Leica M3 - DS or SS?

[kshapero]

I have heard many opinions both ways. Double stroke wind lever or single stroke? Which do you prefer?

 

[umboody]

I don't own an M3 SS myself, but I can compare it to my Leica M6, which I presume has a similar feel to it. And, to be honest, it doesn't make that much of a difference to me. I like the action of the double stroke, but the speed of the single stroke.

 

[coelacanth]

I remember DS-SS converted M3 I had had super smooth and quiet shutter compared to other Ms. I still regret selling it. If I were to get another M3 (I will, at some point) I'll go for a DS (or DS-SS converted) one. I believe the sound difference is due to different second brake design.

 

[jsrockit]

I prefer single stroke because all of my other cameras have been single stroke. When I try a double stroke M3, I always forget the second stroke. 😉

 

[johannielscom]

The DS I have is the quietest Leica camera I ever owned and I love it for many more reasons than that, but I would like a SS to accompany it someday. Just for the ease and speed of it.

 

[rover]

I have one of each. They are the same except for the need for an extra thumb wiggle on the older one.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

The SS will ratchet when the advance lever returns after being wound. DS don't make the ratcheting sound. Earlier DS will have two ball bearings on the side of the film back to stay attached to the body when the bottom plate is off. Also as I recently discovered, the DS has a slightly shorter advance lever.

 

[kshapero]

pros and cons both ways

 

[Leica All Day]

I have a single stroke but sometimes I use it as a double stroke....it works fine....

cheers, michael

 

[SonC]

I have heard many opinions both ways. Double stroke wind lever or single stroke? Which do you prefer?

I had Ken Ruth work on an DS M3 some years back, and I asked how much it would cost to make it a single stroke.

He said that while the camera is open, it would be nothing additional. You just have to leave out a couple parts and it becomes SS. I had him do it, and it was fine.

If I recall, you could still wind with a couple of small strokes, but you didn't have to.

That said, I never really liked the M3 as much as I like the M2.

 

[jbielikowski]

there is another difference in M3s, the diameter of lens in eyepiece, earlier (usually DS) have it bit small, later (usually SS) larger. It makes significant difference when using it with glasses.

 

[Mackinaw]

Operationally, there's little difference between my MP and DS M3. I quickly adjust to my M3 when I use that, likewise, adjusting back to the MP takes only a few shots. Never has been an issue with me.

Jim B.

 

[former member]

I have both: and the above statement about the diameter of the eyepiece being greater with the single-stroke M3 makes a big difference with glasses.

 

[Mudman]

huh, I never knew that about the diameter of the eyepiece. Explains why I have such a tough time seeing the 50mm lines. I like the feel of the double stroke though.

 

[Particular]

Mine is a DS converted to SS. In use I usually double stroke, which I find quicker. It is nice to have the option to single stroke, though I think most users adjust to double stroking pretty easily. There is so much to like about the camera that I wouldn't fuss about SS vs DS.

 

[Keith]

The DS I have is the quietest Leica camera I ever owned and I love it for many more reasons than that, but I would like a SS to accompany it someday. Just for the ease and speed of it.

My early DS (1954) is the same ... it's the quietest Leica I've ever used and has the softest shutter release of anything I own. I quite like the double action ... it makes the camera unique.

It actually manages to make my M2 feel a little coarse and loud by comparison!

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

I've also heard of Dag placing the larger rear eyepiece found in SS models into DS models.

 

[dave lackey]

SS, of course, because that is the only M3 I have ever owned and as a late model, that is the way it came! I am certainly interested in trying out a DS, though.

I agree with Keith, the M3 is so silky and quiet... a fondler's delight as well as a terrific camera for everyday use.😀

 

[Mackinaw]

My early DS (1954) is the same ... it's the quietest Leica I've ever used and has the softest shutter release of anything I own. I quite like the double action ... it makes the camera unique.

I actually think my MP is a tad quieter than my early-production M3 (serial 704088). Mind you, we're splitting hairs here.

Jim B.

 

[Keith]

My M3 is out of the first 5000 made ... somewhere in the middle from memory. When Youxin rebuilt it for me (eBay bargain working perfectly of course) he told me he thought that mechanically these early M3's were a cut above any other Leica made judging by what he sees in all the various models he works on!

I had my M2 CLA'd at the same time and although it's nice it's not half the camera the M3 is and it appears to have done a lot less work.