goldstone Posted February 19, 2009 Share #1 Posted February 19, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I am new to this forum. I recently came into the possession of a sweet leather satchel (belonging to my late grandfather, r.i.p.) my grand mother mentioned I could have, as part of a return for painting her house and helping her move. It was collecting dust in her closet, so I went to fish it out... Imagine my surprise when I opened it and discovered an aged M3 with lenses and more!! I told her "Look , there's a Leica in here!" only to see her shrug and wave her hand.. I don't know sometimes... Anyway, my grandfather was a merchant marine during WWII up until some time in the fifties, and then he started writing. I believe he picked up this camera some time during his service, apparently in Germany at an American base of some sort. Other than that I have no idea at all what I have here: So now I have a Leica M3. The only problem is I am scared to death of using this, and I really feel like there are collectors or enthusiasts out there who would appreciate (let alone understand) this equipment more than I ever could. Not to mention I'll be splitting the sale with my two brothers . What I am hoping to do is find out when this was made, and what pieces of equipment am I even looking at? For example, I see three lenses, but what kind are they? And I think I see two light meters, but I really have no idea at all. Any and all help would be appreciated. If any more photos need to be taken I would gladly take them. Just doing my bit to stimulate the economy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 19, 2009 Posted February 19, 2009 Hi goldstone, Take a look here My Grandfather's M3 and kit - What Are These Things?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
BB Leica Posted February 19, 2009 Share #2 Posted February 19, 2009 Sell that beautiful find only if you need the money (it won't be a fortune anyway), otherwise you may regret it one day. I got an M3 equipment of my late uncle and started to use it with great fun (and respect). At least, use the camera once before selling it. Rudiger Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted February 19, 2009 Share #3 Posted February 19, 2009 The M3 is a pretty early sample fronm the second year of production, 1955, without the later framelever. It seems, as if a cla would be a good idea, unless it had been done a few years ago. Unfortunately, the vulcanite, the camera-cover, seems to be a bit battered. This brings the price down a lot if you want to sell. Press the little button above the frontlever - left of the lens - to release the selftimer. Now it is halfwound and it should be up in it´s normal position. Keep it and use it for some rolls, esp. for black&white. You will enjoy the stuff, i If not give it good hands. Lenses are 50, 35 and 135 mm as far as I can see. They are only worth a little fortune - as has been said - but still capable of good photos in the hand a dedicated photographer. And: don´t be scared to touch it. A LEICA can stand a lot, and this equipment has been through something, you won´t harm it. Best Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimF Posted February 19, 2009 Share #4 Posted February 19, 2009 Lovely outfit, and I agree you should get it serviced and enjoy it as your grandfather doubtless did. The meter next to the camera in the top picture is a Leicameter-M (code: METRA) from 1955. If (and it's a fairly big if) it's working then you should use it with the flap in front down in bright conditions and raised in low light. Michael Butkus has put up an instruction manual for the meter here. As for the lenses, if I had to hazard a guess I'd say 35mm f/3.5 Summaron, 50mm f/3.5 Elmar and 135mm f/4.5 Hektor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted February 19, 2009 Share #5 Posted February 19, 2009 Very fine outfit !! As other say, nothing rare, but the completness (leather cases, booster for the meter, papers...) makes it a wonderful collectible. Just a question... I'm not so sure the mounted lens is an Elmar 50... can you check it ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimF Posted February 19, 2009 Share #6 Posted February 19, 2009 Hi Luigi, Having re-checked my copy of Sartorius I still think it is an Elmar, but the aperture should have read f/2.8. The lens looks like an ELMOM/11112 (1957-74) to my eyes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted February 19, 2009 Share #7 Posted February 19, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi Luigi,Having re-checked my copy of Sartorius I still think it is an Elmar, but the aperture should have read f/2.8. The lens looks like an ELMOM/11112 (1957-74) to my eyes. The posted pics isn't much sharp... the DOF scale seems even to be 16-11-8-4-2 ...don't read "2.8"... it cannot be a Summitar with LTM adapter... but neither looks to me as a collapsible Summicron... let's wait.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted February 19, 2009 Share #8 Posted February 19, 2009 The mounted lens is definitely a collapsible f:2/50mm Summicron. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted February 19, 2009 Share #9 Posted February 19, 2009 The mounted lens is definitely a collapsible f:2/50mm Summicron. Best, Jan I'd say... you'r right 99%... I think also that if this new member (welcome to him !) reads these posts... can have a good idea of which breed of people he can find hereby... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted February 19, 2009 Share #10 Posted February 19, 2009 Luigi, It's a Summicron 1317536 issued in 1955 from a batch of 5000 piece.(1315001-1320000) I think that set, camera and lens, were bought new in Europe, the other 2 lenses were certainly bought later, used in LTM (E36lens)and fitted with M adapter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted February 19, 2009 Share #11 Posted February 19, 2009 Luigi, It's a Summicron 1317536 issued in 1955 from a batch of 5000 piece.(1315001-1320000)I think that set, camera and lens, were bought new in Europe, the other 2 lenses were certainly bought later, used in LTM (E36lens)and fitted with M adapter. Me stupid... the customs' badges were neat and clear and I didn't noticed.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
