I presently use a Leica M6 but did, at one time, use an R3. I purchased the R3 new out of the box many years ago and used it for some time before a problem arose, the camera leaked light. I sent the camera off to Leica about 5 years ago for a repair which they did. At that time there was no shutter dial problem.I went to "exercise" the camera and discovered the shutter speed dial was stripped. Since I no longer use the camera, could the shutter speed dial problem be related to the camera being dormant in a drawer for a long time unused or have caused the problem? The camera was always well cared for and never abused. Also, is it worth the cost to have the problem corrected? Thanks in advance.

-- John Alfred Tropiano (jat18@psu.edu), October 02, 2001

Answers

You can send the camera to Leica and request that they give you an estimate for fixing *only* the shutter speed dial if that is all there is wrong with it. Depending on the condition, you could buy a used R3 in working order for between $200-300. That should give you an indication of the relative worth of the repair. If I'm reading your post correctly and you haven't touched it in 5 years, I'm wondering if you might be better off just selling it for parts.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), October 02, 2001.

John:

Repairing the shutter speed dial sounds like a minor job. To get the camera up to specs will require a full CLA. Mail the camera to Leica USA in NJ. They will give you an estimate for the the needed work. My guess is that a simple CLA will cost around $300. Since your camera was purchased new and never abused, it is probably in good mechanical condition and should give you many years of service after a CLA. I would never throw away a Leica or sell it for parts! :-)

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), October 03, 2001.