Incoming M3 + M6 + Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F/1.5

[stvn66]

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Hi,

My name is Steve, I live in the UK and my curent camera is a lovely Nikon FM2n.

After much online research and forums I have taken the plunge into 35mm Leica's and have purchased an M3 and M6 with a 50mm lens.

When these camera's arrive is there anything I should specifically check for with regard to their condition/performance and are there any tips you can share with me, I only want to shoot Black and White film?

Also, can anybody recommend where I could take them to be professionally CLA in London?

I feel like a child in a candy shop and cannot wait until they arrive 😁

Many thanks,

Steve

[spydrxx]

Enjoy your "new" cameras and lens. They make a great set. If you scroll down the opening forums page to "collectors & Historica" there is a sticky on camera repairers around the world, with lots of attention to the UK.

[stvn66]

Thank you.

I seem to see CRR and Malcolm Taylor appear as well recommended.

[250swb]

Use the cameras, they may not need servicing. Treat the M6 to a new battery and start shooting. The Voigtlander f/1.5 is a bit of a lump but will be good optically, all you need to get used to is rangefinder focusing which is much easier than people make out.

[stvn66]

Thanks, I will take your advice and just replace the batteries for the time being :)

[earleygallery]

Welcome,

Did you buy the cameras via ebay or from a dealer? (if it's a dealer you will have the chance to check them and return if faulty at the very least, and probably a warranty).

Although generally reliable cameras faults can be expensive to repair. The M3 can suffer from separation of the finder. The M6, electrical issues with the meter. Both can suffer from pinholes in the shutter curtains, light leaks (usually via the viewfinder windows) and sticky or laggy shutters due to old/dried lubricants.

As suggested, assuming no obvious faults, shoot a film with each asap and see how the results turn out. The best form of 'CLA' is regular use.

If you do need CLA's then there's quite a few options but some are one man bands and have been known to take years to return equipment. Most dealers have repair people they send work out to.