What to look for when buying M3?

[gregarpp]

What to look for when buying M3?

I have been reading up on the M3 camera. As I think this is for me.
I have a few questions on the variations and what to look for in a user camera.

Single vs double stroke?
Glass vs Metal pressure plate??
Canada vs Germany
Some have selectable finders??
Damaged Vulcanite? Replace it or repair?

 

[a.black]

Steven Gandy from CameraQuest has a pretty good list you should look after. The other articles are also pretty interesting.

 

[gregarpp]

I have read all of that....

But doesn't go into much detail on my other questions..
I am really wondering about the glass back.
Is this prone to crack? Is it better to have?

 

[wyk_penguin]

Single vs double stroke?
Double strokes were produced in the earlier days and they don't have the DOF cut-outs in the VF/RF window.

Glass vs Metal pressure plate??
It is not that easy to break the glass as the dealers here tell me. However, glass plates do sell for more in my area.

Canada vs Germany
If you believe in folk lore....

Some have selectable finders??
Frameline switching levers? Some didn't according to cameraquest. It is a good thing to have one.

Damaged Vulcanite? Replace it or repair?
Depends on how damaged it is. Most of the time it's just better to get yourself something from Camera Leather, etc.

 

[gregarpp]

Now I am reading about the balsam they used in the RF mirror.
Is this something that can realistly be repaired on a user camera?

 

[Kim Coxon]

Details here. It can be done but not cheap!

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page10.html

Now I am reading about the balsam they used in the RF mirror.
Is this something that can realistly be repaired on a user camera?