M3+50/2+Leica MR meter price query

[philipus]

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Hi everyone

 

I am considering the M3 as my first Leica and was happy today when I found one at "Hafo" in The Hague because I could play around with it a bit (actually the first time I held an M3).

 

This particular M3 has serial 1046xxx and is sold with a 50/2 Summicron Rigid (serial 1986xxx) and the Leica Meter MR for 995€.

 

As for the body, the shutter times appear correct (I checked them all with the back open). The viewfinder is bright and the rangefinder is not yellow. I couldn't see any holes in the shutter curtain. The exterior shows signs of use. Some vulcanite is missing, but not much. The rear lid is scratched on the edges and there are some minor scratch marks on the top due to the meter and around the lugs.

 

The lens seems optically to be in good shape, ie no scratches on the front element. The apertures are pretty distinct. I say "pretty" because for each aperture setting one can move the ring a tiny bit each way (ie the ring "gives" a bit, but just a bit). The main problem - and I guess it is a problem - is the focusing ring which is very tight. Quick focusing is not possible.

 

The meter appears to be alright. Set at indoor and outdoor settings the needle moves. Then again I have never checked a meter so I wouldn't know if it is in ok shape. Externally, it has some marks but not too many.

 

Any idea how much it would cost to have the lens's focusing ring fixed? And is 995€ an overprice?

 

Thanks for any insights.

Philip

[Cheekyguille]

Wow, that is a very good price for the complete package. I've been searching for an M3 and the high serial #s in mint condition would go for your total price if in excellent condition.

 

But as you said, the lens sounds like it will need $$ work. If someone here can say what is the cost range for this type of lens repair you may have a better total picture. Also, this assumes that the body will have some type of warranty. The meter is a bonus since these aren't expensive.

 

I would compare the total price plus repair cost to the price of a Minty SS M3 with a minty 50/2 lens and see what is the difference.

[Twotone]

Hi,

 

I bought an M3 from a dealer this year (January) which sounds quite similar to the one you've described, cost me £556.50. A mint 1966 rigid Summicron, again from a dealer, @ 635 euro and a Leicameter MS with leather case at £45 from ebay.

 

Tony

[JosefSchachner]

I know Hafo in Den Haag. In general a Dealer will charge more for a camera then you could get it for from a private seller. The difference is the warranty (check what you get). The prices for M3s vary widely and wildly, where it is not always rational from an user perspective. A silghtly beat up M3 in perfectly working order will be cheaper than a pristine new looking one where the shutter is not working properly bcs the grease has gone hard/sticky bcs it was not used.

 

The high serial number on the M3 makes it desireable, the scratches and dings reduce its value to a collector. A service with adjusting of the rangefinder, checking the shutter times and a general clean lube adjust will cost 200-300 Euro (if there is nothing major broken)

 

The Lens is a different matter, the focusing could be tight bcs the grease has gone hard or it is set "tight", which can also be adjusted by a 3rd party repairman. Will van Manen Kamera-Service is one of them in the Netherlands who has a good reputation. How much this can cost is also difficult to assess, anything from 80 Euros to multiple hundreds is possible.

 

Baseline (and my personal opinion): It is not the deal of a lifetime but also not a ripoff in case the camera is in good functional order (rangefinder adjustment, shutter timings, lightseals...) and the lens can be made focusing smoother with little investment.

 

In case any of the parts needs major work, look somewhere else. I dont know about the lightmeter, but there are meters that need Batteries that are not available anymore, check for that.

 

An other idea is that for around 800-1000 Euros you can get a used M6, that has the lightmeter build in, has framelines down to 28mm (M3 has only a 50 as widest frameline) and in general is 35 years younger.

 

Good Luck

 

Josef

[gvaliquette]

For the MR meter, I suggest the MR-9 battery adapter:

 

CRIS Camera Repair and Services - Mercury Battery Adapters

 

I use them (yes, I bought a second one) for my MR meters (2: M3 and M4-2), my Leica CL and my Rollei 35.

 

Good luck!

 

Guy

[philipus]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and insights. After some research I have come to the conclusion that while the price is OK it is not low enough for me to buy equipment which needs to be serviced to be in full working order.

Cheers

philip