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Leica M3 service and history question...


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I live in Richmond, VA and just bought a M3 as-is. It seems to need a CLA. The shutter doesn't close all the way after slower shots. I am interested in where to take/send it for service and a little history on this camera. The serial # is 974 ***. Also, how much should a CLA cost. Sorry for all the questions. I am new to Leica film cameras, I have only shot digital. Thanks in advance,

Doug

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Hi,

 

I recently bought an M2 which also had a faulty shutter. It had a CLA and now works fine. Basically the lubricants dry up and cause the shutter to fail. Assuming there's no other problems it will be fixed under a standard CLA. I can't comment on any US repairers. Lots of people endorse DAG however.

 

The M3 was the first of the Leica M range, with viewfinder frames for 50/90/135mm lenses. The 'goggled' 35mm Summaron was made for the M3 and it uses the 50mm frame line (the goggles alter the view appropriately) otherwise you need to use external finders for wide angle lenses.

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I live in Richmond, VA and just bought a M3 as-is. It seems to need a CLA. The shutter doesn't close all the way after slower shots. I am interested in where to take/send it for service and a little history on this camera. The serial # is 974 ***. Also, how much should a CLA cost. Sorry for all the questions. I am new to Leica film cameras, I have only shot digital. Thanks in advance,

Doug

 

Do not call in the AM. She works late into the night.

 

Sherry Krauter.com -- Home of the Golden Touch.

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Doug, Bill and William have mentioned the two most widely know service/repair people in the US. From what I've read both here and elsewhere I think you'll be very pleased with the service you receive from either of them.

 

The M3 was Leica's first bayonet mount camera and you can trace its lineage down to the current M8 - not bad for a basic design that is 50 years old! You will probably never use a camera with as smooth a shutter release and it will repay you well for giving it a CLA. I don't class myself as a collector but there are some cameras that I see as being pivitol in the history of photography such as the Rolleiflex, Hassleblad and Nikon F. The M3 is another of those cameras. Enjoy using it.

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