Re: [Leica] Planning to get an M3

["Roger L. Bunting" <rlbunting@ameritech.net>]

Peter,

My double stroke M3 was converted many (20) years ago to a single stroke
when I needed to have the shutter repaired. I had no trouble adjusting
to the DS or readjusting to a SS operation. While in for that repair I
also had both flash syncs converted to X syncs. At that time, Leitz told
me that viewfinder separation was starting to occur - this year during a
CLA, they told me the same thing. Seems like at least on this camera, VF
separation progresses slowly. If the price is right I can't think of a
better camera that is optimized for 50mm lens usage.

Regards,

Roger

PS. I did use my preview lever quite a bit when I had a MR4 meter
mounted on the camera. I've since given that up for a preferred handheld
(Sekonic 308). Other than that, I've never had a need for the preview
lever.

Peter Niessen wrote:
> 
> Dear all,
> 
> although this group seems to be busy with the new M7, maybe someone
> can give me some advice. Today I saw an early M3 at a dealer, it had
> no preview lever and times 1,2,5,10... and was a double stroke. The
> (oterwise uncharismatic) dealer allowed me gracefully (,,if it makes
> you happy'') to try all times and I was astonished how smooth and
> solid the shutter trips. However, I was a bit unsure about the double
> stroke feature. Does it a long time to get used to it? I also heard
> that double stroke is not serviceable if it breaks (on Erwin's page?).
> 
> I would be glad if someone could tell me about her/his experience.
> 
> This dealer was really uncharismatic. After I said ,,well, I don't
> know'' he told me he can test his equipment by himself and does not
> need any customers for this job. Sure his business must be well going
> and he does not need customers at all.
> 
> Thanks for reading and thus relieving my anger,
> 
> Peter.