So true. I remember the first time I picked up an M3. I couldn’t believe how much more solid it was when compared to the M6. Didn’t think it could be possible.
A beautiful, elegant, thorough, and common sense, video on the M3. I have owned my M3 for 39 years, and you covered this so well and thoroughly. Now, I am going to load my M3 with HP5 and this week I will shoot the empty streets of Ottawa. If I am going to photograph the pandemic, this is certainly the most poetic way of doing it.
Great video, many thanks. I took delivery of my M3 the other day and found this video really helpful. I can also attest to all the virtues of the M3 which you have mentioned. My M3 is from 1960 and I can't get my head around the fact that it is 63 years old. Everything works perfectly, everything is super smooth and the resistance on knobs and levers is spot on, as if it has not long left the factory. A remarkable piece of engineering and one hell of a pleasure to use.
My favorite Leica. No meters needed. If you use the close focusing goggles, make sure you use an f5.6 or higher as depth of field can get wonky with wider aperatures. Ralph Gibson used the m3 with goggles. For his black and white work.
When I first picked up a Leica I was amazed at the precision of the engineering. I thought that you had to handle one to really appreciate this point. Having watched your video the full class of the Leitz engineers is superbly demonstrated by your review. I am now figuring out what cameras/lenses I will need to sell to satisfy the quest for an M3 and Summicron!
So very helpful! Thank you Eric. As a new owner of an M3 I found tidbits of information I would never have known, including the depth of field indicators in the focus patch and the film wind-up engineering.
Amazing video, one of the best I've seen regarding Leica M3's, plus I love the manner in which you incorporated the light meter & close-focus "googles". Great tidbits of information. The M3 is certainly a Leica on my "bucket list", and even more so now :)
I got the M3 myself for a little while now and even though I already know everything important about it, I really enjoyed your video; just watched it for pure entertainment during lunch! ^^ Currently just looking for an affordable second lens..
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you found my video useful. I have a 90mm Tele Elmarit “skinny” lens, a 15 and 21mm Voigtlander, two 50mm Summicrons (a type IV and a DR) and finally a Zeiss 35mm Biogon-C. The reason I mention this is because I would recommend any of these as the best value in their category based on price vs performance/sharpness/color/coating etc. as far as Leica mount lens prices go, these lenses are all incredible for a “good” price.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Awesome, thanks for the recommendations! I think I would go for a 50mm because I don't have the goggles for the wider focal lengths. Though I would really like a 35mm len Of course its possible to use them anyway without them. Since you had praised the light meter so much, I took a look into it and am considering it now, but I will see what I actually do buy in the end. I had heard though that if you look into the viewfinder and ignore the 50mm lines and just take the viewfinder as a whole, that this would be kind of suited for 35mm; would you approve that?
I’ve heard the same things about using the outside area for a guesstimated 35mm lens field of view instead of the goggles. I’m sure you noticed that my goggles are used for close focusing with my 50mm DR “Dual Range”. The light meter was pretty amazing in how accurate it is for such an old and simple device. There’s also a shoe mounted meter that I saw on eBay which is smaller and has a digital display but I like that the Leicameter connects to the shutter speed dial.
Also if you want to see the 35mm Zeiss f2.8 Biogon-C in action follow this link to my Flickr. All film photos taken with my M6. Beautiful color, contrast, sharpness, etc. as good optically as a proper Leica with much cheaper build quality. www.flickr.com/search/?text=Biogon%20c&sort=relevance
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Oh right I mixed the goggles up with viewfinders you can buy additionally. Ive seen those cold shoe light meters too, its just that theyre all expensive. And the Leica one is expensive as well of course but I will have to see what I get or if I just stick to my phone meter and sunny 16. I will check out your Flickr now though, thanks for sharing!
