Jump to content

daddy's old camera!!


Victoria

Recommended Posts

Thank you so much wildlightphoto...I been Googleing...for a few hours..and no luck..just like my pic upload...hahaha...that's fab...I'm not even sure if it's working. .I can open the back..but will probably take it in to someone who knows...thanks again. .much appreciated. ..Victoria

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The R3 is an excellent SLR. It came in 'standard' and MOT versions - MOT for MOTORDRIVE (the standard version has a self timer on the front which the MOT doesn't). 

 

Get some fresh batteries for it and test it out. They are reliable cameras but sometimes the auto meter fails but they still work fine on manual. More likely is that the foam seals may have perished. Check the seal around the little film reminder window on the back door - is it still 'springy' or has it been flattened with use? Look at the seals in the gaps where the door closes - is there foam or sticky black goo? 

 

Foam seal kits can be found on ebay and are an easy DIY fix. 

 

You can find a user manual to download on the web - just google it. 

 

I've had my R3 since new and it's still my favourite SLR camera. Lovely shutter action and sound too. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

The R3s are great - as James says, they have a lovely sound which comes straight out of 'The Professionals' in the 1970s...they take fantastic quality pictures and if you get some films developed and scanned by a quality company (look up Ag Photographic in Birmingham) you'll come out with some quality images that you'll enjoy posting.  Pick up some Adox 'Colour Implosion' film from Amazon or eBay for a surreal effect

Link to post
Share on other sites

Wonderful camera - indestructible, can be used in lieu  of a hammer to drive nails into the wall. It was unjustly lambasted for unreliable electronics in its time. In reality one of the best user cameras ever built. Minolta chassis, Leica finish.

Link to post
Share on other sites

How  true  the  above  comments  ! 

As  mentioned the   electrics  can   fail  with  age   ,  usually   after   about  25  years  minimum.  I  have  one  still  working  fine   and  two  , with   filed  electrics ,  but  they   can  still  be  used   for taking    pictures.  The  grip  on  them is  wonderful and  really  good  to  handle .

 

A  friend of  mine  recently   bought one  for  £40  and  the   battery  terminal  had  come  off   so he   rolled  up  a piece  of   foil  ,  pushed  it  into the  hole  where the  terminal   was  and the camera works  fine. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Victoria

 

I agree with the other replies. The R3 was a very great camera. My worked for 30 years and I stopped using them only because I got digital Leicas. If you camera is not working, and you don't mind shooting film, you can send it to Leica and they will fix it. Your father had very good taste. Enjoy it.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I got one years ago, thrown in with a lens I purchased. Had never used one and thought it would be mediocre at best. Actually, in spite of it being cosmetically challenged, it was a gem, easy to use, accurate, and the viewfinder was good. Enjoy yours, as it opens the world of Leica R lenses to you.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...