oysterboy Posted July 7, 2011 Share #1 Posted July 7, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, I have been offered by a friend an M3 srial #912xxx, single stroke. I thought I read somewhere that some serial numbers are more of less desirable because of the improvements Leica might have tone on them. The camera is in good condition I am told. What are some of the things I have to look for when buying an old M? Many thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 Hi oysterboy, Take a look here Help Buying an M3.. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
BobYIL Posted July 7, 2011 Share #2 Posted July 7, 2011 Before all, the value of an M3 depends on its physical condition; such as no dents, no deep scratches, whether the speeds all working and within tolerances, film advance smooth, viewfinder clean and contrasty, no seperation, the curtains intact, not wavy and no holes, closing and opening full film area, no light leakage through bottom or back door, such things. Preferred models: Generally single stokes are preferred over double stroke ones... some believe the higher the serial number the better the construction however I could not notice it amongst my 5 single-stroke M3s. One with a reliable report that it has been CLA'd in the last years should serve any of us for a decade more at least. Hope this help, Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lykaman Posted July 7, 2011 Share #3 Posted July 7, 2011 "Caveat emptor" Run a film thro’ it...does it come with or without a lens? does it have an owner history? ... maybe even a 21 day warranty/refund!!! Ask a local camera technician what it would cost:- (A) for a quick checkover ( a general service.... "Caveat emptor":cool: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotone Posted July 7, 2011 Share #4 Posted July 7, 2011 Above serial number 950000/1958 or thereabouts all of the mods have been done so that's what I would go for and did go for. I bought one from Ffordes in Inverness in January of this year for £550 delivered. You pay a premium for a dealer camera but personally I think the premium is worth it because any problems you have a limited warranty and you can send it back also any decent dealer isn't going to sell you a dodgy camera IMO. The camera was in good condition exactly as described and I'm delighted with it. Tony http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/M3 http://www.antiquecameras.net/leicamcameras.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
artspraken Posted July 9, 2011 Share #5 Posted July 9, 2011 Mother of all Leica M3 comparisons, by serial range. Please check carefully and ensure you do not buy a Franken-M3 courtesy of brother wwlam Forum - M3 BEGINS "M3之謎" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth3kpl Posted July 14, 2011 Share #6 Posted July 14, 2011 Mother of all Leica M3 comparisons, by serial range. Forum - M3 BEGINS "M3之謎" Great link. Shame we can't make it a sticky here. Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 15, 2011 Share #7 Posted July 15, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) If you're buying the camera to use, then just make sure it's all operationally correct. The rest is less important. If you're buying it to fondle then you'll want it as mint as possible. As it's a friend, will they let you borrow it for a weekend to test it out? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
oysterboy Posted July 26, 2011 Author Share #8 Posted July 26, 2011 Thanks so much for all the great help and awesome links. I ended up finding a killer M2 in new old stock condition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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