My first M is on the way!!

[MichaelHarris]

I have an M3 heading my way and a have a couple of dumb questions. On my IIIa I cock the shutter first before I set the shutter speed, will I need to do that with M cameras also?

Looking at a picture of the film loading of an M3 it looks like I still need to trim the film, is that right?

And finally can my Summitar collapse OK in the M3 when I use an adaptor?

Thanks for all the tips and info,
Michael Harris

 

[ferider]

Congrats Michael.

.) you can change shutter speeds at any time
.) you do not need to cut the film leader
.) the Summitar will collapse fine.

Welcome to the M3 users club 🙂

Roland.

 

[MichaelHarris]

Thank you very much Roland. I can't wait for it to get here, I've never actually held one.

 

[BillBingham2]

There is something about the Ms that are wonderful. Just as solid as the IIIa but for me blends into my hand better. You will love the finder too!

B2 (;->

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Actually, the finder is the best thing about the M3. It makes you reassess your notions about the 50mm focal length.

Now... have your camera checked by Sherry Krauter or Don Goldberg. As it fits a 50+ year-old camera, it may have some problems that aren't noticeable to the naked eye. Don't have the same experience I did: when I sent my camera for a CLA, I was informed that the rangefinder mirror was decementing and that's the kiss of death to some cameras. Apparently, Don can save them, and mine will be sent there sometime before the year's out. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to rain on your parade... but I'm doing it for your own happiness.

Congratulations on your entrance to Leicadom! 🙂

 

[KoNickon]

Michael, loading the M3 is remarkably easy. Just insert the film all the way into the tongue on the takeup spool, flip up the rear door, push both the spool and the cassette all the way in, and start to wind the film on -- the sprocket should engage easily. Close the door, attach the bottom, take up the tension in the rewind knob (pull the knob up to engage it), and wind on. It's so much easier than the screw mount Leicas.

 

[robin a]

Hi,Ijust got a M3 in the last few weeks.They're everything you hear about.I hadn't seen or handled one either,but I was not disappointed.Smooth and whisper quiet..............Robin

 

[Tuolumne]

Congrats Michael.

.) you can change shutter speeds at any time
.) you do not need to cut the film leader
.) the Summitar will collapse fine.

Welcome to the M3 users club 🙂

Roland.

I have never been able to easily load my M3 without cutting the leader. I use a Leica (3rd party) film template I bought from eBay for this. Is there something I've been doing wrong with uncut leader?

/T

 

[JNewell]

When I was loading bulk film I always just cut the end straight across. The spool that came in my M3 accepted the full width film just fine.