please advice "Leica M3 +50 Rigid original condition from 1961" Full Box

[portor.foto]

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My collection Leica M3 + summicron 50 rigid  bought together in 1962 still remains an L-seal and "B" letter on lens mount. From my knowledge this mean Camera and lens likely never open for service since 1991. Box and all original paper still there.  but, the problem is the view finder is blackout and show only focus pad and frame line. Do I need to repair  or sell this as a original condition? or How about if I send them to Konton for repair and repaint to black, would be better?  Anyone knowing about letter "B" on back lens mount?  Thank you so much for all helping.

 

   

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[a.noctilux]

Welcome here.

Many years ago, I kept one "blind" M3 for a while.

One day, I asked people here what to do.

One member here bought it from me then sent to have some care.

So you may do the same.

[jaapv]

It would be a shame to repaint a camera in this cosmetic condition. 

[pegelli]

Agree, with jaapv, just repair and enjoy it. It's a beauty that begs to have film go through it.

For me a repaint is a useless effort most of the time anyway and for sure on a camera as nice as this one.

[Pyrogallol]

Cheaper to add a clip-on viewfinder.

[kivis]

I'd send it in to a reputable Leica repair person. It's a beauty.

[Anbaric]

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4 hours ago, portor.foto said:

My collection Leica M3 + summicron 50 rigid  bought together in 1962 still remains an L-seal and "B" letter on lens mount. From my knowledge this mean Camera and lens likely never open for service since 1991. Box and all original paper still there.  but, the problem is the view finder is blackout and show only focus pad and frame line. Do I need to repair  or sell this as a original condition? or How about if I send them to Konton for repair and repaint to black, would be better?  Anyone knowing about letter "B" on back lens mount?  Thank you so much for all helping.

Fixing a blacked-out M3 finder is a complex task, but the best repairers can handle it, e.g.:

https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/post/leica-rangefinder-rebuild-and-why-you-might-need-one

If it's your intention to sell the camera anyway, the question is whether whether you'd get your money back from the higher price it would fetch after paying for the service this one requires (most potential purchasers would care much more about a functional finder than a wax seal). I wouldn't in any case have it repainted - as suggested above, a camera in this cosmetic condition (especially with the original box and papers) is most attractive in its original finish.

[earleygallery]

If you intend to sell, sell it as is. The new owner can decide what to do about the viewfinder - use it with a shoe mounted finder, have the finder repaired or have a new M finder assembly fitted.

[archive_all]

Same as others said, as much as I like some repaints, I think it's too nice to paint. 

[portor.foto]

Thank you so much everyone. 🤩

[pixie]

The viewfinder blackout indicates a hard knock!  Seals undisturbed mean nothing! It requires the viewfinder to be re-glued, by a professional who knows and can do such a repair!

Leica one possibility.   Leica may advise trade on newer M6, MP, MA.    Places in Japan and UK another!  I needed a new RF unit. That was many years ago, about~40, as everything quite faded! No blackout!  The RF was the last one, left at service point in South Africa, run by Wild!   A Major repair! Paint only if worn. RF repair unit will be costly. Possibility new shutter blinds..

The true sad story of Leica-M. Too difficult to use by poor and unskilled photographers!

A camera that needs usage, wants it, My M2 was jammed from no use! Sad!,

I still use my M3. I am retired as a pro, but not Ziggy!  After 56 years, this M3 has a name!  Still used every few weeks, a shoot. Body 1967.

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[jaapv]

Will van Manen recently reglued a prism for me on my M9M. Perfect result.  He did tell me, though, that some repairers go the easy and expensive route of replacing the rangefinder as not everybody is capable of the repair. The symptom of the unstuck prism was a complete misalignment of the rangefinder.

Advice: pick your repair shop with care.