Hello:

I am currently in the market for either an M2 or M3 SS (user). I have read that the rangefinder on the M3 is more complex, but I have not been able to determine exactly what this means. Is this a good thing or bad? Will it cost more to be repaired if something does go wrong? As far as I can tell all M's after the M2 inherited it's simpler RF mechanism - but was this for cost cutting or because it is more reliable?

Also, which would be best for the lovely 50 Summicron. Are the framelines difficult to see because of the higher magnification on the M3? Any issues shooting a new lens on the older body?

Thanks much in advance!

-- Nick Hillyer (nhillyer@fhcrc.org), March 09, 2002

Answers

The frame lines for the 50 in the M3 are like a dream-large and all by themselves. You can shoot any of the 50's on the M3, and there is a way to adjust the minimum focus coupling on the body from its original 1 meter to .7 meter detailed in the archives. The main problem with the finder on an older camera like the M3 is that depending on how it has been taken care of over its long life, itcan be hazy and have problems with the prisms delaminating. I had mine cleaned and the finder image is remarkably bright and contrasty, and the double image very easy to use. It my favorite finder of any M camera, its only limitation is not haveing a 35mm line. Some folks just use the whole finder and shoot tight with a 35 and that seems to work fine. I have a 35mm lens with the funny goggles on it, and it works well but is bulky.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), March 09, 2002.

Nick:

Check out this link and then email me if you are interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1334968214

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-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), March 09, 2002.

I'm really interested here too -- just committed to a user M3 DS (serial # 750xxx) for $520 and would like to know what to look for as well.

-- Derek Zeanah (derek@zeanah.com), March 09, 2002.

$520 bucks is not a bad price at all. And if the camera has had a CLA, that's an even better price. Like any old cameras, the M3 will need a good CLA if it has not been used in a awhile. CLA's will set you back around $150, more if rangefinder work is needed.

The stuff to check for are: shine a flashlight through the back door and check the shutter curtains for light leaks, make sure the slow speeds function, check the flash synch(you need the adapter plug for flash on M3's, M2's,M1's), look inside the viewfinder and see if it's clear(the mirror's can fog if left in humid conditions), and check that the rangefinder focuses properly. The frame lines and rangefinder box should be very bright.

Even though my M6TTL gets used more now, the M3 is still my favorite Leica ever made.

-- chris a williams (LeicaChris@worldnet.att.net), March 09, 2002.

My M3 required a new shutter,not only the blinds,new frame lines and mirror thing for rngfinder.The bill was awesome!Still cheaper than a new M6.Well worth it.The SS version needs replacement at this time unless hardly used...So beware!The M3 and 50mm is perfect.I have a M6 nearl 1 year and in many ways getting to prefer it...The built in meter is one.No need for additional meter.The quick loading...so-so. The hot shoe ok,but no batteries no circuit!No flash!Have used many 50's on my M3,Canonf1.2/Noctilux(Leica loan)/Elmar and Summilux.They all fitted fine.The Canon needed extra collimating and had a fixed adapter screwed on.Wonder about the Voigtlander lenses.... Maybe go for M2, 0r a M4 if green lite by a knowlegeable repairer.

-- jason gold (leeu72@hotmail.com), March 10, 2002.