I've just won a leica M3 + summilux 50mm for 1300 USD!!!

[LeicaFoReVer]

Hi Guys,

Did I make a mistake here? This win I had has way more value than 1300 bucks right?

According to the seller, they are CLA'ed. M3 has serial number above 1million so this is another plus according to antique cameras website.

Summilux has some snow flake trace on the rear element but I think it is type 2. Its serial number must be just above 1840000. So maybe this is another plus.

What do you say?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/141246191015?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[kshapero]

Sounds like a big score. Congrats.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

I am excited! I have never dreamed of owning a summilux!

 

[bob338]

I have a Summilux of that vintage with a couple of snowflake spots in the rear elements. I picked it up really cheap a while back and have never seen any evidence of the flaws in my photos.
It's the front element that you need to worry about, not the rear.

 

[bob338]

I am excited! I have never dreamed of owning a summilux!

Just wait until you shoot it. It's one of the best Leica lenses ever made...

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

Yes Bob, my father is a photographer and he told me the same thing. any flaw in the rear element is not so important.

I am really excited. I need to downsize my collection though, I couldnt resist GAS when I saw it.

so what do you say the real value of this set?

 

[jsrockit]

Looks like people may have been scared off by it being a pawn shop... good for you!

 

[btgc]

I think rear element issues are more critical than anything on front element, but to some extent issues on rear element just dont matter. If this don't show up in pictures under common conditions then why bother.

 

[bobkonos]

I'd say you did great. The seller must be the only person known to offer a Leica M-3 (M dash3) and thus, just one bidder: you.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

Surprsing that people who search "leica" didnt realized it. The lens wasnt defined in the title either...

 

[bobkonos]

That's why it is GOOD to deal with pawn shops: most do not know high end cameras. As such, they rarely set a reserve. Good job.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

No bids on this summi - guess it is overprized:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/LEITZ-WETZLA...73331?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item3a8e6f7913&_uhb=1

and for the M3, it is nice, but looks quite a user - which is good of course since you want to use it, but every scratch on a M3, on a Leica counts....
All in all I think you paid a fair prize if the M3, has been serviced recently, has no rangefinder separation, no yellowing of the viewfinder and the Summilux has good glass!

btw cratches on the rear glass would be a much bigger problem than scratches at the front.

 

[sc_rufctr]

Well done. I hope you get years of enjoyment out of it.

But does the light meter still work?

 

[filmtwit]

The Chrome V1 summilux isn't as liked as the later versions as it isn't as sharp as V2 and later versions (or as sharp at many of the Sonnars from the same period), plus it still has the minimum 1 meter focus restrictions.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

I think this one is type 2. the serial number is just above 1840000

 

[Austerby]

Interestingly, the serial number of that camera doesn't appear on Stephen's list on Cameraquest. It also looks like it has the big M3 engraving, suggesting its a Canadian made M3, as mine is with a nearby, below 1m, serial number which is on the list.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

It says:

M3's with serial numbers over 1,000,000 have a premium placed on them, providing they are in collectible Mint- or better condition. Many people believe, rightly or wrongly, that these cameras are the highpoint of Leitz craftsmanship. It was the end of production with a very experienced work crew of craftsman.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Your Summilux is a v2. They start at 1844001.

Erik.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

Your Summilux is a v2. They start at 1844001.

Erik.

So how much would be the price for a v2 with that defect at the rear element?

 

[Erik van Straten]

It also looks like it has the big M3 engraving, suggesting its a Canadian made M3, as mine is with a nearby, below 1m, serial number which is on the list.

The engraving is completely normal.

The camera is from 1960.

Erik.