someonenameddavid Posted February 20, 2009 Share #12 Posted February 20, 2009 I would advise you against using the Leicameter MR because it can scratch the chrome on the top of the camera and reduce its sale value.... if you must... put a piece of plastic temporarily over the top plate (couple of layers of scotch tape) so that you protect the chrome. I bought one almost exactly the same, but better vulcanite from a yard sale for $450 in 1998... You probably should expect at least $600-700 for this in this down market David But I would keep mine... because its the cheapest way to use M-Mount lenses. And get the vulcanite restored Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
someonenameddavid Posted February 20, 2009 Share #13 Posted February 20, 2009 Oh, and I don't think the 35mm summaron will work properly because it needs the one with the goggle eyes to adjust the rangefinder... I could be wrong. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted February 20, 2009 Share #14 Posted February 20, 2009 Oh, and I don't think the 35mm summaron will work properly because it needs the one with the goggle eyes to adjust the rangefinder... I could be wrong. David The 35mm Summaron will focus perfectly on any interchangeable lens RF Leica. The only thing needed for the M3 is a separate 35mm viewfinder. I would not be surprised if it is included with the above kit and burried somewhere in the bag.... Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldstone Posted February 20, 2009 Author Share #15 Posted February 20, 2009 Thank you everybody with the help! I can't believe how many replies i got. I talked to my dad too, and the first thing he said was "Keep it. You should use it." So, the consensus is to keep it, and not hock it off. I will get the body and the lenses serviced. Does anybody know how much that might cost? I'm guessing its hard to tell from that blurry photo, so all im looking for is a ballpark figure so I know how much to save up. Also, I will have some clearer photos up on monday of the lenses and other stuff, because it would be great to find out what kind they are. Thanks again everybody, every answer helped fill in the gaps of in my knowledge. Be sure to check back on monday! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rona!d Posted February 20, 2009 Share #16 Posted February 20, 2009 Thank you everybody with the help! I can't believe how many replies i got. I talked to my dad too, and the first thing he said was "Keep it. You should use it." So, the consensus is to keep it, and not hock it off. Good son A CLA might cost you something, but it´s worth the job. Also check the lenses, it´s half the fun in case they are foggy. After some rolls and getting warm with that beauty, you might consider joining the "0,91x" group (users of M3 and Ur-MP). Hope you´ll find the external 35mm-finder somewhere. Forget that Leicameter and use an external lightmeter (Gossen, Sekonic or whatever). Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
someonenameddavid Posted February 21, 2009 Share #17 Posted February 21, 2009 The 35mm Summaron will focus perfectly on any interchangeable lens RF Leica. The only thing needed for the M3 is a separate 35mm viewfinder. I would not be surprised if it is included with the above kit and burried somewhere in the bag.... Best, Jan I didn't say it wouldn't focus properly: I said it wouldn't work properly... viz viewfinder david Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldstone Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share #18 Posted February 24, 2009 okay im back with some photos of the lenses:) the first one is once again blurry, and god do i hate the auto-focusing on my digital point and shoot!! In case the photos are once again not sufficient (sorry about that): the smallest one reads- Summaron f = 3,5cm 1:3,5 1015663 - reads in feet the middle one reads- Summicron f = 5cm 1:2 Nr 1317536 - reads in feet and the largest one reads- Hektor f = 13.5cm 1:4.5 Nr. 1085040 - reads in metres So, i was wondering about buying a separate finder. Would I have to buy one for each lens? I was also wondering what a 'cla' would cost, i guess if there are any Americans here they would have a better idea of what it costs locally. I am in Los Angeles by the way. Also, I am confused about what I am reading about the range finder. Or is it a view finder? Basically can I start taking photos now, using the range/view finder? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldstone Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share #19 Posted February 24, 2009 Actually scratch that last question, I just read some very essential info on the range/view finder! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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