Just bought an M3 DS, but in a bit of a jam...

[PatrickCheung]

I thought I suppressed my Leica lust for good when I bought my iif, but I was wrong. After a few enticing deals and extensive research on Ms, I finally bought an M3 DS off a retailer in the states for $700USD (about $664CAD) in total (they offered free shipping!). They offered a 7 day trial period in which I can get a full refund as well! The camera should arrive next thursday, August 4th.

The problem is that I only have LTM lenses. I thought it wouldnt be a problem because last week I checked, my local camera store still had those Voigtlander LTM-M adapters. I called in today and they're out of stock... and not expecting to get any within the next two weeks! I checked CameraQuest and they have them in stock, but it would take two weeks to ship to Toronto.

I'm worried that I wont get time to try out the M3 within that 7day trial period... so now I'm wondering if there's any relatively cheap M mount lenses (I'm a little low on cash after the M3 purchase) I could acquire... hopefuly sub $200? I know it's impossible but I thought I'd ask anyway.

BETTER YET... is there anyone in Toronto that could possibly help me out? I'll buy an adapter off someone! Or maybe we could meet up and shoot a test roll when my camera arrives?

 

[Particular]

If you don't find anyone local to help you out, you could also try renting a lens for a day.

 

[cambolt]

You might want to read my thread started a week or two ago on cheap LTM-M mount adapters.
I have heard good things about the generic adapters from "Fotodiox" in Ohio (I think)
Here is a link, though it is ebay Australia.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50mm-75m...ltDomain_0&hash=item53dca6c30e#ht_6172wt_1139

 

[cambolt]

But no, as far as I know there are no M-mount lenses below even $350. But if you must have a branded adapter I'm sure you could find a genuine Leitz on ebay for about $70

 

[yee]

Is the 7-day period also a warranty? If you have a warranty that lasts in time, or could ask for one, I think it's really a matter of having confidence that the m3 will be reliable. They're generally very repairable. I think you'll find the experience of the m3 an enjoyable complement and practical alternative to your ltm's.

 

[back alley]

what focal length lens did you buy?

i have a no name adapter (90 on an m3) and could mail it out to you and then you could return it when you buy one.

 

[PatrickCheung]

Thanks cambolt! I don't mind the no name ones... but I'm mostly worried about the shipping times!

Yee: I was thinking of asking them for an extension on the warranty/trial period. They offer a 7day full refund. I called up the guys at the store today (settling a credit card problem) and they were really friendly, I'm sure they'd understand, but I wanna see if I can find a solution first!

Back Alley: I've got a Jupiter 8, and that's about it... I don't but a lot of lenses (been very happy with the J8)! I appreciate the offer :]

 

[sanmich]

Frankly, a Jupiter wouldn't be my first choice to check a leica M.
If there is a problem, best bet is that the lens is at fault.
you could try to find a shop with a choice of used M lenses, step in and ask to mount and shoot a couple of lenses in the shop.

 

[LeicaFan]

Wish I could help you out. I'm sure there must be a Toronto local that would let you borrow a lens.

 

[PatrickCheung]

Sanmich: sadly, the J8 is all I have... I've had a good experience with it though... I'm only really checking for lightleaks or capped shutters, correct speeds and what not. The lens itself shoots fine! I was thinking of asking if I could test out a few lenses, but sadly most stores downtown don't carry M lenses. Some of the used leica equipment store owners are more uptight and strict, especially around teens like me. I've had a store owner turn me down because I was a teen when I asked for an appointment to check out an M body.

 

[cambolt]

Well if you have been using the J8 for a while and know it functions well then it shouldn't be a problem should it?

 

[PatrickCheung]

it shouldnt! i meant "sadly the J8 is all i have" in the sense that I wish I had more lenses :] It's a fun lens to shoot with... I wish I had those fancy sharp M lenses, and I will when the time is right (or when I have enough), but the J8 will have to do for now... as long as I can get an adapter.

 

[cambolt]

Well you shouldn't have much trouble finding a generic adapter on evilbay, buy it now and you should have one within a few days

 

[Particular]

I've had a store owner turn me down because I was a teen when I asked for an appointment to check out an M body.

Wow, I guess they don't want your money then...

When you check your M3 you will also want to verify that your rangefinder is aligned properly. It is best to have an M lens in good shape for this, to see if it stops exactly at infinity. Some of the cheaper adapters from ebay don't have the right thickness, and therefor will be giving you false info even if both the camera and your J8 are fine. In many day to day situations it may not be an issue, but you are buying a camera, and you'll want it to be right.

 

[sanmich]

Sanmich: sadly, the J8 is all I have... I've had a good experience with it though... I'm only really checking for lightleaks or capped shutters, correct speeds and what not. The lens itself shoots fine! I was thinking of asking if I could test out a few lenses, but sadly most stores downtown don't carry M lenses. Some of the used leica equipment store owners are more uptight and strict, especially around teens like me. I've had a store owner turn me down because I was a teen when I asked for an appointment to check out an M body.

Maybe changing the "I want to check my M body" into "I'm looking for a good Leica 50. I would like to take a few shots in the shop, check the lens infinity setting, and I'll decide after I process the film" could help.
I am sure they have no problem accepting money from a teenager...

 

[rlouzan]

Hi Patrick,

Go to your local camera repair shop and have them take a look at the camera (shutter speeds, ...).

Regards,
Robert

 

[Harry S.]

If you lived in Australia I'd happily loan you lens. Good Luck.

 

[cambolt]

Hi Patrick,

Go to your local camera repair shop and have them take a look at the camera (shutter speeds, ...).

Regards,
Robert

I don't think they would know any better than you.
Especially if the staff there are like those here in Australia, university students with no clue about photography.

 

[PatrickCheung]

Wow! I'm getting a lot more help than expected! Thanks for the suggestion guys!

I think I'll place an order on CameraQuest for those Voigtlander adapters, people seem to be happy with those ones (a bit pricey for a piece of metal though...). If worse comes to worse I'll ask to try out an M lens (which are surprisingly hard to find in Toronto... correct me if I'm wrong).

I considered taking the camera to a technician to get it checked out, but to be honest I'm kinda scared. I guess the combination of rude technicians and rude store owners have scared me off from asking for help from a professional. It seems like most retailers here that deal in Leica hold a certain standard here that I don't meet.

Ah well, I'm sure a solution will come up sometime soon!

 

[batterytypehah!]

Don't forget a basic shutter check on the M3 is much easier than with your old Barnack. No lens required. Just get your hands on an old CRT monitor or TV. Instructions here: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-135.html

You'd still want to shoot a test roll but it rules out gross error.

Also, anything but a known good M lens or LTM lens/adapter combo only muddles the picture, so I think you should try to find a local loaner instead of ordering something, anything, as long as it's shipped quickly.