M3 purchase advice

[ThatOneGuy]

I'm new to the Leica world, so I could use some advice. My first "real" camera was a Canonet QL17 GIII that I've had for many years, but recently I made the mistake of looking at an M7. I didn't know a RF viewfinder could be that good, so now I'm thinking I'd like to upgrade cameras.

The dilemma is that I'm not sure what to get. Ideally I'd like to get an M6 body, mainly because of the built in meter. However, the local camera shop has a 1959 M3 SS with a 50mm f/2 summicron in almost perfect condition for $720. My question is whether or not the M3 is too good of a deal to pass up. I can't really afford the M6 or the M3 right now, but all the checking around I've done seems to suggest that I probably won't encounter another M3 in that condition for that price again. If that's true, I can probably come up with something.

So, what do you think...

 

[JoeFriday]

welcome to RFF 🙂

yep, that's way too good of a deal to pass up.. I paid that much for an M3 SS that needed a CLA, with no lens included.. definitely grab it.. even if you decide later to part with it, you won't lose money.. that's pretty much guaranteed

 

[Kyle]

Sounds like a great deal! Make sure to check out Stephen Gandy's Leica M checklist
http://www.cameraquest.com/leicamchecklist.htm

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Thanks. That's what I was hoping for/afraid of... I'll probably have to pick it up.

It looks like I'll have to start spending more time on these forums too 🙂

 

[wlewisiii]

Grab and run. Follow the checklist mentioned above and you should be set. Even if you get a 6 later, the 'cron will be good to have.

Heck at that price, I'd be tempted & I'm not all that big on Leicas.

William

 

[rich815]

What we have here is one of three things:

1. A camera shop that really does not know what it has as the M3 itself should be $600+ (assuming it's fine) and the Summicron $400+. Highly unlikely in this day and age of eBay where they can easily check, but possible I guess.

2. The camera has issues that might not be evident (check the shutter curtain).

3. You're Frank.

I hope it's #1.

 

[wamjam]

2. The camera has issues that might not be evident (check the shutter curtain).

that could easily be repaired. this is a bargain! 🙂

 

[back alley]

What we have here is one of three things:

1. A camera shop that really does not know what it has as the M3 itself should be $600+ (assuming it's fine) and the Summicron $400+. Highly unlikely in this day and age of eBay where they can easily check, but possible I guess.

2. The camera has issues that might not be evident (check the shutter curtain).

3. You're Frank.

I hope it's #1.

re. #3
it's a completely different ip address.

 

[rover]

As has been suggested, inspect both camera and body well. Look for all the common signs of things to look out for. There is a good buyers guide at cameraquest.com and lots of info here.

http://www.nemeng.com/leica/002be.shtml

Even if you find that there are some things that need to be repaired you are still getting a great deal.

The only thing that would turn me off probably would be if there was separation in the finder or fungus in the lens, but at this price, if the body is good, let the guy keep the lens.

 

[ChrisN]

re. #3
it's a completely different ip address.

Heh heh - Joe's on the ball! I think we can safely leave this issue in his hands. 🙂

 

[ThatOneGuy]

What we have here is one of three things:

1. A camera shop that really does not know what it has as the M3 itself should be $600+ (assuming it's fine) and the Summicron $400+. Highly unlikely in this day and age of eBay where they can easily check, but possible I guess.

2. The camera has issues that might not be evident (check the shutter curtain).

3. You're Frank.

I hope it's #1.

I think it's a matter of relatively small town with no market for collectibles. It's been there for a long time and they were quite surprised when I asked to see it. They have a lot of other older stuff for pretty low prices because nobody buys it.

As for number 2, I checked it very thoroughly and couldnt' find anything. The shutter curtain looks clean and solid and seems to go through all speeds. The camera shop said they checked out the speeds and they're all correct. It also comes with a 30 day warranty, so I suspect it's in decent shape.

 

[rover]

Where are you located? What is the name of this shop? Do you have their phone number? 😀

 

[rich815]

......I checked it very thoroughly and couldnt' find anything. The shutter curtain looks clean and solid and seems to go through all speeds. The camera shop said they checked out the speeds and they're all correct. It also comes with a 30 day warranty, so I suspect it's in decent shape.

Grab it.

Now.

😀

 

[peter_n]

Heh heh - Joe's on the ball! I think we can safely leave this issue in his hands. 🙂

Indeed Chris. I'm impressed too... 😉

 

[Biggles]

Yeah. Now would be good.

 

[rich815]

re. #3
it's a completely different ip address.

That's great to hear. I really like to participate in these forums, and have made many good friends here and elsewhere. But it irked me to no end on other forums in the past when I make an effort, take the time to sincerely help and reply, and it's some bonehead using multiple aliases to troll.....

Thanks. 🙂

 

[wlewisiii]

They have a lot of other older stuff for pretty low prices because nobody buys it.

Hmm. Like what kind of older stuff? Any older Canon gear there? I suspect they could clear the shelves if they let us know what they have 😀

If you have the chance, while buying that M3& 'cron (do that immeadiatly!), make a quick list for us.

William

 

[wamjam]

Hmm. Like what kind of older stuff? Any older Canon gear there? I suspect they could clear the shelves if they let us know what they have 😀

If you have the chance, while buying that M3& 'cron (do that immeadiatly!), make a quick list for us.

William

yes please! and kindly ask how much is shipping to the philippines.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Here it is...

Thanks for all the help. After I agreed to buy it, they brought out a little bag of accessories too. I got a body cap, leica strap, Really Right Stuff tripod plate, and the lens hood that's pictured. The shop gave me a roll of film and cupon for free processing to test it out, so I'll try to get out tomorrow and do that. I even got them to go half price on an acute-matte focusing screen for my Hasselblad too.

Hmm. Like what kind of older stuff? Any older Canon gear there? I suspect they could clear the shelves if they let us know what they have

Unfortunately I didn't see any Canon RF stuff. They have some FD mount SLRs and lenses, but that's it.

The only other rangefinder related thing they have at the moment is a 135mm f/3.5 Nikkor Q in screw mount for $100.

 

[SteveM(PA)]

You should have caused a scene in the shop..."THIS IS TOTAL B&*%S#&:^!!!" to see what they would bring out next.

O...M...G...

I've got to get out more.