First Leica Film Camera

[Clayton]

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I was looking at purchasing my first Leica film body. I found a Leica M3 in my budget. The body looks good but it has an m4 sync added. I was wanting some input on if this is worth investing in or should I look for one that’s all original? I plan on using it as an every day shooter and for street/travel. I don’t shoot with flash. 

[jaapv]

If it is in good working order it will make an excellent user camera. "All original" may be of interest to a collector, but if your aim is to take photographs with it, it is utterly irrelevant. And who knows, the M4 modification might even be useful.

[Clayton]

Is 1100 to much to pay for an m3 body? The condition is overall decent. I’m not super worried about cosmetics at this point but definitely don’t want to over pay for somthing that’s inferior. 

[plaidshirts]

2 hours ago, Clayton said:

I was looking at purchasing my first Leica film body. I found a Leica M3 in my budget. The body looks good but it has an m4 sync added. I was wanting some input on if this is worth investing in or should I look for one that’s all original? I plan on using it as an every day shooter and for street/travel. I don’t shoot with flash. 

Since you asked whether it was worth investing in, which sounds like you'll sell it at some point in the future, I'd say get one that is well maintained and unaltered.

If you're going to keep it forever to shoot, then I agree with jaapv - as long as it's in good condition, it doesn't matter.

However, as many Leica owners will attest, you may want to try different versions and your first one may (probably) not be your last =). 

[Clayton]

19 minutes ago, plaidshirts said:

Since you asked whether it was worth investing in, which sounds like you'll sell it at some point in the future, I'd say get one that is well maintained and unaltered.

If you're going to keep it forever to shoot, then I agree with jaapv - as long as it's in good condition, it doesn't matter.

However, as many Leica owners will attest, you may want to try different versions and your first one may (probably) not be your last =). 

 

[Michael Geschlecht]

5 hours ago, Clayton said:

I was looking at purchasing my first Leica film body. I found a Leica M3 in my budget. The body looks good but it has an m4 sync added. I was wanting some input on if this is worth investing in or should I look for one that’s all original? I plan on using it as an every day shooter and for street/travel. I don’t shoot with flash. 

Hello Clayton,

Welcome to the Forum.

A number of M3 cameras have had their flash connections altered over the years because the M3, M2, M1 & MD cameras come with Leitz's proprietary flash connections & a cold shoe. These cameras requires a proprietary flash cord & do not allow cordless flash.

Converting these flashes to standard connections is not unusual.

MDa & M4 cameras come with standard 3mm PC (Prontor Compur) flash connections & a cold shoe.  These cameras take a standard flash cord but do not allow cordless flash.

Later "M4" models including M4-2. MD-2 & M4-P come with 3mm connections & a hot shoe. These cameras take a standard flash cord & allow cordless flash.

So, the questions are:

What type of "M4 flash sync"?

Does the camera now accept standard 3mm flash cords in the receptacles in the back of the camera? Sometimes only 1 outlet is changed. Usually the 1 with the lightening bolt.

Does the camera have a hot shoe with a small, shiny, round connecter in the middle of the hot shoe on the top of the camera?" A hot shoe allows the use of a cordless flash in the shoe.

Or, does the camera take a standard 3mm connecting cord in the back & allow the use of a cordless flash in the hot shoe?

We can start there & then go on from there.

Best Regards,

Michael

 

[jankap]

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5 hours ago, Clayton said:

Is 1100 to much to pay for an m3 body? The condition is overall decent. I’m not super worried about cosmetics at this point but definitely don’t want to over pay for somthing that’s inferior. 

Look in Ebay - search for Leica M3 - sold article

 

[kivis]

Buying a used M3 is a bit of a gamble. But if you are prepared to send it in for CLA to a reputable Leica repair guy, then results will be wonderful. Expect to pay $280 on up for that. My M3 went in for CLA about 8 years ago and upon its return it felt like it was brand new. Awesome.