Neil Macmillan Posted January 25, 2010 Share #1 Posted January 25, 2010 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) This one could be mine later this week. Comments, anyone? My serial number reference makes it 1957 and in the double-stroke group. Thanks for any thoughts you would care to advance. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited January 25, 2010 by Neil Macmillan Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/110687-any-thoughts-on-this-m3/?do=findComment&comment=1200636'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 25, 2010 Posted January 25, 2010 Hi Neil Macmillan, Take a look here Any thoughts on this M3?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
cocker Posted January 25, 2010 Share #2 Posted January 25, 2010 Looks in very nice condition apart from a bit of meter-scuffing on the front of the top plate. I am on the (casual) lookout for a nice M3 and if this was offered me at a reasonable price I would certainly buy it if it was mechanically sound. Best of luck with it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UliWer Posted January 25, 2010 Share #3 Posted January 25, 2010 Might be only the photo - though the viewfinder window looks yellowish from the front. If this was true, it would be a bad sign that important parts of the viewfinder are disassembling. Well, when I tried a comparison with mine with very yellow-brownish surrounding light, the one on your photo doesn't look so bad. The vulcanit on the front left side, next to the self timer seems to be repaired, and not very well done. There are some patches on the metal parts of the rear door. If you compare prizes asked for a "condition C" M3 you could get an idea where to set your limits for bidding. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Macmillan Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share #4 Posted January 25, 2010 Thanks Cocker & UliWer Here are closeups in as high a resolution as I have them of the Vulcanite by the S/Timer: It's where this dealer lightly attaches price tags: there was an M4-P an IIIG I also looked at. Point taken about the viewfinder: I will look closely at that when I actually see the camera. Just corresponding by email at the moment. Thank you for your interest. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/110687-any-thoughts-on-this-m3/?do=findComment&comment=1200927'>More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted January 25, 2010 Share #5 Posted January 25, 2010 1957 Metal of pressure plate, Shutter dial new It has already been serviced in Midland (C on wax seal) 1100 CAN $ ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted January 25, 2010 Share #6 Posted January 25, 2010 The M3 looks very nice to me. But bear in mind that a so-called mechanical good condition not always means that everything does indeed function as it should. Has the camera been used recently? Are the speeds really accurate? Is the lubrication allright or are there any dried out grease's and perhaps cloth or rubber parts? Doesn't mean you shouldn't take it but the camera may need a CLA. Good luck with this beautiful M3! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UliWer Posted January 25, 2010 Share #7 Posted January 25, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Here are closeups in as high a resolution as I have them of the Vulcanite by the S/Timer: It's where this dealer lightly attaches price tags: there was an M4-P an IIIG I also looked at. ... Yes, now I see that there are only traces of glue on the surface. Though the dealer should clean that... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted January 25, 2010 Share #8 Posted January 25, 2010 1957 Metal of pressure plate, Shutter dial newIt has already been serviced in Midland (C on wax seal) 1100 CAN $ ? JC, what makes you think the shutter speed dial is new? It looks like the one on my 1960 M3. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irishimage Posted January 26, 2010 Share #9 Posted January 26, 2010 JC, what makes you think the shutter speed dial is new? It looks like the one on my 1960 M3. I believe what JC is referring to is the (new) speed range 1-2-4-8-15-30-60-125-etc compared to the original M3 introduced in 1954. 1-2-5-10-25-50-100 etc. The yellowing in the viewfinder window, appears to be just a reflection of light from an outside source and is definitely not from any separation of the range finder prism. Noel Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted January 26, 2010 Share #10 Posted January 26, 2010 (edited) here is one... Early versions of Leica M3 double strokes Models with sequential year of produce - - MIR Image Library However the OP's potential M3 is post change to the current sequence (1957 from s/no 854001 according to cameraquest's list) John Edited January 26, 2010 by jpattison Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted January 26, 2010 Share #11 Posted January 26, 2010 I believe what JC is referring to is the (new) speed range 1-2-4-8-15-30-60-125-etc compared to the original M3 introduced in 1954. 1-2-5-10-25-50-100 etc. Absolutely. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted January 26, 2010 Share #12 Posted January 26, 2010 But as was mentioned already, this particular M3 is from after the change of the shutter speed range. My 1954 M3 has the old range, which was changed to the modern one from # 844001 in 1957. So that would mean the dial on this one is original. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert J Posted January 26, 2010 Share #13 Posted January 26, 2010 The electronic flash synch. socket has also been upgraded from the original M3 design to the modern PC socket.The flash bulb synch. socket has been left in original condition. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Macmillan Posted January 27, 2010 Author Share #14 Posted January 27, 2010 The electronic flash synch. socket has also been upgraded from the original M3 design to the modern PC socket.The flash bulb synch. socket has been left in original condition. Thanks for the insight; I would not have been aware of that on my own. But this is the sort of detailed knowledge I am slowly building. