Buying an M3

[johannielscom]

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?

Never heard of that before. Might have been true way-back-when, because these M's had been back to the factory for sure and likely had a check-up when converting them. Lots of them have been serviced since then I guess.


Now I bought an early-number M3 a while ago and the seller told me it had been serviced by Youxin who said the real early M3's were extra-smooth because they had to win the market. Sounds plausible but no proof either.

However, I think M3's in general are extra-smooth because the parts were hand-fitted in the cameras to make sure there were optimal. From the M4-2 onwards Leica took to the Japanese manufacturing method where a part was taken from a larger stock and if it didn't fit it would get tossed back in with the others and swapped for another part that did fit, until the whole camera was assembled.

In the end: "All Leica M's are smooth, but some are smoother than others" 😛😛

 

[LeicaFan]

Good to know. Thanks, Johan!

 

[Roger Hicks]

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

Well, I'd disagree equally heartily with going anywhere near a DS. I hate, loathe, despise and detest ALL double-stroke 35mm cameras (not just Leicas) because I miss too many pictures. In my book, one stroke = one picture. Of course it's personal taste, but if all your other cameras are one-stroke...

Cheers,

R.

 

[Vics]

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

I stand corrected.

 

[DamenS]

Well, I'd disagree equally heartily with going anywhere near a DS. I hate, loathe, despise and detest ALL double-stroke 35mm cameras (not just Leicas) because I miss too many pictures. In my book, one stroke = one picture. Of course it's personal taste, but if all your other cameras are one-stroke...

Cheers,

R.

I think you may have missed my point Roger, which is that the value of a DS with a serial number over 1,000,000 would be worth enough that, if sold, MANY SS versions could be purchased with the proceeds.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I think you may have missed my point Roger, which is that the value of a DS with a serial number over 1,000,000 would be worth enough that, if sold, MANY SS versions could be purchased with the proceeds.

Ah, my apologies. You are almost certainly right (I say 'almost' because I don't know enough to argue, and have no reason to doubt you anyway). It's just that I was thinking in too narrow a framework.

Cheers,

R.

 

[splitimageview]

Never missed a pic with a double stroke, but I don't use an M3 like semi automatic weapon. 🙂 There are motorized SLRs for that task.

It's funny, I usually use two strokes to wind even single strokes...

 

[kshapero]

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.

Super dittos. If you want a unique and pleasant signature, that is a great lens.

 

[johannielscom]

Leica switched to single stroke far before the 1 mio. serial number. An >1 mio. serial number double stroke camera would mean it was sent back to be converted to double stroke. That could be done but was an absolute rarity!

 

[thegman]

My first M3 was a SS model, but it had a light leak and went back to the shop. I traded it for a DS model, which I previously decided I did not want. On trying out the double stroke, I found it quite pleasing, smooth, and the short travel felt good for some reason.

If I were to lose the M3, and were to buy again, DS or SS would not make any difference to me. I've not missed a shot with it, but then I've not had it long, plus I'm in the habit of winding on right after the shot.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Leica switched to single stroke far before the 1 mio. serial number. An >1 mio. serial number double stroke camera would mean it was sent back to be converted to double stroke. That could be done but was an absolute rarity!

A million plus double stroke camera could also mean a double stroke body had the top plate replaced with a later serial number top plate.

There was a transition model between the clutch based double stroke model and the ratchet based single stroke model. A single stroke clutch model, similar to the double stroke but...only requiring a single stroke....
How can you tell? After you advance the lever all the way the back stroke on every later ratchet based model will make that 'click click click' sound as it returns to its normal lever resting position. Where the double and single stroke clutch models will make no sound. I think this lends people to say the double stroke is smoother. Also look at the serial number, the move to a ratchet based single stroke happened somewhere after the 967xxx serial number according to Sherry, in between that and the double stroke M3s were a transitional single stroke model.