Hi, I have watched your videos off and on, and your knowledge is excellent on cameras! Your explanations of camera gear is very sober and clear. I want to add a little tidbit on the video of Leica m3. Not knowing if true or not, I heard that when the camera was designed for the rewind know, it was made purposely to be rewound in a slow manner! The reason was if rewound to fast streaks of static electricity could appear on the film according to the environment you were in photographing! I just acquired one, and had an m3 many years ago and always regreted selling it. Now I have another, and this one stays with me!! Thanks take care. Paul Conway
The Leica M3 is a great companion! I haven’t heard about electrostatic charges affecting the film on a manually rewound camera but I have read that in the owners manual of my Nikon F3 as it pertains to auto rewind using the motor drive. I mention it in my video review of the F3. I guess it’s possible but hard to imagine that manually rewinding the camera would cause that to happen.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel No, thank you. I appreciate the information. I'm a 50mm guy so the M3 is up my alley. My only hesitation was I'm not a Sunny 16 kind of guy. I need a light meter and your description of the camera and the meter has sold me. I'll be looking for an M3 now.
@@cjwillis6965 The M3 is a legendary camera because it's still so useable today. It's probably the best camera Leica has ever made. The good news is that the M3 isn't the most expensive Leica for sale on the used market. Remember to check if it's a DS (Double Stroke) or Single stroke film advance. I think it's a personal preference but you should know which it is up front. Good luck and happy shooting!
Hi, thanks for responding. I appreciate your personal response. As I mentioned, I didn't know if it was true or not about the static! I just wanted to share a note I heard about with a fellow Leica owner. Thanks again. Paul Conway P.S. I really enjoy your videos!
This is going to sound Sacrilegious almost. But I am realizing for what I want to shoot. Which is street and spur of the moment everyday. I am really enjoying this small Olympus point and shoot. Sometimes I would like a little more control and I am now seriously thinking about the Nikon 35mm TI. I have and shoot my Hasselblad 503 CW and Nikon F3hp all the time but a small easy to take with me camera sure is proving very nice to have. Here is something funny. It was my iPhone that got me interested in the point and shoot. Knowing I am taking so many really good photos with it. But wanting film and more resolution. So here I am my brother love your Channel you really do such a service educating us with these cameras.
Hi Terry, I’m glad to help film photo enthusiasts in any way I can! You are making true the old saying that the best camera is the one you have with you. I believe if Oskar Barnak we’re with us today he would probably use an iPhone from time to time. Also the compact point and shoot cameras with good lenses are great for street photography. I use my Rollei 35S pretty often. They’re so portable that people tend to take them more often than not.
Thank you so much for the detailed explanations and the extra tips, like the f16 and f5.6 notches in viewfinder, and the rewind knob workings ... very good tips.
Excellent video, nicely modulated. 29:05 Beware! Torn film sprocket holes! This is probably a test film, loaded and unloaded many times, but little flakes of film are Really Nasty to have sneaking around inside such a lovely (and complex) machine.
Great point about the potential danger of damage from torn bits of film inside a camera. Actually it is test film that had the sprocket holes damaged after too many film loading demos. Thanks!
So I just looked up my receipt dated June 27, 2018 for the purchase of the M3 in the video, Leica 50mm Summicron DR, Leicameter and leather case and strap. I bought the goggles later. I paid $1699.00 plus tax. I purchased the camera at my local camera store. It just arrived the same day of my visit. I just happened to notice it on the shelf. I negotiated $100 or so off of the price and it has gone waaaay up in value. The M3 single stroke body alone goes from $1000-$2200 now! The 50mm Summicron Dual Range is selling from $1100 to $1600! Like my other Leica purchases this combination has doubled in value.
I’m just finding out that everything that I own that is Leica brand except for one lens has doubled in value. I don’t plan on selling anyway. My Nikon cameras have more than doubled also but they weren’t nearly as expensive as the Leica stuff.
