Should I buy an M3?

merciful · 06-11-2004

Been offered a 1M+ s/n M3 with a recent CLA and RF alignment for US$725. I have a feeling I should take it: I need a backup for my M6 (no matter how solid the thing feels, I don't trust only having one body if something important is going down), and I strongly tend to use my 50 and 90mm lenses, and wouldn't mind the big finder one bit.

I figure if I don't dig it, I can always get out from under it without much loss, if any. Any comments?

rover · 06-11-2004

CLA'd that really sounds like a good deal. And with a 90, you can't do better.

Only you can decide if you need two though. What type of shooting do you do that would require a backup? Other than the meter going down what can go wrong with the M6 that would take it out of service 100%?

That is a sweet deal though, and maybe you don't need a reason to have two, that's fine too.

Hmmm, if you don't want it, maybe I do.

merciful · 06-11-2004

Thanks, Rover. I thought it was a pretty good deal.

My work is editorial and environmental portraiture, and I figure while it's unlikely, the M6 could just lock up someday, and there I'd be, looking a chump...

back alley · 06-11-2004

if you have the cash, buy it. the price seems very good and i too like having a second body. i'm already planning (& saving) for either another bessa r or maybe an r2.

joe

Doug · 06-11-2004

Alternate equipment has always seemed a good idea to me. But, liking versatility, I'll usually choose something with somewhat different functionality for the "backup". So getting an M3 to pair up with an M6 seems like a fine idea!

Brian Sweeney · 06-11-2004

That is a great price, get it. The M3 finder is addictive. You will like it for the 50 and the 90, and might even add a 135 to the line-up. The Hektor is cheap these days, and even the 135 F4 Elmar can be had for under $200.

SolaresLarrave · 06-12-2004

Nothing beats having a second body when it comes to these cameras. If I had the funds for a third, I'd go for it, but you go first. And, of course, the M3 viewfinder beats the M6 (at 1.25 magnification it's ideal for long lenses).

Green with envy...

Harvey Platter · 06-13-2004

I've had an M3 for a couple of years now and the viewfinder is, as has been said, addictive. Marvellous camera.

merciful · 06-14-2004

It's enroute: but not the one I had originally intended. The potential seller was taking a bit of extra time making up his mind on shipping costs and such. In the meantime, I picked up a just-sub 1M model, with a just-done refurb and CLA, for $660, from Youxin Ye (the noted Leica restorer in Boston.)

I don't like waiting.

digitalox · 06-14-2004

Not very merciful of you.

merciful · 06-14-2004

Yeah, I know. I'm a study in contrasts...

rover · 06-14-2004

WOW, congrats. How did you get in touch with Youxin Ye? This may be worth a Google search.

merciful · 06-14-2004

No need to search: http://www.nemeng.com/leica/004e.shtml

rovnguy · 07-05-2004

Last week I had the opportunity to use a Leica M3 that was on the used camera shelf at my favorite photo shop. It had the 50mm f/2 collapsible lens. I just fell in love with it. I've been using rangefinder cameras since the '60s and never knew it could be so sweet. I shot a roll of T400CN and the results were pretty good. But the viewfinder is what sold me. The camera is on consignment and they're asking $1200 for the camera & lens combo. Is this a fair price?

Rich Silfver · 07-05-2004

a) What's the serial number of the camera?

b) What condition is the camera and vulcanite in?

c) What condition is the lens in (any mist/fogging, etc)?

d) When was the last time the camera had a CLA? (does it still have the original seal in the lens mount?)

SolaresLarrave · 07-06-2004

rovnguy, write down Richard's questions and go to the camera store for their answers. At first, the price sounds right, but you need to know also if it's a double- or single-stroke (you must know now, as you played with it already), if the lens is in good shape (no visible fogging or separation), and if the speeds are on spot or off. Maybe you can bargain something if the camera was given a CLA more than 10 years ago (say, shave $250 off the price; DAG charges you about that much for cleaning, adjusting and lubricating a M3).

I'd keep an eye on it. If the lens is a collapsible summicron, you're getting a bargain, no matter what. If it's an Elmar... it's still a very good deal!

Good luck!

Rich Silfver · 07-06-2004

Oh, and get the serial number of the lens as well

jdos2 · 07-07-2004

I traded in a bunch of unused camera gear for an M-3 and Summicron. The shutter blinded at 1/1000, though so I took it to a (previously very reliable) camera repair depot.

They hadn't done yet the CLA (after 2 months) so I decided instead to take up an offer from a local camera store and buy the M-6 TTL they had in as "used" (BARELY USED, if at all- the film pressure plate and all mechanics in the camera show no wear that I can detect at all).

Now, I can shoot the wider 35mm f/2 ASPH on the one body (and of course the 50mm Summicron) while I await my M-3. When I finally get THAT back, I'll have a lens butt for both lenses.

BRIAN · 07-17-2004

I am new here, and it is quite interesting reading all of these comments on the things I really enjoy. In the future I would like to get an M3, a Bessa R2 and perhaps a Nokton 5o 1.5. I purchased a 1957 Hektor f4.5 on ebay in near mint condition for 100$. It works without flaws.