M3 with "patina"

[Range Loser]

Anyone seen this one?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rare-Leica-M3...ps=63&clkid=8124083687392640724#ht_6768wt_907
Cosmetic grade B?

 

[Mackinaw]

Looks like it's been around the block a few times.

Jim B.

 

[kshapero]

Why in the world would anyone care about actually purchasing this when you can have this M3 below with a Summarit lens, CLA and recovering for less than $1100?

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Why in the world would anyone care about actually purchasing this when you can have this M3 below with a Summarit lens, CLA and recovering for less than $1100?

it takes better pictures like that 😉.

 

[kshapero]

it takes better pictures like that 😉.

Oh yeah, I forgot.😀😀

 

[jsrockit]

Collectors... remember, some people aren't looking to use these. Black M3s are rare.

 

[ZeissFan]

That eBay camera has chips, rust, corrosion and what appears to be a stuck frame counter. And for US$8,550? Even for a black camera, that's a bit much.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The important thing for collectors is that the camera is completely original, even the "L" seal is present. It is a very nice camera, very rare.

Erik.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I wonder if it's Elliott Erwitt's, or it's somebody's who would like us to speculate about that.

 

[jsrockit]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Leica-M3-Origin...ilm_Cameras&hash=item2a0dc3b00d#ht_2967wt_907

 

[johannielscom]

So, apparently there's a list with serial numbers of camera's that left the factory as black paint M3's.

I'd like to know what the earliest number was on that list.

Reason I'm asking is that I always see black paint M3's with the later style strap lugs, and the top plate without the mounting screws front and rear.

Some years ago when I decided to re-do my chrome M3 in black paint, I ran into (and bought) a black paint top plate with mounting screws. And from seeing those later-style models all the time, I cannot help but wonder if my top plate is an original, era-correct plate, or whether it was a later date, à la carte top plate. It is original Leitz, since no serial number was and is engraved on it.

Here's two shots of mine, with the top plate mounting screws:



Leica M3 DS BP-4 by buzzardkid, on Flickr



Leica M3 DS BP-3 by buzzardkid, on Flickr

 

[Bar8barian]

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[DanOnRoute66]

I'd call that "minty-minus"! 😉

 

[Keith]

A few years ago I missed out on an original black paint M3 on eBay by not much. It went for around $3500 from memory and I was actually a little relieved that I didn't win it after making an impulse bid one night after too much red wine!

Looking back it would have been very good value.

 

[johannielscom]

So, apparently there's a list with serial numbers of camera's that left the factory as black paint M3's.

I'd like to know what the earliest number was on that list.

Hello buzzardkid,
The first batch of "Black" M3's as per Rogliatti is 959401 - 959500 in 1959.
Regards,

Thanks, Barb8arian!

Now, would anybody possibly know when Leica dropped the top plate mounting screws in the M3? I've been looking around on the net but could retrace that handy page that listed all the design changes on the M3 with their serial numbers and/or dates...😱

 

[BTMarcais]

FWIW mine is ser#759xxx and does have the screws...

-brian

 

[sc_rufctr]

Dare I say it but...

That's too far gone. Sure it's rare but the condition has to count for something.

 

[LChanyungco]

Johan, i've got a double stroke 834*** (1956?) without the top plate mounting screws.

Now, would anybody possibly know when Leica dropped the top plate mounting screws in the M3? I've been looking around on the net but could retrace that handy page that listed all the design changes on the M3 with their serial numbers and/or dates...😱

 

[johannielscom]

Hi Lem,

thank you for responding! Lovely camera you have there, good company for the MP!

I had a PM from another RFF member today telling me the M3 went without top plate mounting screws from serial 780xxx or 782xxx onwards.

So, concluding that my black paint top plate does have the mounting screw holes but the black paint cameras were not sold before serial 959401, the top plate probably was an à la carte top plate manufactured at a later moment in time. Which might make it a (very?) rare item?

Still, I am using the camera with the black paint top plate regularly and one day it will probably look like the 'patina' M3 in the OP.

My black paint M3 is in a serious love affair with that certain Leitz Wollensak Velostigmat 50/3.5, for which I have found a matching Leitz NY hood now.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The screws were dropped after nr. 782 000.

I know some black paint tops with screwholes are around. Their source is Leitz Canada. These were long ago bought by Maria Bohanec from Los Angeles together with lots of other Leica parts. She sells them now on eBay under the name of Tonaya.

Maybe Leitz intended to make some black paint M3's in those early years, but black paint M3's with low numbers are not known to exist. There are lots of fakes, of course. The earliest known genuine black paint M-Leicas are those from the short series of MP's made in 1957.

I have a picture of a black paint M3, nr. 745576. Is it real? I am in doubt.

Erik.