I own the M3 about 2 years know. This is the best review, i´ve ever seen. Congratz! I´ve learned 2 things: First thing 24:35. Incredible good. And second, that i can put now my film roll into my changing bag, without a tong. 28:57 Super! So thanks a lot man! Greetz
Wow thank you so much for your kind words. I work hard to bring information that you don’t see every day. Please subscribe and stay with me. Many thanks!
Fantastic video. Thank you so much! New M3 owner here and I appreciate the smaller details you talked about here like the focusing patch information and how the summicron 2 can be unscrewed for the visoflex. Very cool stuff.
Thank you. I just sold a M3 on eBay and the buyer wanted to know the serial number. The flash was hiding the serial number. With your video, I was able to see the serial number by removing the flash.
Great breakdown for the newbie (and probably more experienced M3 shooter). I've been shooting my M3 for four months now and I'm learning a lot more about it from your video. Thank you again.
the leica m3 is truly an amazing camera i own an m2 and it is one of my favourite cameras to shoot :D thanks for sharing this great content with us, really enjoyed watching this :D
I barrowed the Leica M3 from a friend for about a month and loved it! A single stroke and mint condition was given to her by her father who no long is alive. One of my favorite cameras I have had the chance to shoot with. Affordable to the 'hipsters' and those that have more money then I have for sure! Hahahaha! Great overview!
Really cool about the depth of field notches! I had no idea. When I was shopping around for a leica body I tried the m2 and saw those notches and thought it was so weird why they were there. They aren’t on the m6. Now I know. Thanks!
The notches were a “deep dive” into the instruction manual. These cameras are so simple that I imagine that most people don’t bother to read the instructions lol
Thanks for an excellent and thorough introduction to the M3. Love your videos. I do have a question about the MR light meter. How do you change the ASA? Mine won’t budge. The two discs will not move independently of one another.
have an M2, really like it-have since acquired the dual range summicron, voigtlander 50mm 3.5, and have since researched that the M3 would have been better coupled for the 50mm's in my bag, given the viewfinder in the 50mm is better suited to the M3, I'm gonna have to sell a couple of lenses to warrant my future M3 pursuits, Thanks great review
Just bought, after a long time pondering about it, I bought one, a 1962 made M3, plus an Elmar f2.8 / 50mm (my most expensive vintage camera, usually I buy cheaper cameras, about $100-150 models, but this is kind of the Shangri-la of rangefinder 35mm photography, so I have to buy one!
I fully agree. For what you pay, it seriously has anything and everything. I love using wides without an external viewfinder. I like how flash looks on a Leica or any camera, I don't uderstand not using flash if and when you want to on a leica. It's just another camera...that uses film like other film cameras. Hahah, not blasphemy. Just another way to use a little box. Great video. Great camera.
Very good video. Just the meat: information and design. No comedy routines. I have an M3 body and will get a lens soon... i have been shooting slrs forever. Been waiting for lens prices to drop but they went the other direction (ouch). The M Leica feels so natural in the hands. It feels right and the VF? Lovely. I am struggling w/a dim rf patch though and it seems the cure for this condition is not easy. Nor is finding another M3 these days. Since i am a 50mm guy, I agree w/ you: the M3 is it.
It’s an absolutely lovely camera. I’ve had good luck with Youxin Ye for my Leicas. He offers an MP viewfinder upgrade that improves the contrast in the rangefinder patch and a coated viewfinder (the coated finder may have been for the M6 since the M3 viewfinder is already pretty good). I plan to have my M3 for life so I didn’t mind splurging a little. I really recommend the 50mm Summicron DR (dual range). It’s a beautiful lens and one of the least expensive Leica 50mm. Enjoy!
Great video man, very well informed information. It’s a shame you haven’t received more likes. A pleasure to watch, thank you. Your white balance shift at the end was a bit crazy but I’m sure your aware of it.
Great video and very informative - the best review I've seen and I've seen a lot. I have the double-stroke M3. When I rewinding the film, if I take my hand off of the rewind knob, it will spring back some, unlike the single stroke. Apparently, the company improved that feature with the single stroke. I love this video - do keep them coming. I'm now a subscriber. Happy Shooting!
