Want to Buy Looking for single stroke Leica M3

ToddB · Nov 16, 2014

Hey guys,

I ran upon some money, So if anyone knows of a nice Leica M3 single stroke with 50mm Summicron lens, let me know. Ready to buy. Not interested in CLA version. Need it be ready to go.

ToddB

Xmas · Nov 16, 2014

M3s (or M2 etc) that are regularly used are uber reliable and never need a CLA they might snap a ribbon every 30 year's or so.

M3 that have been in a drawer for five years wont work through a winter with any surety...

ToddB · Nov 16, 2014

Is there a good deal someplace? searched Fleabay.

Todd

Xmas · Nov 16, 2014

Retailers get a substantial % of stock from estate sales or ebay, clean outside and price tag on cosmetic condition.

They will service on faults but you get to have to tolerate a few weeks without new toy.

Some one on forum with bills to pay is safest option.

The late (post 94 elmars) are as good as type IV crons, the new Leica /2.5s ditto, some people even use CV 5cm /2.5s. Unless you use a heavy tripod and panf you won't see much difference instead your hand size needs to be matched to lens controls - the most critical point.

Nathan King · Nov 16, 2014

http://www.tamarkin.com/

Call and ask for Dan (the owner). He is a class act.

gone · Nov 16, 2014

Try a double stroke. I've owned both versions, and really liked the double stroke a lot more.

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 16, 2014

Check in with Youxin Ye.

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 16, 2014

momus said:
Try a double stroke. I've owned both versions, and really liked the double stroke a lot more.

+1. Felt smoother somehow.

ToddB · Nov 16, 2014

The only thing with double stroke that I might have problem with is I might forget to load it twice, thus messing it up. I pitched my need to recommended vendors mentioned. Let see what happens. Trying to obtain a body/lens combo for around $1200-1300.

Todd

summicron1 · Nov 16, 2014

The Bay is a trap. You should call the nice folks at KEH camera brokers. Cheaper and better.

summicron1 · Nov 16, 2014

ToddB said:
The only thing with double stroke that I might have problem with is I might forget to load it twice, thus messing it up. I pitched my need to recommended vendors mentioned. Let see what happens. Trying to obtain a body/lens combo for around $1200-1300.

Todd

load it twice? Not sure what that means, Todd. The double stroke M3 takes two strokes to advance one frame, but they're short strokes and you can't make a mistake because the camera won't fire unless fully cocked.

The double stroke is a titch smoother because of the gearing, but single is obviously faster. When I sent my M3 in for service to Leica lo these many decades ago they upgraded it to single stroke without asking. No biggie, either way is fine.

ToddB · Nov 16, 2014

Sorry Summicron.. I was freestyling with my words. Meant to say double stroke it. Checked KEH already.. M3 double stroke only right now.

Dan Daniel · Nov 17, 2014

I assume that the double stroke is ratcheted like the single stroke? Meaning that you can do a series of small strokes, no need to do a full single stroke twice? I almost always wind a single stroke with series of short strokes, usually holding the camera only in my right hand. Unless you are planning to do very fast shooting I doubt the double/single difference will matter; after you use whichever one a few times you'll just automatically wind as needed until the camera stops you.

jimrohrer · Nov 17, 2014

Nathan King said:
http://www.tamarkin.com/

Call and ask for Dan (the owner). He is a class act.

I second that...

ToddB · Nov 17, 2014

Have you guys herd of Sherry Krauter? She is a Leica repair person as well. I was curious if anyone has delt with her before. She has a collection of restored M3's too. She encouraged me to call her tonight in regards of an M3/lens combo.

Todd

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 17, 2014

Yes, Sherry is well-known. Her reputation is long and venerable. She CLA'd my CL a few years ago. She's a real kick in the phone. Full of wonderful personality. Your call will not be short. A restored M3 from her will be a good one though not cheap. Listen to her suggestions on SS vs DS and even what she thinks of the rest of the M line.

I still think you should email Youxin Ye. I got both an M2 and IIIf from him fully CLA'd at great prices. That said I told him aesthetics were secondary to price and functionality and I got fairly ugly but fully working examples of both and in over 2 years on both still work splendidly. Tell him what you want and he'll dig through his stock of many, many bodies and restore one directly for you. But again, you cannot go wrong with Sherry.

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 17, 2014

Youxin also dug up by request a gorgeously restored 35/3.5 in coated Elmar for me at a very competitive price so check in with him on lenses too. I'm not trying to talk you out of Sherry just encouraging a good shop-around.

Barry S · Nov 17, 2014

I have an M3 + Summicron DR in excellent condition--serviced a couple of years ago and working perfectly, viewfinder is bright and beautiful. It's a double-stroke, though (which I also prefer). I saw this camera and fell in love with it, but only used it a few times. As nice as it is, I've decided to sell all my 35mm equipment--medium and large format are more than enough for me!

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 17, 2014

The 50/2 Summicron DR is sublime. It's my "If you could only choose one camera and one lens" lens!

ToddB · Nov 17, 2014

yes.. I want to keep my options open.. I got a chime in from Dan from the on-line Leica store.. His prices are little to rich my budget.

Todd

cliveh · Nov 17, 2014

I would be interested to learn why the OP prefers an M3 to an M2.

Xmas · Nov 17, 2014

M3 has 0.9 finder 5, 9, 13.5 cm frames auto frame counter
M2 has 0.7 finder 3.5, 5 & 9cm manual reset frame counter
etc.
If you only use 5cm a M3 is nice.

ToddB · Nov 17, 2014

I believe the M2 had threaded lens mount and M3 has bayonet lens mount.

cliveh · Nov 17, 2014

Xmas said:
M3 has 0.9 finder 5, 9, 13.5 cm frames auto frame counter
M2 has 0.8 3.5, 5 & 9cm manual reset frame counter
etc.
If you only use 5cm a M3 is nice.

But doesn't an M3 have those roundy corner frame markers in the viewfinder, as opposed to lines in the viewfinder of the M2?

cliveh · Nov 17, 2014

ToddB said:
I believe the M2 had threaded lens mount and M3 has bayonet lens mount.

No.

Want to Buy Looking for single stroke Leica M3

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