I am looking at the opportunity to buy a leica M3 (apparently produced in 1954). I am looking to pay no more that $800 us. What do you think? I don't know anything about the condition of the camera, but the owner told me that it works well.

What do you think?

Thanks

Arie

-- Arie (arie_haziza@ey.bm), May 22, 2002

Answers

Also, can I get a quick comparison between the M6 ttl that I own and the M3.

Thanks

Arie

-- Arie (arie_haziza@ey.bm), May 22, 2002.

I really can not answer with out seeing the camera. mechanically the big things to check are the viewfinder and the shutter speeds, especially the slow ones. the biggest price factor is the condition of the camera. seemingly minor scratches and dings can alter the price by 40%-50%.

-- greg mason (gmason1661@aol.com), May 22, 2002.

In the U.S., @ least, $800 is on the high side for a double-stroke M3, unless it's in very good condition. You should visit eBay & do a text search of completed auctions of double-stroke M3's to get a rough idea of the going rate. As to a comparison of the M6 & the M3 (& the other M cameras), you might want to visit this section on Stephen Gandy's Cameraquest web site.

-- Chris Chen (furcafe@NOSPAMcris.com), May 22, 2002.

I have a nice user single stroke M3 on ebay. I will end auction if you want it for $800. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItem&item=1354180779&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=1022452501&indexURL =0&rd=1

-- John (jamriman@yahoo.com), May 22, 2002.

Expect to spend at least $150 getting the M3 CLA'd if it has not been cleaned in awhile. The M3 works great with the M6TTL. Both of mine get used quite often.

-- chris a williams (leicachris@worldnet.att.net), May 22, 2002.

Leica USA in NJ charges a minimum of $300 for a CLA. A Leica M3 from 1954 will need a CLA soon if you plan to use it regularly.

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), May 22, 2002.

Where can you get a reliable CLA for $150? The going rate seems to be about $300. Another aspect of the high cost of owning Leica.

-- John (mymacv@aol.com), May 22, 2002.

The Leica Historical Society Catalog lists several Leica repair shops. I use Focal Point in Colorado. They do excellent work and you do not have to wait that long to get your camera or lens back. I think the normal CLA price is now $175.00 for a Leica M or LTM. Sure, you can send it to Leica for a CLA, but it's more $$$, and a much longer wait time.

-- chris a williams (LeicaChris@worldnet.att.net), May 23, 2002.

Arie:

I own both M6 (classic) and M3's. The shutter speed dial rotates the oposite direction on the TTL from the prior M's. The viewfinder on the M3 is easier to use IMHO. The 50 brightline is always visible on the M3, and there are not any wide angle lines. Loading on the M3 is different from the TTL. You remove the take-up spool, engage the leader and slide the cassette and spool into the body. The counter resets when you remove the take-up spool, not when you remove the bottom as on the 4's, 6's and 7. I use the rapid load kit on the M3 that has been discontinued for many years, but works well. It is similar to loading a 6 with the kit installed. They go used for $40.00 to $100.00 if you can find one. I prefer the finder on the 3 over the 6 as it does not flare with me (I wear glasses). Both have their places, and are a joy to use.

-- Mark Johnson (logical1@catholic.org), May 23, 2002.