I just got my M3 an hour ago with the light meter. It's a double stroke and has a few differences from yours. For example, I can't preview what a 90mm would look like by use of a switch. I need to put on a 90mm lens. Also my rewind nob only has one red dot. Great video though, most informative one I found so far on the m3.
Thanks for this great video Eric - best instructional video on the M3 I have seen (I could say this about a few of your videos). Keep up the good work!
Yep. We always had fun back in the day discussing what cam overall took the most photos. We pretty much agreed that as none of our family, friends or relatives had money it was probably something like a c3 for 35mm. Prob a Brownie Hawkeye though might might be the real winner. Wonderful vid. I did not know about that lens & the viso connection. Thanks.
Thanks! I bought it at a relative bargain from my local camera shop. The original owner sold it to them the same day that I walked in. He obviously cared for it very well. If memory serves, I paid them around $800 for the camera, case and 50mm Summicron lens. I bought the Leicameter separate for $140.
Film Photography Channel that’s really good deal! I’m struggling to find a good deal on m2s (good condition under1000), leave alone m3s. They really sky rocketed in price these days. Nice video btw.
Thank you for your video, as I too still have my Rangefinders, have 2 Canon's Canon 7, and a Canon VT Deluxe 1956 in which that is my age, and my Pride and joy Contax IIIa. I get a lot of turn heads when I use my Canon, and Contax in Japan. Yes rewinding the film is a bit slow on the Contax, and the VT, but their are my babies, I use my Dad's Contax when I was in high school, his was a IIA.
Excellent instruction. Have just received what I think is this exact Leica M3 model (serial no 98x,xxx) and Summicron DR lens, but not the goggle attachment you show. It has a hot shoe attached Leica meter MC. My late father bought it new, in the late 1950s though we are not sure exactly when. I haven’t done film photography in 35+ yrs (and learned on SLR) but this camera is amazing. Question: will the close-up feature of the lens work without the goggle attachment? I can certainly move it past the stop the way you showed
Hi, the DR lens has a small spring loaded ball bearing on top that is pushed in by the goggles thus releasing the focus ring into the close focus range. Click on this link 15:10 to see me explain it in the video. Thanks
I've got an M3, i love it, mine is from 1957. Only one thing that i don't like about it is the whole viewfinder has yellowed. I've tried an M2 once, and the viewfinder comparing to the M3 was clear as crystal...
You can get the viewfinder serviced at YYE Camera. I’ve had 4 Leicas CLA’d by him over the years. He even upgraded the viewfinders in my cameras to the MP version. YYeCAMERA.com just a suggestion. There are plenty of service people out there.
Me Ye added coated viewfinder glass that has better contrast. It’s absolutely beautiful to look through. He also did a cla, masked off the 75mm & 135mm frame lines and replaced the “leather”. He does great work. He cla’d a collapsible lens and fixed my M6 focus mechanism.
It is not only an amazing camera, it is also the most beautiful. I bought mine at Meister camera in Hamburg in 2010 for 600€. I invest further 500€ in an overhaul. And have a perfect tool now. Still works perfect and my Leicameter too...
Im considering the M3 for my first film camera since 50mm is my go to, but I've recently learned that the M3 doesn't focus closer than 1 meter and my 50mm Voigtlander range is 0.7 meters, so my question is - what happens if I go over the 1 meter setting on my lens while using the M3, is there anything I should keep in mind or worry about?
Not a huge difference between 1 meter and .7 meters but if that’s a dealbreaker I understand. I have the close focus DR dual range that focuses to about 15 in and is as sharp as they get. It’s incredible.
It's a tough call for me between the M3 and the new MP. I guess it would come down to which lens I was shooting with. M3 --> 50mm and MP ---> 28mm/35mm. MP has a built in highly accurate meter too.
