Okay, I'm a novice on the M3, but could someone please explain the difference between a SS (single stroke?) and a DS M3. Cheers

-- Sparkie (Sparkie@mailcity.com), August 25, 2001

Answers

One stroke and $100 ;>) The "stroke" refers to the number of times you need to work the wind lever to advance one frame. Early M3's required 2, later ones only 1. Parts for the double-stroke mechanism dried up ages ago and as they wore out, have been replaced with single-stroke mechanisms, so today you can find SS M3's with early serial #'s. For a *user*, the SS would be preferable only because mint M3's sell for quite a premium, and only a lightly-used DS could be relied on to probably not eventually need the (expensive) conversion. With used-but-not-abused to well-worn samples, the DS usually sells for a little less than the SS (but not enough to cover the cost of replacing the wind mechanism) because there are more in supply than demand.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 25, 2001.

Sparkie:

What Jay said! My DS M3 is now more than 44 y old. The shutter bought the farm and it is off for repairs. The winder still works great. I like it better than the single stroke. Still when I change to the Nikons, I sometimes nearly take the wind lever off trying to DS. :)

Cost, I paid $500 for the camera and a 50 f/2 Sum. That was a while ago when they couldn't move Leica equipment. I can afford the repairs.

Art

-- Art (AKarr90975@aol.com), August 25, 2001.

Back in the late 1980's or early 1990's, Shutterbug Magazine did an article on the Leica M system. In preparation for the story, Bob Shell then the editor for the magazine visited the Leica factory in Germany and talked to many of the "old heads" that were there from the beginning of the M series camera. When questioned, "What is the best Leica M variant?", Shell said to a man, every one at the factory said the very last of the double stroke M3's. Comments were made about how over engineered they were and how smooth the mechanism was.

Having had two double strokes myself, including a very late serial number just prior to the switching over to the single stroke, I can attest that once you get use to the action, it is a simple and quick process. Words like "silky" were not an exaggeration for these cameras. Everything goes through cycles as far as desirability is concerned. When I started into Leica, M3s were the cheapest route into the system, and double strokes were cheaper yet. Now when I look at the prices of the M3s I wish I held onto mine. I'll repeat my hard learned credo... Never sell any Leica equipment! Any immediate and temporary influx of cash will be long forgotten, but you will miss that equipment for a long time.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 25, 2001.

My old 1955 vintage double stroke has a certain feel to it that screams quality. No problems with the advance after 46 years and still going strong. Had it lubricated a year or so ago by Bill Maxwell, and the winder feel and shutter realease both got even smoother. By the way, if you ever look through a totally cleaned M3 finder, you will be spoiled rotten. Did I mention I like my M3 double stroke?

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 25, 2001.

Yes the DS takes two strokes to the SS's one but they are shorter strokes as well so it is not that much of a handicap. Unfortunately the DS winding mechanism is not as robust as the SS and is (relativily) prone to failure. If you are buying a camera to use rather than admire, get an SS.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), August 26, 2001.

Sparkie:

I can attest to what previous posters have written about the DS M3 cameras. I have two M3's - a DS M3 from 1955, and an SS M3 from 1961. Both were recently serviced by Leica USA. The earlier M3's shutter has a softer sound and the film wind mechanism is smoother (or 'silkier'!). It is very easy to get used to the DS film wind system. Both M3's are beautifully made cameras. It is a joy to use them!................................

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), August 26, 2001.