Is a lens included for that price, or is it just the body? A Rigid Summicron will run $500, so the $1350 price would be more inline with prices here. If no lens is included, it's expensive. Being in 9/10 condition, with a CLA, an good M3 body with SN over 1M would go for ~$900 these days. Add a Rigid Summicron to it, it's a good price. I've seen the late chrome Rigid Summicrons in EX+ condition go for $600 at camera shows.
photocrazy
Established
tonyj
Established
First of all an M3 in good condition, CLA'd and free of problems is a very nice Leica camera to own.
Furthermore the serial number 1035XXX indicates that this camera is a highly sought after 'late' model M3 (1961), single stroke example.
I am located in Canada, and like you, live outside the US.
One of the frustrations involved here is that we as Canadians are often paying more for certain items, than our US cousins, even allowing for the exchange rate difference. They do however have a vast market, which ultimately drives their down prices, and from which they benefit.
If 'your' M3 comes with a lens, then I would be very tempted to buy, however without a lens you may be able to do better by buying from a reliable US source. A decent Leica lens can be expensive.
Even then, you may still be left with a camera that needs attention in some areas and you will probably have to pay some exorbitant additional taxes or duty as well.
I have been lucky with some purchases 'imported' into Canada from the US, but less so with others. Often the little problems are the ones that even the most 'honest' sellers are sometimes reluctant to disclose.
Good Luck Nicolas, I'm sure you will find what you like eventually. It may well be the M3.
I own an M3 and a 'classic' M6. They are both excellent cameras, but to me the M3 is the one that 'sings' to me. It is the camera that has it all, and never need a battery! I love my M3.
Furthermore the serial number 1035XXX indicates that this camera is a highly sought after 'late' model M3 (1961), single stroke example.
I am located in Canada, and like you, live outside the US.
One of the frustrations involved here is that we as Canadians are often paying more for certain items, than our US cousins, even allowing for the exchange rate difference. They do however have a vast market, which ultimately drives their down prices, and from which they benefit.
If 'your' M3 comes with a lens, then I would be very tempted to buy, however without a lens you may be able to do better by buying from a reliable US source. A decent Leica lens can be expensive.
Even then, you may still be left with a camera that needs attention in some areas and you will probably have to pay some exorbitant additional taxes or duty as well.
I have been lucky with some purchases 'imported' into Canada from the US, but less so with others. Often the little problems are the ones that even the most 'honest' sellers are sometimes reluctant to disclose.
Good Luck Nicolas, I'm sure you will find what you like eventually. It may well be the M3.
I own an M3 and a 'classic' M6. They are both excellent cameras, but to me the M3 is the one that 'sings' to me. It is the camera that has it all, and never need a battery! I love my M3.
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