Should I update M3 firmware?

Traut

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I just purchased a user DS M3. It will not be my primary M by any stretch.

Any idea how much $$ to modify it to single stroke? Is it a big deal? Should I even contemplate doing it?
 
All that kind of thing might be possible, probably at serious $$$, but why should you want to do it?
 
use your camera for awhile and see if you like the ds or not first.

i have a buddy who prefers the ds over the ss, ya never know.

joe
 
Theory is a DS will last longer due to less stress on parts, of course you're still winding it twice as much as a single stroke. I would leave it as is if it works.

Todd
 
I would leave the film wind alone. I have both, and usually end up using two strokes to advance the SS version as well.
 
I have cameras with DS and SS. I won't say which one's better because I don't think either is better, just different. But in this case, why bother with the change? I think it's part of the M3's charm to be a DS camera body, so I consider it a quaint touch.

Besides, it may cost you as much as a CLA to change the film advance. In that case, I'd rather overhaul the body. It'll stay with you some 50 years more.
 
My M3 DS was updated by Leitz back in the 70s during a major service visit. I had thought that I'd really notice being able to SS the advance, but in real life I almost always wind up doing something like 3/4 + 1/4, so it comes out about the same. If it ever needs it, fine, but I wouldn't spend the money on it now.
 
SS is more reliable than DS, due to less wear and re-design, at least I saw more DS have winding gear problems, I have not seen SS have this kind of problem.

In real life, you want to shoot fast, you do not wind up 1/4 or so. only if you are a fondler. DS have more maitainance problem than late SS, for example the brake parts DS no long available, SS use the same M6 parts. SS is a better shooting tools due to fast winding action, but DS is very usable if in good condition.
 
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