M3 Owner Satisfaction

M3 Owner Satisfaction

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M3

M3

While a nice camera I just don't believe it deserves the cult following. The M4 was built just as well, or better, came up with better features (35mm VF, rapid rewind, easier loading, etc.). The M4 was the pinnacle of everything Leica.

BTW, I think I've owned every Leica made since the IIIF (IIIG, M3 DS & SS, M4, M5, M6 & M6 TTL and M7. Got a new MP shipped by mistake so you I can say I briefly owned that also).
 
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'Satisfied' in what sense?

Lovely, smooth, sweet-handling cameras; the smoothest Leicas I've ever owned or handled gave been M3s.

Even so, I hate the DS model (and all DS cameras) and I hate using external finders for my favourite focal length (35mm), so I no longer own/use any M3s. I don't recall if I've has two or three. My first M was an M3 in 1974 or 75 (I'd already been using proper, screw-mount Leicas for a few years) but it went in favour of an M2 (which I still have), and I once had a black paint M3 because I found it silly-cheap; it went as a straight swap for a new M4-P (which I still have), or maybe I paid a bit extra.

But the M4-P rangefinder flares out far worse than an M2, and the 75mm frame is next to useless, so for my money, the MP is the best M-series ever.

Cheers,

R.
 
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"Satisfied" in the sense of all things considered. Sort of like ranking pain on a scale of 1 to 10. I am not certain how you do that either, unless you have experienced the "10". Thanks for the input.
I am slowing having all (4) of my M3's changed over to single stroke, and one to a .72 view finder.
 
dshfoto said:
"Satisfied" in the sense of all things considered. Sort of like ranking pain on a scale of 1 to 10. I am not certain how you do that either, unless you have experienced the "10". Thanks for the input.
I am slowing having all (4) of my M3's changed over to single stroke, and one to a .72 view finder.
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Yes, but everything is a trade-off; it is rare, perhaps impossible, to be fully satisfied with a camera or any other mechanical contrivance. I feel the same way about my Land Rover Series III, my BMW R100RS, my Omega Seamaster 30... They're all good, among the best in my view (or I'd not use them) abd certainly among the best I can afford, but they ain't perfect.

Incidentally, I didn't think you could change the VFs on M3s, or am I mistaken? EDIT: From what Tom says elsewhere, I must be conflating frame lines with complete frame/RF mechanisms.

Cheers,

R.
 
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The only real advantage to the R100RS was you could do any repair you needed to with duct tape and bailing wire.

That said, why would anyone want to spend a lot of money trying to make an M3 into an M4? I never owned the M4-P but I did own a lemon of an M4-2. There was no comparison of the M4 to the M4-2.
 
Incidentally, I didn't think you could change the VFs on M3s, or am I mistaken
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Roger,
I had a M3 that the previous owner had a 0.85x virewfinder from an M6 put in, so it can be done.
Also, You have great taste. I have a BMW K100RS and Omega SeaMaster, both since new, way tooo many years ago. They both still run like a Swiss Watch.
 
Okay, I gotta chime in here. My 1959 M3 (a double stroke - doesn't bother me in the least) AND my 1959 Omega Seamaster are both running strong! Of course, I do wish the M3 had 35mm framelines.

-Randy
 
Like my M3... a lot. Sorry it doesn't make pancakes.
More seriously, I particularly like the fatter frame lines it sports for the 50, instead of the thinner ones of the M2 and M6.
 
I like my M3 a lot. The only caveat is to watch the viewfinder. My early production DS has a viewfinder/rangefinder that is mighty dim. Other than that, it's the perfect camera for the 50mm focal length.

Jim B.
 
I can't get enough of my M3s... So much, that they are all that I've been shooting for my wedding work (yes, the M7s and MP are not being used).

Cheers,
 
I have the M3 (DS) (originally I owned two bodies) and an M4P. The M3 is the better made camera in my view although of course both are nice.
 
While some may think the M4 is a better camera I find my M3's to be the smoothest of all the M-series cameras I have owned..
 
vrgard said:
Okay, I gotta chime in here. My 1959 M3 (a double stroke - doesn't bother me in the least) AND my 1959 Omega Seamaster are both running strong! Of course, I do wish the M3 had 35mm framelines.

-Randy
Click to expand...

Just like my 65 M3 and my 65 289, Randy :)
 
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I'm really satisfied with my 1957 DS Leica M3. It's the only one that lets me enjoy a 50mm lens. In my other cameras, I use wides only, but the M3 and the 50mm are a nice combination... And the camera is so well crafted and smooth to operate... ;)
 
I believe some grinding must be done to the M3 top-cover to fit a new VF in there- but maybe it's the other way round. Probably the M3 needs the grinding.

I've not had much chance to play with mine, it went right for a big CLA. But I can see already it is going to be my go to body for the 90 & 135 lenses hands down.

It's a '62, and is in similar shape to the '62 GMC pickup in my yard- "works", but needs work!
 
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