MattLLL Posted September 12 Share #1  Posted September 12 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello everyone, I recently acquired a Leica M3, serial number 83XXXX, and I would like to ask for your advice on whether this camera might still be in its original condition or if it has been restored/refinished/rechrome at some point.  Here are some details I’ve noticed: (Photo link is in below) Overall condition: The body looks very clean, with plating that appears shiny and almost new. Back door screws: On my camera, the two black screws above the film door are positioned toward the outer sides. Film advance lever: This one is the double-stroke version. Viewfinder window frame: The metal edge looks quite thick and squared-off in some areas, though not perfectly even. Signs of use: There is hardly any visible wear, which feels unusual for a camera of this age.  Could anyone share insights or reference points to help me judge if my camera is likely original or if it has gone through a professional restoration? Any photos or resources for comparison would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance! Photo Link Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 12 Posted September 12 Hi MattLLL, Take a look here Leica M3 - Is my Leica M3 original or restored?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted September 12 Share #2  Posted September 12 Looks like a nice pristine M3 with original flash contact covers, despite the images being quite grainy and only from the outside. Most if not all M3s will have been worked on, so it is fairly uninteresting whether they have been "restored" (to what extent?) or not. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Flynn Posted September 12 Share #3 Â Posted September 12 Serial number places it in production of 1956 year timeframe. Check the screw cover on the lens flange for a service mark. Odds are its seen service over the years but not modded to single stroke. I would say the owners have cared for it over the years 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 12 Share #4 Â Posted September 12 Or not used and gave it a CLA in the end. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 12 Share #5 Â Posted September 12 3 hours ago, Don Flynn said: Check the screw cover on the lens flange for a service mark Unfortunately the body cap covers it in the photographs. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted September 12 Share #6  Posted September 12 5 hours ago, jaapv said: Looks like a nice pristine M3 with original flash contact covers, despite the images being quite grainy and only from the outside. Most if not all M3s will have been worked on, so it is fairly uninteresting whether they have been "restored" (to what extent?) or not. Maybe it's the photography and lighting, or signs of a restoration, but the chrome finish does look 'harsh' and more textured than a a normal chrome finish. But why would anybody be bothered to do a restoration to that level of re-plating it unless they were asking ultra top dollar for it? A photo of the body without any flash or post processing may reveal a better view? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 12 Share #7  Posted September 12 Advertisement (gone after registration) And without the extreme grain. The hosting site appears to be a bit destructive as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted September 12 Share #8 Â Posted September 12 (edited) Welcome to the Forum ! The time scale - old sequence to 1/100 - is consistent with the s/n, so as the presence of frame selector and the two dots on rewind knob... fully original and well maintained, I'd say... a very fine item. Edited September 12 by luigi bertolotti Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattLLL Posted September 13 Author Share #9  Posted September 13 6 hours ago, jaapv said: Unfortunately the body cap covers it in the photographs. here is the L seal. Is it real? or re-sealed? I heard there are shops that have capability to do resealing. 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! 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/424222-leica-m3-is-my-leica-m3-original-or-restored/?do=findComment&comment=5862715'>More sharing options...
MattLLL Posted September 13 Author Share #10  Posted September 13 4 hours ago, 250swb said: Maybe it's the photography and lighting, or signs of a restoration, but the chrome finish does look 'harsh' and more textured than a a normal chrome finish. But why would anybody be bothered to do a restoration to that level of re-plating it unless they were asking ultra top dollar for it? A photo of the body without any flash or post processing may reveal a better view? Photo taken in natural light. Is it look like it’s been restored? 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! 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/424222-leica-m3-is-my-leica-m3-original-or-restored/?do=findComment&comment=5862717'>More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted September 13 Share #11  Posted September 13 Even if restored,a very well made job, maybe at factory : you can ask Leica if they have some track about this camera (at least they probably can tell you where it was originally delivered as new) ; a small plus is the nice s/n XYYYYX 😃 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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