Leica M3 Question

NicoM

NicoM

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How hard is it to come buy a very clean Leica M3. I'm looking to by my first Leica, and I want to to be an M3 as I'm probably only going to be using a 50mm lens. Since it is going to be my first (and probably only) Leica, I want to to be as clean as possible.

My question is, how hard is it to come buy a really nice and clean looking M3, and how much do they go for. I want a single-stroke, but I'd settle for a double stroke if that is whats available. Thank in advanced!
 
It all depends on what you consider very clean. Keep in mind that the M3 is over 50 years old so if you're looking for something that looks like it's brand new, chances are that you won't find what you're looking for unless you're willing to drop a big chunk of change.

With that being said, it's not hard to find an M3 that is in 85-90% of original condition. The market is really slow right now so you might be able to score a nice deal on an M3. Just avoid ebay unless you are looking to get ripped off.
 
Here's what I'd do: I'd buy a bargain grade M3 from KEH, and send it off to Youxin Ye for a CLA and recovering. Result: an M3 in beautiful condition that will you can give to your grandchildren.
 
Thanks for the replies guys! I've been looking around and have seen some really nice ones. I'l just waiting for that right one to come around. I've also been thinking about buying from KEH, as they have a good return policy if I'm not happy with it. The 10% off right now is also adding to the temptation to go that route.
 
As Wes and Steve recommend, I'd buy a good--but not great--M3. Really clean ones are highly collectible, and you'll pay quite a premium for them. And then you may be hesitant to take it out and shoot it, as even a small ding/scratch would knock hundreds of dollars off its "value"--the monetary aspect of that, at least.

I bought a bit of a beater M3--but one with an over 1000000 serial number, which are allegedly from the period of optimum production--for £400. It's not raggedy, but it does have a few scratches and some missing paint on the back flap. I carry it everywhere with me, and shoot it in all kinds of conditions without hesitation.

My dealer has an absolutely mint M3 (double stroke, so earlier production) with a matching spotless rigid Summicron 50. I'm not interested in buying it--it's out of my budget, absolutely--but he's asking £2200 for the pair and tells me he wouldn't entertain an offer for less than £2000...if he decides he really does want to sell them. If I did own that thing, it would live out its days sitting safely in a cabinet--how could you put such a pristine old object of beauty like that in danger, lol?

So buy a user camera--it'll still work fine, 50 years from now, and the wear on it just gives it character--and invest the savings in good lenses. Then shoot the hell out of it!
 
You can also ask Youxin if he has any available which is within your budget. That's what I did before. Sherry Krauter also has some bodies available if you check her website.
 
NicoM said:
Thanks for the replies guys! I've been looking around and have seen some really nice ones. I'l just waiting for that right one to come around. I've also been thinking about buying from KEH, as they have a good return policy if I'm not happy with it. The 10% off right now is also adding to the temptation to go that route.
Click to expand...
I have been buying and selling (mostly buying) with KEH for over 20 years. Good guys.
 
Bingley said:
Here's what I'd do: I'd buy a bargain grade M3 from KEH, and send it off to Youxin Ye for a CLA and recovering. Result: an M3 in beautiful condition that will you can give to your grandchildren.
Click to expand...

Lol, I was about to recommend the same, I just chose to sent my M3 to Don at DAG to reglue the finder prism. In any case a CLA for a somewhat 50years old camera is a good idea no matter what outside cosmetic condition.
 
Shouldn't be too hard, just keep your eyes peeled, know what you're looking for and one should turn up. If it was me, clean would not be too important to me, as long as the viewfinder had no potential issues (read up on balsam seperation issue), and either worked well or had a recent cla. Found a nice M3 that way for about €750 through ebay, which has been humming along perfectly since I got it about two or so years ago.
 
Bingley said:
Here's what I'd do: I'd buy a bargain grade M3 from KEH, and send it off to Youxin Ye for a CLA and recovering. Result: an M3 in beautiful condition that will you can give to your grandchildren.
Click to expand...

Or alternatively you can ask Youxin if he has any M3 for sale. You can also 100% trust him with regards to the definition of the camera he provides. Last month I asked him how much it would cost a clean and CLA'd M3, and he said $1000. So if I were you I would ask him first...
 
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