Early M3 with Viewfinder Selector

[JSFCHRIS]

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I found an early M3 in Tokyo, 701xxx S/N, that had been modified with the viewfinder selector switch added at some point. What impact does this have on value, collectibility?

[nitroplait]

Many of the earliest M3 were updated with the many later released improvements. Double to single stroke etc. I don’t think evaluations are allowed, but I’d imagine it would hold the value of what it is updated to, not what it was prior to update.

[luigi bertolotti]

I agree with the above considerations : value is impacted by mechanical and optical (RF) conditions, as well as by aesthetical conditions (body, covering....) : much more than a modification that manufacturer itself made possible at those times, and made surely with original parts (I doubt that "3rd party" VF selector mechanism do exist.).

Of course, vice-versa applies too... an M3 in the 701.xxx, in full original status.... in case with original box... with original receipt... has a higher value being the typical "collector item"... but unless one is tied to this specific mood, a fine M3 is always a fine M3, a pleasure to have (and use too), and a classic that will always retain a value.

 

 

[jc_braconi]

Let us see how it looks.