The local camera store has an M3 with a collapsible lens (35mm I think) in excellent condition. The salesman, Larry Rose, showed it to me one day and went through all the stuff and features. This was before I purchased my M6. They have had it for some time and are selling it on consignment for the original owner. The husband died and the wife has no interest in the camera. The family had it since the mid 1950's by the serial number. There is a case, some papers, a nonworking meter, the whole kit. The film advance has a neat double clutch feature. (Kinda retro)

I think they have it listed for around $1195.

What do you think about the value and price of this unit?

I bring this to your attention for information and my education. Being new to Leica's and becoming quite fond of the camera's capabilities I'm always looking to learn about the system.

Frankly, I like the built in light meter in the M6 and that's why I haven't bought this camera.

I can furnish the number of the camera store if anyone's interested.

Your comments are appreciated--David S Smith

-- David Smith (dssmith3@rmci.net), April 27, 2001

Answers

I wouldn't buy a double-stroke M3 as an everyday user. New parts are unavailable for the wind mechanism, so if it fails it must be replaced with the single-stroke mechanism at no small expense. The lens (collapsible it has to be either a 50--most likely, or a 90)is not up to the latest standards. I assume you already have a 50mm lens. Just my advice, if you want a second Leica M body to use(a good idea), find a nice clean M6. The loading and the meter make it much more user-friendly.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 27, 2001.

Jay's probably right about an older M3 not being most people's first choice as an every day shooter. When you happen to have one that has been gone through by one of the few Leica experts, however, the M3 is still a marvel in mechanical engineering and has a feel to it I find lacking in any of the newer Leica cameras. I like the clutter free finder of the M3, but admit the absence of a 35mm box is a limitation. The lens I own has "eyes" to compensate, but distorts the finder a bit and the lens is more bulky to carry arround. I like to use mine for portrait work with the huge 90mm lines making framing and focusing very easy. Its the best camera for shooting with the 135mm lens as well. I often use it with both eyes open as the near lifesize finder allows me to do this without straining my eyes, and has the neat effect of placing the 50, 90, or 135 lines in real 3D space. The lack of an internal meter can slow me down at times, but the later battery powered, shoe mounted ones are very accurate and not too inconvenient (again, a bit more added bulk and also loss of the flash shoe for a wide angle finder or strobe). In summary, if you want to get a second body -to use with the longer lenses especially-A nice M3 is a joy to shoot with as long as it has been gone through by an expert and cleaned up first. I don't put as much film through mine as I do my CLE, but wouldn't even think of ever selling it.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), April 27, 2001.