicord.

This newbie who develops and prints his own film has a few questions. Can you use a 28 or 35 mm lens on a M3?
Is it worth it to get a dented and dinged M3 or with somebody's soc sec# inscribed to save money?
Is it possible to get a Leica M3 for $1,000 with any kind of lens in decent shape? If so, where? I have had enough bad experiences with ebay to avoid them for a camera again.

I've read about Bessas. Is a Bessa R worth it? Can I see and hold a Bessa anywhere in Minnesota? Thanks, Zimster