Help! Looking at an M3 and Summicron 50/2 today

[blackwave]

I'm meeting a guy later on who has an M3 and Summicron 50/2 for sale. I haven't even handled an M3 before so I want to make sure I'm not getting taken on the deal! I also would like to know ballpark prices for this stuff.

I know condition is a major factor, but I think it's no better than user condition. Here are the serial numbers: M3 #704490 and Summicron #1327418.

Thoughts? Thank you!

 

[like2fiddle]

I'm not the one to give you advice on the value/condition of what you're going to look at, but I just want to warn you that there's a very good chance that you will be immediately enamored with the "feel" and handling of that outfit... just consider yourself forewarned😉

 

[thomasw_]

That is an early double stroke M3. The value depends on its condition cosemetically, optically and mechnically; but a good user DS M3 should be in the 500 to 700 range, sometimes less if you get lucky. From a user standpoint check the VF to make sure it is bright and clear, and that RF patch is distinct and contrasty, as that is the key to focussing effectively. If all seems well with the VF, then listen and check all the shutter speeds, especially the slower ones. Look at the shutter curtain and see whether it has any pin holes. Make sure it has the take up spool. -Hope this helps!

 

[Blank288]

According to the Leica Pocket Book s/n-listings both lens and body are of 1954, making the body one out of the first M3 production series. It will be a 'double-stroke' transporter and it will lack the frame selector handle. It will have the old-style shutter time progression too (IIRC 1/25-1/50-1/100-1/200 etc.).

A few hints: it will be wise to calculate a CLA anyhow. Look through the M3-finder very carefully, from both sides (black spots and/or strange color shifts are signs for expensive problems). Shutter curtains might show pinholes or vertical cracks in the rubber coating, which means curtain replacement sooner or later. (My beater M3 first curtain has these cracks, but as long as it remains light tight I don't touch it.)
Slow shutter movement generally can be cured by lubrication and adjustment, just as misaligned rangefinders.

As for prices I can't give you any clue since this will be greatly dependent of the general condition of this set. Check closed Ebay auctions for an indication.

 

[BillBingham2]

Look here for good information.

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

B2 (;->

 

[FrankS]

As a comparison point to whatever price will be asked, there is/was a nice M3 with collapsible Summicron for sale in the RFF classifieds for $850.

 

[blackwave]

Thanks for the tips, guys! Wish me luck. I think it's a pretty low price so I'm a bit concerned about the condition. Are there any problems that a CLA just won't fix? I know VF separation is one of those things. I'd assume shutter curtains are an additional expense also, correct?

 

[chikarin]

well mine is different version but I paid about 1100 for M3 single stroke + rigid summicron 50mm, came with some random accessories like hood and leather case, filters, etc. both body and lens were pretty clean with very minor vulcanite loss on the body. it was also CLAed not too long before I purchased.

gl with your potential purchase!

 

[FrankS]

Pretty much anything can be fixed, but the viewfinder separation issue is quite expensive and may not be worthwhile unless the camera was bought for a low price.

 

[maddoc]

The most expensive part to repair part of any M3 is the rangefinder, so check for signs of prism separation. The VF should be bright and have good contrast and there should be no signs of separation ("golden droplets", black spots) visible. Also hold the camera with the eye-piece against a bright light-source and look from the front into the small - most left located - window. There should be no black spots / lines visible.

Bring a flash-light with you and check the lens for haze / fungus or oil on the aperture blades. Both, focus ring and aperture ring should work smoothly. Check the rangefinder, if it works at close distance and infinity, the old M3 can only focus down to 1m if has not been modified.

The shutter may sound OK for you but if it is the first time that you handle a Leica, you won't know if it works correctly. Calculate the cost for a good service, according to the SN it is quite probable that the camera needs one.

Good luck !!

 

[johannielscom]

Hi, wondering if the OP (blackwave) got the camera, and what its condition was like!? Any shots to show?

That camera is within the first 5,000 of M3 production, nice catch if it worked out!

 

[BillBingham2]

I was wondering the same thing.

B2 (;->