ironringer Posted December 6, 2014 Share #1 Posted December 6, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Could collectors and historians please advise what is the correct box for an early M3 with a "double zero" serial number? I see on websites M3 boxes in white, in red, and in pale grey-green, but what M3 box is for the first production? I found this camera, a battered and bruised survivor, at a furniture auction. Although its cosmetics are poor, with dents and scratches, to my surprise everything works well and the viewfinder is clear and bright. The Summicron glass is clear (protected by a dirty filter for 55 years) and the rings work smoothly. It is a good, historical user. Does anyone know if the strap is original Leica? It is good quality, not sure if it is leather or a nice substitute, and has the "teardrop" connectors similar to 1950s Leica accessory neck straps. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/238111-correct-box-for-double-zero-m3/?do=findComment&comment=2722226'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 6, 2014 Posted December 6, 2014 Hi ironringer, Take a look here Correct box for "double zero" M3?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
sabears Posted December 6, 2014 Share #2 Posted December 6, 2014 1-"Red Velvet" box 2-Not original strap cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 6, 2014 Share #3 Posted December 6, 2014 The frame selector (Bildfeldwaehler) was introduced starting # 785001 and the leatherette did not cover the screws on the front of any M3 versions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironringer Posted December 7, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted December 7, 2014 Thank you for the correct box information. I believe many early M3s had the frame selector added, over the decades, by Leica service agents. Perhaps internal inspection will reveal its history. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 7, 2014 Share #5 Posted December 7, 2014 Thank you for the correct box information. I believe many early M3s had the frame selector added, over the decades, by Leica service agents. Perhaps internal inspection will reveal its history. Definitely worth exploring imo too, since all visible details are encouraging Exposure times, strap lugs, marking on the rewind knob etc. , they all look right. Congratulations for an interesting find! Does it have the glass film preasure plate? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted December 7, 2014 Share #6 Posted December 7, 2014 With due respect to this "veteran";) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted December 7, 2014 Share #7 Posted December 7, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Compliments for your finding !! A "700" M3 is always a pleasure to have and use... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted December 7, 2014 Share #8 Posted December 7, 2014 And "double four" also Nice finding. Congrat. -flash sockets replaced by new/modern items -have you seen same number, inside ? Arnaud Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironringer Posted December 8, 2014 Author Share #9 Posted December 8, 2014 Fellow enthusiasts, I am pleased to share the results of an internal examination today by a well-respected Leica technician near Boston, Massachusetts (I took a short 6.5-hour drive from Montreal to visit him). Some pictures are attached, showing interesting details: a) first-type film tracks matching serial number under the bottom cover plate c) apparently? some small difference in the accessory shoe? The technician said that these obvious and some smaller details confirm that this is a very early "double zero" M3, probably from the first two weeks of production, in early 1954. He said it was in good, clean condition inside, working well, with no signs of moisture, dry lubricants, or misuse. The cosmetic damage is limited to the exterior, and might generously be called "patina", or perhaps "battle damage". He also said the frame selector lever was added "decades ago" by a qualified technician, who probably changed the frame outline in the viewfinder at the same time, and converted the flash sockets to standard PC terminals (easily reversible to original M3 pins). These were common upgrades to early M3 cameras. The double-stroke winder was left original and is solid, no slipping, internal gearing is fine. The original owner had put a ring of silicone sealer around the eyepiece to protect his eyeglasses. That I removed, under the watchful eye of the technician. Since everything (including slow speeds and delay timer) works well and the viewfinder is bright and clear, he advised NOT to service it (that would require a complete take-apart). He suggests LEAVE IT ALONE, exercise it a few times a year, BUT DON'T USE IT - it is a collectible survivor, has earned its retirement, and could suffer damage (e.g. light baffle could slip, a known problem) if used weekly (like I had planned to do). So, I am happy to find this old veteran at a "furniture auction", but now I have to buy my (second) first M3, to actually experience using one! At least I can use the Summicron 50mm that came with M3-700344, after its CLA (the lens already worked smoothly and had clean glass). Bottom line - I am now "smiling near Boston". Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/238111-correct-box-for-double-zero-m3/?do=findComment&comment=2723365'>More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted December 8, 2014 Share #10 Posted December 8, 2014 IMHO looking at your pictures the camera needs some cleaning at least. And again IMHO it is frustrating to do not use it. I think the camera wants to show you what it is able to makes.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted December 8, 2014 Share #11 Posted December 8, 2014 Yes an M3 is made to use just about forever, mine has been in continuous use for 46 years and in contrast to this one is one of the last major batch. It won't get retired until I can't use it any more. Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted December 8, 2014 Share #12 Posted December 8, 2014 Can be help full to USE it : LEICA M3 (1954-1967) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted December 8, 2014 Share #13 Posted December 8, 2014 I was given a 55 double-stroke M3 with bad curtain. After repair and CLA the wind clutch slipped on the first couple of rolls, and the repair tech suggested upgrade to S.S. (But I already had a 62 S.S. so I declined.) Now after a year's use the D.S. film wind never slips. (Perhaps a too aggressive lube application?) So yes, using these old guys is generally good for them. (Same as for us old guys...) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironringer Posted December 9, 2014 Author Share #14 Posted December 9, 2014 I should try shooting a roll with this camera, to make the purchase worthwhile. Perhaps during Christmas. I agree it is a bit cruel to have it sit on a display shelf, without a bit of exercise. One suggestion from a Leica person is to trade it for more usable Leica gear, like an M6 outfit, or a modern MP film camera ... so a collector can enjoy the survivor and I can shoot M pictures. For future consideration. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted December 9, 2014 Share #15 Posted December 9, 2014 Keep it and use it. A roll or two a month will keep things working without over stressing the camera. Nice find! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted December 10, 2014 Share #16 Posted December 10, 2014 ISo yes, using these old guys is generally good for them. (Same as for us old guys...) Keep it and use it. A roll or two a month will keep things working without over stressing the camera. Nice find! Agreed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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