late ss m3 w/dr summicron : worth to switch?

[utku]

dear all,

Today I encountered a late ss m3 with a dr summicton installed for about $750 in total. It's in the picture attached.

Shopguy said that they are able to check all the functions before handling it to me, and machine and the glass is clean.

I'm currently owning a bessa r + 35/2.5 skopar, along with 21/4. They're both great lenses and I'm happy with them. I'll keep them, in case of the purchase of m3.

On the other hand, sound of shutter on bessa r, particularly below 1/60th sec. makes things complicated on street and documentary shots.

My question is, for those of you guys who might have previously done the switch, what would you advise to me ? Should I consider doing it ??

Camera will be used exclusively for documentary shots, so b&w.

Regards,

Utku

 

[roguewave]

If the M3 is in good shape, this would be a very attractive price & a wonderful kit.

 

[utku]

in fact, it's in the picture I've attached to my first message, so maybe you can help me decide ?

 

[roguewave]

If the kit is local, ask to have it brought to a dealer or certified technition to get an assesment and get CLA'd. That will insure both you & the seller. If not possible, you must think long & hard about your choice. That being said, I have yet to meet aperson that regrets owning an M3. It still is the most satisfying camera I use & own.

 

[FPjohn]

You will enjoy it as most M3 owners do. That is a a good price if in good shape. Given that it might be wise to consider the cost of a CLA as well.

yours
FPJ

 

[fbf]

If both are in good shape, it is definitely a deal. The m3 is over 1 mil and the DR seems in fair shape. I agree w/ Ben that you should ask them to assess the cost of CLA.

L.

 

[Vics]

The best camera Leica ever made, according to one of the RFF polls. The DR is just the most amazing lens, albeit a bit heavy. It was voted the best Leica lens for B&W on one of the RFF Polls. I have this same kit and my children bought it for me for my birthday three years ago, and it cost them about $1200 at KEH (with a collapsible 'cron.) I bought the DR last year for $465. Even with a CLA, this is a great kit for a great price. Tri-X, baby! Have fun!
Vic

 

[peterm1]

One of my favorite combos

 

[ferider]

Utku,

if the camera works and the lens is clean, this is a very, very good price,
and a phantastic kit. M3 bodies with serial nr > 1 Mio are the best.

Roland.

 

[borismach]

Wish you to get the M3 soon. You'll love it.
Cheerz
bm

 

[photobizzz]

I have had several Bessa-R's and an R3a and now a M3, I love the M3. That is a great price with the 50 DR. I paid $550 for my body and it has more scratches on the top plate. Get it, then go on cameraleather.com and order a new covering, fairly simple to change yourself.

Edit: Plus the serial number is over 1Mil so even better!

 

[utku]

thanks for the such great responses... I like this community, in RFF one feels himself as if to have found his sacred community, of savage pilgrims

 

[payasam]

Since you plan to keep the Bessa, you've nothing to lose. The M3 with any 50 mm lens is about as close to ideal as you can get. Do remember, though, that the M3 cannot by itself take the wider lenses which you appear to like.

 

[robin a]

Nice set up.......get it........you be glad you did...............Robin

 

[roguewave]

utku, let me know if you don't purchase the kit. My son would love this kit and as he is always after me to borrow mine, I would be happy to purchase this if you decide against it. If you do, you will regret it, take my word.

 

[Rob-F]

It looks beautiful, and you have a genuine need for it. Will the 50mm lens meet your needs? I ask because you are used to shooting with a 35. The M3 and 50DR is a great combination, though. I keep one around!

 

[thomasw_]

Utku,

if the camera works and the lens is clean, this is a very, very good price,
and a phantastic kit. M3 bodies with serial nr > 1 Mio are the best.

Roland.

I agree with Roland about the deal, it is an excellent deal, notwithstanding the cost of a CLA! Get the deal done...

But Roland do you mean best users or best made/functional?

Even though I have owned M3s with serial numbers over 1 Million and even over 1,1 Million, and I have found them to be remarkable. Yet I heard that the Leica Mechanics and Engineers themselves thought that the earliest M3s were the best built, and that, furthermore, in our day, Youxin Ye backs up this notion. Accordingly, if this is so, then the M3 in the serial range 701 xxx to 705 xxx are the models to desire.... I think Keith has a very early M3, perhaps he can ring in?

respectfully, thomas

 

[Keith]

You can't go wrong here ... as said it's a million plus serial number and the missing vulcanite is nothing. That DR if clean and tidy is worth around $450.00 and more! I've seen really good DR's with the eyes go for $700.00 on eBay!