M3 stroke question

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PJRiley

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Is there really much difference between an M3 single or double stroke? While researching prices on M3s in excellent condition, I'd save money on a DS version, $$ that would go towards a good lens. If the DS hasn't stripped the gears, I don't mind the extra 'work' :)
Any tips would be appreciated; RF decisions are the toughest!
 
I've also been wondering about this - my hesitation in getting a DS M3 is that I would use it alongside my M4-P, which of course is SS, so perhaps I'll forget to wind twice with the M3 -

is this a REAL concern - any experiences?
 
I switch between a DS M3 and SS M2, M6 and M7 without even thinking about it.
Compare it to constantly switching from a car with a manual gearbox to one with an auto box, it just comes naturally...
 
I have both a single and double stroke. I much prefer the double stroke since it is easier for me to wind in 2 short strokes.
 
Yaron, I don't think you'd have a problem -- if you forgot to wind the M3 twice it wouldn't take the picture.
 
I have single stroke M cameras and a double stroke M3. Going back and forth between them is no problem for me. And I like the feel of my double stroke M3. In my view, it's better to focus on the condition of a particular M3 rather than on whether it's single or double stroke.

Oh, and there is a serial number range of double stroke M3s that had metal rather than glass pressure plates (mine's in that range) because Leica changed that part of the M3 before they changed from double to single stroke in the M3. I only mention this so that no one thinks that these two features are mutually exclusive.

-Randy
 
You will be happy with DS and SS....the only little thing is with the Super-Angulon 21mm on the older M3, that the distance between the negatives is very short...

Regards,

Jan
 
My M3 is a DS and I have no problem with it. I tend to give my M2 and M6 two short strokes when I wind them - maybe because I had the M3 first and got used to that. The short strokes seem a little easier on my thumb joint.
 
I much prefer the double to the single, I wish I could make my m6 DS... For my use, its faster, the pull length on the gear is very shot, its not like you full wind for both strokes...
 
Telewatt said:
You will be happy with DS and SS....the only little thing is with the Super-Angulon 21mm on the older M3, that the distance between the negatives is very short...

Regards,

Jan
Click to expand...
???? :confused: The frame distance is shorter when using the SA-M 21/3.4 ? I never realized that ... The frame distance is already very narrow with my M3 DS when using 50mm FL. The "average" frame size within one roll is between 36.7 x 24.5 to 37.1 x 24.5 depending on the frame number on the roll. Sometimes the space between the frames is only ~ 0.5 mm (or less...).

Otherwise, I use this M3 DS in parallel with my M4-P and no problem when winding film. The DS has one advantage (as mentioned in another thread): Just wind one time first and drop the camera into the bag. Then, before taking the photo, just wind the second stroke and this way the amount of blank frames due to unwanted shutter releases inside the bag is eliminated. :)
 
I had a DS M3 and now have an M2. I have also had two manual Canon SLRs. Like sitemistic and Colyn, I prefer two short strokes to a single long one. The only camera with which I habitually used a single stroke was a Canon VT Deluxe: but I suppose that doesn't count.
 
I too prefer the DS. In fact, I often look out for a DS M3 with a problem finder, so I can have work done to CLA it and replace the finder with a .72x. There's no urgency, but its the only additional M I'm at all interested in. For me it would be a nice complement to my "straight " DS M3.

...Mike
 
JohanV said:
I switch between a DS M3 and SS M2, M6 and M7 without even thinking about it.
Compare it to constantly switching from a car with a manual gearbox to one with an auto box, it just comes naturally...
Click to expand...

:D So; you´ve never involuntarily breaked hard in an auto shift car - your left foot, out of habit, mistaking the break pedal for the clutch? I have :D
leif e
 
leif e said:
:D So; you´ve never involuntarily breaked hard in an auto shift car - your left foot, out of habit, mistaking the break pedal for the clutch? I have :D
leif e
Click to expand...

Once, thirty years ago....
 
My 1954 M3 used to be a double stroke. It drove me crazy because I always wanted the length of the first stroke to be longer, and the length of the second stroke to be shorter. After it was converted to single-stroke, it worked the way I wantes it to.

In more recent years, I more often wind in a single stroke, though - it can be done very, very quickly, which can be advantageous in some circumstances.
 
leif e said:
:D So; you´ve never involuntarily breaked hard in an auto shift car - your left foot, out of habit, mistaking the break pedal for the clutch? I have :D
leif e
Click to expand...

ha, this made me chuckle. I periodically nearly put a friend through the front window in rental cars mashing my left foot down on the brake at traffic lights. That double wide break pedal in automatics is just there to torture those of us who drive normal cars...
 
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