Possible first M?

Just don't forget that the M3 has no built in frame lines for 35mm lenses and you will need to use an aux. finder.

Bob
 
take the M3 and 50 lux. Much better deal. The early 35mm Lux was nothng to write home about, even in collector grade. We're shooters, photogs, not collectors.
 
Thank you 35mmdelux,

I am currently looking for an M3 with a 50mm (lux or cron, but really want lux) as the offer I have detailed here has been lost to me. :(

Sooo, if anyone has one (M3 or 50mm lux, or both) they want to part with, let me know! :)


Cheers,
Brandon.
 
memphis said:
not true at all -- you can use the 35mm summaron with goggles --- great lens
postman.jpg
Click to expand...


Arrrgh! Is that flare, or Leica glow? :cool:


colin
 
Looks like I may have found an M3!

It's serial is 965072 and appears to be in great shape (slight wear on the top plate from a meter) and it sounds like the shutter fires correctly at all speeds and the finder is bright and clear...

Anything else I should be looking for? It's right in my price range, but does not come with a lens. I'm looking for a 50mm lens for it, summilux would be great but I do not discount voigtlander or Zeiss.

Thank you all again for your much appreciated help!

Cheers,
Brandon.
 
Brandon - congrats! The serial number is for an early M3SS. I'd look for a collapsible Summicron if a Lux is out of your budget.
 
memphis said:
get a good summarit, get a summaron, get an elmarit, get the canon 50 / 1.2 , all the cv lenses are great
Click to expand...

Thank you memphis. One question, sorry if it's a stupid one... what does "cv" mean?

Cheers,
Brandon.
 
CV are the initials of the Japanese optics and camera manufacturer Cosina Voigtlander.

You have acquired a piece of photographic history which is still as good as the day it was made, unlike many other things in this life. With a good lens on it and careful metering, you will be surprised at the quality resultsyou should be able to achieve.

I wish you many years of healthy enjoyment with your first Leica.

eia41
 
Thank you both memphis and eia41,

I hope to have this camera for a lifetime. Now I just have to find the "perfect" lens for me. :)

Cheers,
Brandon.
 
Here's what I would do, if it was me, and I had $2000 to spend. I'm specifically going for street kit here.

M3 single stroke, user condition. I've seen them go for under $600. User condition means bumps and scrapes and possible covering imperfections, but mechanically sound. A camera that wouldn't draw too much attention around here.

A Zeiss Opton Sonnar. I like the look of this lens quite a bit on my Kiev, and I highly doubt that I'd like any other lens better on my M. Very little flare, good color rendition, and fast enough to handle the toughest situations. I think the only thing that could replace it is the Cosina Voigtlander 50mm Nokton. But it just doesn't look the same. Both of these would need screwmount to M adapters, but that isn't a problem.

These things, if found in the right condition and the right price range, would cost me anywhere from $900-$1100 depending on market. That would leave me a decent chunk to spend on other glass. The question here would be whether to spend it all on a super fast wide angle lens or buy two slower lenses, one wide and one tele.

If I was going for the one wide, I'd probably go for a 35mm Nokton. It's huge, it blocks the viewfinder, but the speed is there when you need it. There's always using an external viewfinder with it if you have trouble composing. Look at shots with this lens wide open and you'll see that it does well in those conditions. It's a good lens for street shooting at night or in the occasional dark bar.

The other route, which would end up allowing more glass and more options, is the route of the slower glass. A 35/1.7 Ultron and a 90/3.5 APO-Lanthar. The 1.7 is still respectable enough in low light, and if you're as steady as I am with a camera you'll do fine in almost any situation. The Lanthar rounds out and makes this setup truly a kit.

I'd most likely have just enough money left over to get the screw to M adapters and some film to go with my new kit.

YMMV. This is just an idea.
 
Optpn sonnar 50 mm1.5 on M5

Optpn sonnar 50 mm1.5 on M5

I have the zeiss opton sonnar 50mm 1.5 with adaptator on the M5.
For my taste the best rangefinders are the Contax II and the Leica M5.Both cameras are the best cameras ever produced by Zeiss and Leica if you are attracted to quality feel...
If you would go for Exakta the best is Varex IIa. If you go for Zeiss ikonta the best is the Super ikonta BX...
But if you want to show to your friends that you are someone, well M6 or M4 is the choice to make.:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:
 
For me the main difference between the early M's and the M6 and the M5, M6TTL and M7 is in handling. The larger shutter speed dial is a big factor in my use- mainly due to my painful hands. While the smaller early style shutter speed dial is something I can use, the larger dial of the newer M's is certainly much easier on my hand. A minor point, but one that really does factor into my enjoyment of the moment. I would rather carry any other M over my M6, and once the M5 is back from getting new framelines the M6 will go on the block.
 
hello ibrando!

congrats on the m3! it is a fine camera, enjoy it and take care of it with the odd cla and you will have it for a long, productive time.

re: lenses. i like your notion of building your m3 kit up around a good 50 mm lens like a summilux. if you can find a good older summilux for around 1000, then you are getting a great lens to start building your kit around. the zeiss ZM lenses are smashing also. they make a 50/2 that i love; or if you want the speed, the ZM 50/1.5 is well regarded. either would make a great lens to build a kit around.

have fun choosing the lens,
thomas
 
Thank you Thomas,

I'll be sure to look for a zeiss 50/2. I may have to wait a little before I get a good one though.

Once I get my kit together I'll post some pics from it..

Cheers,
Brandon.
 
a bit of topic but,

I just came across a shop with 2 new M6 TTL 0.72 for half price. They sell for 1300€ each.
Should I go for this tempting offer or spend a little less on a Bessa R4M?
 
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