M3 Ds

N

Nikon Bob

Guest
I was considering an M3 DS and was wondering if anyone here knows of any problems normally associated with this model Leica. Things like the DS wind on being a problem area prone to breakage etc. Thank you for any of your comments.
 
Some claim that the DS wind wears out faster than the Single Stroke wind because it sees twice as much action. I do not believe it. The main thing to watch out for in almost all Leica's (and most RF's) , especially older ones, is the RF patch going dim when the prisms/beamsplitters de-silver. This can be repaired, but figure on at least $200 if you get one with that problem. The shutter especially at lower speeds, can drag or "hang". I got by Leica M3 DS at a great price than had Essex CLA it and repair the finder for $220. The job had a two week turn-around, door to door, by getting an EMail estimate and including the check.

Also check with Youxin Ye EBAy seller wye7. He sells Leica gear that he has CLA'd. I have a very late user-condition Single Stroke from him that is so quiet you swear the shutter did not fire. The VF/RF is good on it, but not as perfect (like new) as what Essex did on the rebuild job. But then it cost a lot less.
 
I have heard rumors that when this camera is combined with Leica lenses it produces terribly sharp images with a distinctive glow about them :D
Seriously, it is considered to be "the" Leica to own, I have an M6 and love it. As far as the double stroke goes, I wouldn't worry too much about it, they seem bullet proof.

Todd
 
I was personally thinking about a DS camera as it truly is a classic version of the M3 camera. Some people also claim that the DS is even smoother than the SS and that with practice you work it faster than the long SS. Now...the thing is that the SS allows you to do 'shorter' strokes as well until they've 'added' up to a full stroke - so in my eyes you get the best of both worlds.

Regardless if you get a DS or SS you WILL be getting a historically important and classic camera that just oozes quality.

Oh and the lenses are pretty good as well ;)
 
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