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Macmillan Posted January 27, 2010 Author Share #15 Posted January 27, 2010 It has already been serviced in Midland (C on wax seal) 1100 CAN $ ? Thanks for that JC; You appear to be very steeped in Leica lore. Thank you for sharing. What is the 'wax seal' to which you refer? Is that visible in the pictures? Asking price is $999.50 CAN. I have some Canon FD lenses and a rather worn Ftb body for token trade in amounts. (I am keeping my F1 body). And thanks to all posters who have shared thoughts on this thread. Your comments are most helpful. Day of reckoning is Friday when I actually get a hands-on. Unless there are seriously bad vibes, I will buy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted January 27, 2010 Share #16 Posted January 27, 2010 Thanks for that JC; You appear to be very steeped in Leica lore. Thank you for sharing.What is the 'wax seal' to which you refer? Is that visible in the pictures? Asking price is $999.50 CAN. I have some Canon FD lenses and a rather worn Ftb body for token trade in amounts. (I am keeping my F1 body). And thanks to all posters who have shared thoughts on this thread. Your comments are most helpful. Day of reckoning is Friday when I actually get a hands-on. Unless there are seriously bad vibes, I will buy. I'm already connected this morning, so steal the answer to JC... : the wax seal is at 12 'o clock in the bayonet mount: when the camera was serviced by Leitz's Customer Service labs, a proper symbol was stamped on it: "C" for the Canadian lab: personally, I'm not so sure to distinguish it in the picture... but you can trust JC. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted January 27, 2010 Share #17 Posted January 27, 2010 (edited) Thanks for that JC; You appear to be very steeped in Leica lore. Thank you for sharing.What is the 'wax seal' to which you refer? Is that visible in the pictures? Asking price is $999.50 CAN. I have some Canon FD lenses and a rather worn Ftb body for token trade in amounts. (I am keeping my F1 body). And thanks to all posters who have shared thoughts on this thread. Your comments are most helpful. Day of reckoning is Friday when I actually get a hands-on. Unless there are seriously bad vibes, I will buy. Neil, Luigi have already answered you about the wax seal, if it is a not a C, what I can see is not the genuine L from Leitz Wetzlar factory, the price is pretty fair, judging about the external cosmetics. Edited January 27, 2010 by jc_braconi Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hector_jorge Posted January 27, 2010 Share #18 Posted January 27, 2010 Make a close inspection of the rangefinder.Is it image clear? Be careful, the change of the M3 rangefinder is very expensive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Macmillan Posted February 6, 2010 Author Share #19 Posted February 6, 2010 ....about the wax seal, if it is a not a C,.... Update: I am now the proud owner of M3 #884 321 (I like the number, given that my other M is an original M8). Here is the wax seal in as close a magnification as I can muster: my 90mm Macro Elmar on my M8: I can't determine if it is a complete embossed circle or a 'C.' I have the seal lit from opposite sides in this composite. Other thoughts: this camera feels very good mechanically: has that smooth feel on low speeds and wind/rewind feel OK. I have some BW400CN negatives with mediocre scanning and all seems OK: no image is worthy of posting though. Attaching/detaching a lens is not quite smooth: sounds, when you hold it up to your ear, as if maybe lubrication is needed. Any suggestions? The vulcanite is either restored or in very good original condition. My much-loved 28mm Elmarit 2.8 will not actually go on the M3. The red button is blocked by the raised collar around the lens lock release on the body. I can live with that or I could pry off the red button on the Elmarit: I can't see myself doing this. Thanks for all the earlier comments. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/110687-any-thoughts-on-this-m3/?do=findComment&comment=1215477'>More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted February 7, 2010 Share #20 Posted February 7, 2010 (edited) well... compliments for your M3, first of all ! The wax seal seems not "C" engraved, TO ME, but I can be wrong. About the problem with mounting your Elmarit 28... the problem does exist... is a matter of fractions of millimeters... personally, I feel it with this old Summilux 35: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! which anyway can be mounted with only a slight friction red dot-collar (another Summilux 35 I have, chrome and even older, has the dot painted on the mount, and the problem doesn't exist - on my Elmarit 28 3.168.xxx the red dot is a bit more elevated and it does not interfere) but the lens can be mounted also positioning it a bit over the collar, indeed... also this is a question of fraction of degrees... (sorry for poor quality... quickly made with M8 and Summicron with SOMKY-UOORF, handheld...) Probably, a slight filing of the collar can solve the issue: I think is not a damage if well done at a good lab : I say this for a revision of the bayonet mount (in case, its replacement) can be advisable, given the problem you quote when mounting/dismounting lenses. Edited February 7, 2010 by luigi bertolotti Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! which anyway can be mounted with only a slight friction red dot-collar (another Summilux 35 I have, chrome and even older, has the dot painted on the mount, and the problem doesn't exist - on my Elmarit 28 3.168.xxx the red dot is a bit more elevated and it does not interfere) but the lens can be mounted also positioning it a bit over the collar, indeed... also this is a question of fraction of degrees... (sorry for poor quality... quickly made with M8 and Summicron with SOMKY-UOORF, handheld...) Probably, a slight filing of the collar can solve the issue: I think is not a damage if well done at a good lab : I say this for a revision of the bayonet mount (in case, its replacement) can be advisable, given the problem you quote when mounting/dismounting lenses. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/110687-any-thoughts-on-this-m3/?do=findComment&comment=1216044'>More sharing options...
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