starrynight Posted April 8, 2011 Author Share #41 Posted April 8, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) From the pictures it looks like a candidate, however my recommendations would be to expose some test films. My advice would be to try all shutter times, perform some wide open shots of close objects to check the focus area and to look for light leaks (black lines, especially around film perforation), it might be also a good idea to Illuminate the shutter cloth, both cocked and uncocked to expose to the lens cap at 1/1000 f/16 to detect light leaks. When the lens is at infinity (try the lens you are planning to buy), very distant objects should align in the patch. Besides, exposing some test films is fun. Don't forget to take some images you like photographically, test charts are boring. By the way, "double stroke" means one has to wind twice for the next frame, later M3s can be wound by one stroke. These earlier M3s have film plates made out of glass, one should have a look, whether it is cracked (it does not crack very easy). The images show the typical marks on the base and top plate, the former from tripod mounting, the latter from the optional exposure meter. Unless you are a collector, these are good signs, since both should not affect the image quality (unless the bottom plate is bent to form light leaks) but give the best (photographic) value for money. For the same reasons, as has been mentioned, rare collector items should be avoided. If the dealer is good, he will give you a thorough introduction how to load and use it. I visited mine during football match day and was the only customer for half an hour, when I bought my M3. Small warning - when I bought the M3, it was meant for occasional use. After some time, it became my main camera and I started to buy more Leicas. It can be addictive. Stefan Thank you for your insightful and helpful advice Stefan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 8, 2011 Posted April 8, 2011 Hi starrynight, Take a look here Should I buy an M3?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Tietje Posted April 8, 2011 Share #42 Posted April 8, 2011 When I bought my M2, way back, it was because it had 35mm, 50mm and 90mm frames. I thought that these would be more useful (to me) than the 50mm, 90mm and 135mm combo on the M3. I've never regretted that decision and that was over 40 years ago. Oh yeah I thought it was better looking too, with its nice clean, uncluttered lines, an important criteria for a young art student. As for servicing, if it works don't fix it, Leicas are simple, beautifully engineered reliable cameras Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
starrynight Posted April 8, 2011 Author Share #43 Posted April 8, 2011 Best thing is to get along to the dealer and have a look at them 'in the flesh', I don't know where you are in the UK, but apart from red dot in London there are Caplans, and RG Lewis who have a good reputation, Ffordes in deepest Scoitland, and Stephens in Manchester. I have dealt with all of these, apart from them there are Harrisons in Sheffield who are good but dont seem to have much selection these days, as well as others who I have not dealt with but are recomended by others. If you tell us where you are we could advise? Gerry Hi Gerry. I have decided to take your advice on this topic. I live in Glasgow, and would really like to go to a dealer, view an M3, a lens, a cover maybe and negotiatie a price Which dealers near Glasgow can you recommend? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted April 8, 2011 Share #44 Posted April 8, 2011 Hi Gerry. I have decided to take your advice on this topic. I live in Glasgow, and would really like to go to a dealer, view an M3, a lens, a cover maybe and negotiatie a price Which dealers near Glasgow can you recommend? Red Dot Old Street London, Elaine (Ivors wife and partner) will give you free coffee and inspect your palm and say she can see a silver thing in your hand soon... Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotone Posted April 8, 2011 Share #45 Posted April 8, 2011 Hi Gerry. I have decided to take your advice on this topic. I live in Glasgow, and would really like to go to a dealer, view an M3, a lens, a cover maybe and negotiatie a price Which dealers near Glasgow can you recommend? There's none in Glasgow mate well there is but they don't sell second hand, I live in Glasgow too BTW:) http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/products.asp?PT_ID=686&P=Leica-M-Film-Cameras Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
starrynight Posted April 8, 2011 Author Share #46 Posted April 8, 2011 Near-ish? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotone Posted April 8, 2011 Share #47 Posted April 8, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Near-ish? Southside Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
starrynight Posted April 8, 2011 Author Share #48 Posted April 8, 2011 Me too, what a coincidence What are the nearest dealers outwith Glasgow? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotone Posted April 8, 2011 Share #49 Posted April 8, 2011 Me too, what a coincidence What are the nearest dealers outwith Glasgow? Ffordes in Inverness but they do a seven or fourteen day returns policy. I considered a trip up north but in all honesty you would be better off just ordering three or four on your CC and returning the ones you don't want. BTW, if you want to have a 'proper' look at an M3 then your more than welcome, just pm me. Regards, Tony Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted April 8, 2011 Share #50 Posted April 8, 2011 I've been longing to visit Ffordes but its a bit far from Nottingham, I suppose its even a way from Glasgow! The place must be an Aladdins cave! Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotone Posted April 8, 2011 Share #51 Posted April 8, 2011 Not that far in mileage terms Gerry (about 250 miles) but about four hours driving. They are excellent to deal with though, can't recommend them enough. Tony Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted April 8, 2011 Share #52 Posted April 8, 2011 I've dealt with them by post including my Pradovit, very good to deal with. Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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