anitsirk Posted November 13, 2021 Share #1 Posted November 13, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) Offered to buy this but I just noticed this dent on the top plate. I've been searching for a single owner M3 SS. Is this worth $1k? 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! Quote 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/326518-how-bad-is-this-dent-on-an-m3/?do=findComment&comment=4312670'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 13, 2021 Posted November 13, 2021 Hi anitsirk, Take a look here How bad is this dent on an M3?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
nitroplait Posted November 13, 2021 Share #2 Posted November 13, 2021 If it haunts you now, it will haunt you forever. Buy a camera you will feel good about. 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted November 13, 2021 Share #3 Posted November 13, 2021 (edited) In view of those pictures, I'd pass this one waiting another one. Having it redone would be very expensive 😝. Have a look at the shutter button which has some marks from the wind-on lever poking ... let me thinking of careless use(r) ... Edited November 13, 2021 by a.noctilux 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted November 13, 2021 Share #4 Posted November 13, 2021 One owner? I'd rather buy a camera that's had unknown amounts of careful owners that a battered one owner example (why is number of owners important to you? Do you have proof of that anyway, cameras aren't like cars with ownership records). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 13, 2021 Share #5 Posted November 13, 2021 Depends - are you looking for a camera or for a restoration project? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
romanus53 Posted November 13, 2021 Share #6 Posted November 13, 2021 the serial number might be of some interest, otherwise the price is much too high Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anitsirk Posted November 13, 2021 Author Share #7 Posted November 13, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) 1 minute ago, jaapv said: Depends - are you looking for a camera or for a restoration project? yes, if the price is right. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anitsirk Posted November 13, 2021 Author Share #8 Posted November 13, 2021 More photos 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! Quote 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/326518-how-bad-is-this-dent-on-an-m3/?do=findComment&comment=4312708'>More sharing options...
anitsirk Posted November 13, 2021 Author Share #9 Posted November 13, 2021 8 minutes ago, romanus53 said: the serial number might be of some interest, otherwise the price is much too high Should be in this range: 1007001~1011000 Leica M3 (chrom-ss) 1960 4000 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 13, 2021 Share #10 Posted November 13, 2021 On 11/13/2021 at 5:52 PM, anitsirk said: yes, if the price is right. Well, to start with you need to find a new top without serial number (not the easiest thing) have it engraved and have to think about what to do with the Vulcanite. Then there is the question, if it looks like this, what has happened to the mechanics? Even if you clear these hurdles you'll be left with a rather common M3. Better and cheaper to buy a nice one in the first place. I personally wouldn't even consider it. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anitsirk Posted November 13, 2021 Author Share #11 Posted November 13, 2021 11 minutes ago, jaapv said: Depends - are you looking for a camera or for a restoration project? both Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
anitsirk Posted November 13, 2021 Author Share #12 Posted November 13, 2021 13 minutes ago, earleygallery said: One owner? I'd rather buy a camera that's had unknown amounts of careful owners that a battered one owner example (why is number of owners important to you? Do you have proof of that anyway, cameras aren't like cars with ownership records). It'll come with the paperwork, according to the seller it was bought in 1963. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted November 13, 2021 Share #13 Posted November 13, 2021 4 minutes ago, anitsirk said: It'll come with the paperwork, according to the seller it was bought in 1963. Unless there's some special reason for wanting this example (very cheap, famous ex owner) I would personally look for a better one. Apart from the dents (and unknown damage inside) you would have to scrape off the rest of the vulcanite to fit a replacement covering. You can get ones that look a bit like vulcanite, but it won't be vulcanite. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michali Posted November 13, 2021 Share #14 Posted November 13, 2021 (edited) As others have pointed out, I think there's quite a bit more wrong with this M3 than just the top dent....I wouldn't touch it . You can get an M3 in this condition peace of mind ( @Red Dot Cameras is a member here), use it right away, avoid grief & the possibility of throwing $1, 000- away. Edited November 13, 2021 by michali 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted November 14, 2021 Share #15 Posted November 14, 2021 Does it come with any of the nails it was used to hammer in? It looks to me like it's had a fairly tough life at the hands of its "one careful lady owner". Pete. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfaspen Posted November 14, 2021 Share #16 Posted November 14, 2021 Personally I would consider this at less than $500. I know M prices have risen a lot in the market, but this one almost certainly will need considerable work. It has seen significant impacts; do we know if the viewfinder is not blacked out? I am actually casually looking for something like this to use in a restoration of another M3 I have. However, I need a DS model and won't pay unfair price. This one could easily double in price by the time it gets fully sorted. We don't know what else may be lurking under that top plate.... Likely NOT a bargain. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreasG Posted November 14, 2021 Share #17 Posted November 14, 2021 This camera has been abused mechanically multiple times. Though the innards might be still okay (RF), I would not buy it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted November 15, 2021 Share #18 Posted November 15, 2021 FWIW I'm yet another who would say "Avoid" mainly because of doubts regarding rangefinder accuracy but also just general worries about the internals. Are the blinds light-tight? Is the shutter-speed accurate? Does the self-timer work - and if so why has the seller photographed it in a way that makes it look like it might be faulty? The list of "What if's?" is so long that it would probably need to be sent off for a CLA. Even if that verifies that the camera is working OK once the cost of the CLA and a new covering is added to the asking price you are probably already at the going-rate for an example from a dealership which would be in better condition and come with a guarantee. Like all of the other respondents have already said I, too, wouldn't even consider it at that price. Philip. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Brown Posted November 24, 2021 Share #19 Posted November 24, 2021 Avoid unles $500. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lux50 Posted November 25, 2021 Share #20 Posted November 25, 2021 I would totally avoid it, plenty of better ones around. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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