Finally joined the club...have a few questions.

[Hibbs]

I just got a nice M3 locally and had a few questions:

1. I'd like to take a couple of rolls and then send it for a CLA. I've seen mention of DAG, Sherry and another fellow. Any recommendations?
   
2. Although I have 2 Canon LSM 50s, I'd like to get a rigid Summicron for the M3. What should I be looking for?...there seems so many types.
   
3. Lastly...is there a manual available on the web somewhere? I am unfamilar with the loading.

Thanks for any support!

~hibbs

 

[peter_n]

Don't know about the manual, but I can recommend DAG. He is a perfectionist. Another excellent tech is Youxin Ye who lives here in the Boston area. Just get a regular bayonet mount rigid Summicron and you will love it! I had DAG CLA mine after I bought it and the lens came back like new. 🙂 I briefly discussed selling it with rover but he made me see sense. 😉

 

[shenkerian]

Alternatively, you can find the manuals to many Leica cameras through Andrew Nemeth's Leica FAQ here:
http://nemeng.com/leica/006e.shtml

Here are direct links to the M3 quick reference and manual:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/pdf/leica_m3_quickref.pdf
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joechan/pdf/leica_m3_manual.pdf

 

[SolaresLarrave]

For the sake of chronological correctness, I got a Summicron collapsible for my M3. And later an IROOA hood. And a leather case! The camera looks seriously cool now... 🙂

Now, if you feel it needs a CLA, send it off. Otherwise, if you get good exposures and no apparent problems, play with it for a while. Aboun 'crons... either collapsible or rigid in silver will do, just make sure they are the old version. The newer one has a slightly longer play in the focusing ring because it's designed with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters, while the previous versions only came to 1.0 meters. It's irrelevant in the end, though, because all 'crons, old and new, will work well with any good ole M3.

Congratulations! 🙂

 

[bob338]

i have a collapsible 50mm summicron i'm interested in selling. i sent it to DAG for an overhaul about two months ago and bought a new 50mm summilux in the interim. it's a great lens in excellent condition...send me a pm if interested.

 

[wlewisiii]

First - DAG. I have not used any of the others as I have never felt any need. His work is exquisite & what he charges is stupid cheap for the level of service & knowledge that you get.

Second - Do not discount the collapsible Summicron. Even dreadfully abused (as the one I had was prior to my getting it repaired by DAG) is capable of amazing images. In the end I did choose to keep my Canon 50/1.8 instead so ... <shrug> who knows? Get one for a reasonable price & it can be the pride of your camera bag.

Good luck & good light!

William

 

[payasam]

Something the matter with the Canon 50s you have?

 

[Hibbs]

No...nothing wrong with them really; a wee bit of separation on the rear element of the 50 1.5. Although I have some Russian glass that I use on the P, I remember Back Alley once saying "Canon glass on Canon bodies" and it kinda stuck with me...hehehe Also...I'd really like to get a Summicron.

What are the characteristics of the other formulas? It seems that there are a lot of fans of Elmars, Summars, Summitars, Sumarit etc. Anyone have a link to share or more info on what to expect from theses lenses?

Thanks.