M3 worth repairing the shutter ?

[Guest]

Well my M3 shutter has packed it. Looking in behind there is something hanging adrift, metal with some shutter blind cloth attached.
A full shutter overhaul is $385 she is not worth more than maybe $700 so I am wondering if I should use the money on a Rolleiflex shutter overhaul instead. I certainly use medium format more than anything else now.

 

[RoccCity]

If you’re going to appreciate it then get it fixed. If not, sell it for parts or get the shutter repaired and sell it. What kind of condition is the body in?

 

[filmtwit]

Do it, but do it when you have the money and want/need to shoot this camera.

 

[Guest]

I have way too many cameras, three Hasselblads and a bunch of glass, three Rolleiflex, an M6 and this M3, two high end folders and only two hands.
The M3 is in good condition. It’s not long ago I dropped $850 on a Rolleiflex repair, I slipped on ice at the Grand Canyon and landed on the old girl. But is like brand new again now.
I can but a lot of Gin with $380...... !!!!

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Don't do it if you are going to sell it, you won't recoup the cost of the repair.

When you sell it, the new owner can have it done to his satisfaction, CLA, repaint, new rangefinder mirror, frame lines, etc.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Unless you are desperate to shoot the M3, that specific M3, I'd just sell it on for parts/repair. Maybe put it up here and see if its overall condition attracts someone who can do the shutter work themselves to make it worthwhile.


If my main, nay only, love was 50mm lens on a rangefinder, I'd have an M3. If you shoot other focal lengths, other formats, the M3 is sort of a waste in my opinion.

 

[jsrockit]

How much would he get for parts? Seems $700 is low for a fully functioned recently serviced M2 in today's pricing world.

 

[PRJ]

I'd say screw it and put in a titanium shutter from a Nikon F. There is someone in England that does it I believe. Here is some info- https://www.35mmc.com/22/07/2018/le...m4-p-super-rat-cameraworks-uk-custom-cameras/

On the plus side for fixing it, you will never have a problem with it again. I prefer to fix things myself if I want that particular model. If you don't want an M3 anymore then it is better to sell it.

 

[Jhausler]

Prices for Leica Ms are mental these days. Unless the body is a dog, i'd keep it and have it fixed when you have the money. I see M6s all the time for $1500+...

 

[teddy]

Repair the M3?!? ... ... Now or eventually? YES. Yep. Si, Oui, Vâng, Ja, да...

 

[traveler_101]

Huh?

Huh?

You can always give the camera to me and I will have it repaired. I've always wanted to try a Leica M . . .

Look, it sounds like you don't want the camera for some reason, but then why not just have it repaired and then dump it on the market. You will certainly come out ahead.

 

[Pherdinand]

Sounds like you don't really need it.
Sell it then as-is, you will probably get crazy prices on it as we are in 2019.
From the money go skating on the grand canyon a few times, or yes, buy some gin (but don't do both the same time)

And you know what, would you get sellers remores later, you cna pick up one with a working shutter with not much loss, probably.

 

[leicapixie]

No matter how many cameras i use and now own..
There is no 35mm camera even close to Leica M3.
Even Leica are incapable of making them again..

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I'd say screw it and put in a titanium shutter from a Nikon F. There is someone in England that does it I believe. Here is some info- https://www.35mmc.com/22/07/2018/le...m4-p-super-rat-cameraworks-uk-custom-cameras/

I was into it, but reviews shows it takes many months and no communication.

What OP has described does look like unglued, broken ribbon.
Which is CLA and curtain replacement. But it is still close to 300 usd.

If OP will sell M3 as is and use money for Flex CLA, it will lasts for two decades.

It is blessing to be more interested in TLR than Leica.
Saves a lot of money 🙂

 

[Erik van Straten]

Even Leica are incapable of making them again..

It would be great if they did, with and without the lightmeter of the MP, but I believe they never will ...

Erik.