Buying an M3

[PatrickT]

I'm toying with the idea of selling my X100 to fund an M3, one that I will be going to look at tomorrow.

Anything in particular I should look out for? This is supposedly a >1mil example, if that makes a difference. He's asking $800...seems like a fair price, yes?

The only other Leica I've purchased was an M6, and that was through KEH (and everything turned out well).

Side question...I'll be using this with a 50mm lens. Are there any older 50mm lenses, f/2 or faster with a short focus throw that are affordable? (<$500). I just got a Canon LTM 50/1.4 and while I like the images it delivers, the focus throw is a bit long for my tastes.

Thanks!

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I toyed with the idea of buying an M3 or other M. I had an M6. The best thing to do is buy another M6 in a different color. IMHO, as great as the M3 was when it came out, the M6, again, IMHO, is a better modern camera. The ideal situation is a number of M mount lenses with two of the same Ms; one M loaded with B&W the other with color film. Unlike digital, which has the advantage in this situation, film cameras often get stuck with an unfinished roll of film therefore it is best to have 2 cameras of the same model to inter-change lenses. Whatever lenses you purchase will be fine.

 

[filmtwit]

50mm Nikkor-C f2 can usually be found for under $500 on the evilbay

 

[dave lackey]

Whoa...cool! I think you should know that it is good to have the M3 and get used to reading the light and not depending on the metered cameras completely. For that, the M3 and M6 will be a good match.

Just remember that the M3 is a seductress. You are rewarded with a kiss with every shutter release.😉

Regarding a good 50mm lens...the Summarit 1.5 is certainly worth looking at if you like a lens with character. If you prefer something sharper, check with Cameraquest.

 

[ferider]

Good price for my favorite camera (I have 2 with serial > 1 Mio). Just make sure the patch is bright, and VF is relatively clean. Everything else can be fixed.

If you want a short throw & modern 50 < US 500, the M-Hex 50/2 might be best.

That being said, the Canon is almost as good as it gets, and with the M3, you might learn to appreciate the long throw - I know I do.

Enjoy !

Roland.

 

[cosmonaut]

I have an M6 and M3. I use the M3 for color. I use sunny 16 and a meter. M6 for b&w. It works out well. But you also me a small digi sometimes. I have a Nex 3 for that.

 

[zauhar]

Make sure you have warranty/return policy - you will not know how well it is functioning until you run a few rolls through it.

In the end you will know you made the right decision. ;-)

Randy

 

[John Elder]

I have an M6+ and M3, the M3 is for a 50mm lens(sometimes 90) I'm with Ferider on the Canon 50. I have a 50f1.8 and you get used to the long throw. M3 is the best camera for a 50. 800 for a 1million serial # is a good price if the Rangefeinder is bright and accurate. Like Ferider said everything else can be fixed.

 

[hteasley]

I'm toying with the idea of selling my X100 to fund an M3, one that I will be going to look at tomorrow.

Anything in particular I should look out for? This is supposedly a >1mil example, if that makes a difference. He's asking $800...seems like a fair price, yes?

Sounds like trite advice, but it comes from Youxin Ye: how clean is it on the outside? Dents, scrapes, bad vulcanite? If it's beat up on the outside, it probably needs some work on the inside. It's unlikely to be clean on the outside and messed up on the inside.

In other words, look elsewhere when you see cameras where they're saying, "It's got battle scars, but works perfectly." He's repaired enough of these, I listened to that when I got my M3. And no matter what, it may need a new shutter curtain; M3s are old now.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

See if you can lower the price. An M3 going at that rate should be in VERY good condition, and should at least have been CLAed within the last 5 years. As Harry said above, looks are indicative of condition: a babied camera will be in good shape but one that looks like a user may be a Pandora's box in the near future.

Again, see how low they can go on the price unless they can assure you of a recent CLA. Otherwise, you'll pay $800 for a camera that may need another $300 in cleaning, lubrication and adjustments (not restoration, be aware that a CLA does not restore the camera to its former glory).

The M3 was designed for use with 50mm lenses. In fact, you'll think your 50 is a wide-angle while looking through the 0.91 magnification viewfinder...

Oh, before I forget, is it a single- or double-stroke? Some people prefer the single-stroke because they're "newer" but in truth, there's no significant difference between models. Enjoy shopping! 🙂

 

[andredossantos]

Go for it. M3's are awesome if you're a 50mm fan. No other VF matches it imho. I bought a nice one for practically no money and couldn't resist selling high when prices went up so I let it go. Still regret that and I rarely get dusty eyed over gear that I've sold.

The Nikkor 50mm f2 HC is a good suggestion. Sonnar design. Im not familiar with the Canon 50mm but the throw on the Nikkor is long (however it also focuses down pretty close).

 

[splitimageview]

I love the M3 viewfinder. Although if I shot with one regularly I'd have the M4 style film load mod completed by DAG.

Prices vary widely according to condition. $800 may be a great buy, or it may be too much...like everything, it all depends. 🙂

 

[Vics]

You'll love the M3/50mm combo. On mine I have the collapsible 'cron. I think it's a pretty short focus throw, as I understand the question. Probably can be found in your price range. I think the price is about right for a camera above a million SN.

 

[PatrickT]

Thanks for the advice guys. This is a craigslist deal, so I'm a little leery. The photos he sent over look pretty darn good to me, with some of the usual wear on the rear door, some scratches, etc, but no dents, dings.

I think I'll stick with my Canon 50 for the time being...along with the short focus throw, the focusing is rather stiff as well...something that bugs me.

Thanks!

 

[zauhar]

Thanks for the advice guys. This is a craigslist deal, so I'm a little leery. The photos he sent over look pretty darn good to me, with some of the usual wear on the rear door, some scratches, etc, but no dents, dings.

I think I'll stick with my Canon 50 for the time being...along with the short focus throw, the focusing is rather stiff as well...something that bugs me.

Thanks!

Take a look at KEH -they suddenly have a batch of M3s, and prices range from about $700 for "bargain" grade to about $1000 for "excellent", and they now offer a 6 month warranty. I will attest that they stand by what they sell.

I would certainly take a look before taking the craigslist deal.

Randy

 

[johannielscom]

There's a write-up on the M3 on my website that includes a checklist for buying.

Good luck!

 

[DamenS]

Oh, before I forget, is it a single- or double-stroke? Some people prefer the single-stroke because they're "newer" but in truth, there's no significant difference between models.

I would like to disagree heartily with this assertion. If the Leica you are considering - with a serial number of over 1,000,000 - is a "double stroke" I would favour it enormously over a "single stroke" and buy it instantly. I would also suggest $800 to be an absolute bargain due to its comparative rarity.

As to what to look for, Cameraquest has some pertinent information on salient items to check:

http://www.cameraquest.com/leicamchecklist.htm

 

[pachuco]

The M3 is my favorite Leica and the only film camera that still calls to me in the classifieds. As stated above, factor in a CLA for sure if it has not had one in a while (or ever!) and absolutely get the brightest rangefinder patch you can find. Good luck!

 

[LeicaFan]

Somewhat off topic, but I've heard a few people saying that the smoothest M3s are the ones that were converted from DS to SS. Is there any truth to that?

 

[Ljós]

You'll love the M3/50mm combo. On mine I have the collapsible 'cron. I think it's a pretty short focus throw, as I understand the question. Probably can be found in your price range. I think the price is about right for a camera above a million SN.

Actually the collapsible Summicron has a very long focus throw: 180 degrees from 1m to infinity. I doubt it gets much longer than that.

Greetings, Ljós