I am really liking the 50mm but I'm thinking about going out with the Zeiss ZM 35mm f2.8 Biogon-C (C for compact). It's an appropriate (Leica) sized lens that is sharp as a tack and has great, contrast and detail. You know that you can use the 35mm on the M3 and just "estimate" the framing. There's not a huge difference between the 35 and 50mm coverage when it comes to composition. It's not ideal but I really prefer the higher magnification viewfinder of the M3.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel This is the best viewfinder on Leica M cameras, especially if you work with a 50mm. It is so clear in your eye and your mind ! Nothing can beat this with a rangefinder (for the moment). Very good review, you said all that we need to know about this M3. (sorry for my english, I'm french !)
@@xavierubeda1867 Thanks so much for your kind words. I think the 50mm Summicron is the most flexible since it can be used for portraits as well as street photography. It gives a more intimate perspective than a wide angle since it can isolate the background (bokeh). Of course I use wide angles as well, but I tend to use the ultra wides like the Voigtlander 21mm & 15mm's not so much the 28mm.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I cannot agree more, the Summicron 50 mm is very good on this M3. I prefer the v4 which is as good as the v5 and have a very good tab. The style is up to each photographer :D The 50mm is a very specific lens, probably harder to work with than a 35 but it really is close to "what we see". It deserves photographers to work with it.
@@xavierubeda1867 You should go out for an afternoon with only one lens whether it's the 50mm,. 28, 35, etc. Force yourself to use only one lens. You'll learn a lot about your own personal photographic style. It's a great exercise!
Nice informative video. Personally, I went with the M2 because I wear glasses and want to be able to see the framelines, but if that's not an issue, the M3 is perfect.
If money is no object I would get the MP. If you get an M6 I recommend the classic (I don’t like the larger plastic shutter speed dial on the TTL) but stay away from the ones with the “Leitz” red dot since the meter won’t time out once the shutter is cocked and not in Bulb. Goodbye batteries! Also consider the MP’s black paint shows fingerprints and is heavier than the M6 because of its brass plates. It has a great solid feel of the M3 as well as the all metal film advance and thumb wheel film rewind knob which I kinda like too. The black chrome and lighter weight of the M6 is kinda cool over the shiny paint of the MP. If I’m thinking practically I would save 2 grand and get the M6 with a summicron for the same price as the MP. At the end of the day both cameras have the same capability so it comes down to aesthetics, personal preference and history.
You have so many beautiful cameras Sir! I kinda want to start my own channel with my own SLR collection. I’ve been told to steer clear of Leicas, that is if I want don’t want to drain my bank account. Ha
That's very true as they are not cheap. I would recommend classic Nikon's, Minolta's or Canon's since they are really reliable, fun to use and don't cost nearly as much as Leica's do. My number one choice of the three by far is Nikon. An FE, F3 are great choices that won't break the bank. Canon A1, AE-1/Program, and Minolta SRT-101 are all great, fun to use cameras. Also check out the fixed lens rangefinders like the Olympus DC (Great lens and dirt cheap!), Yashica Electro 35, Minolta HiMatic 7SII or Canon GIII QL17 although the last two are a little pricey. I've reviewed most of these on the channel. Cheers!
That would be a great mod. The M6 classic is supposed to be a very similar body. It is without a self timer because that's where Leica inserted the light meter circuitry. It may be possible to retrofit the M3 with an M6 classic meter. Maybe?
@@FilmPhotographyChannel i think i will bite the bullet and get a used Leica MP. probably the best of both worlds. i miss the rendering of the summicron and kind of regret selling my m6
Very thorough review with interesting facts which seem to be quite unknown even amongst Leica aficionados like the DoF feature in the rangefinder. Funny: You may be the only person who prefers the rewinding knob w/o the lever.
Lol, I really find it very well designed. It doesn't ratchet back if you release it as you're winding it and you can easily rewind it with gloves. That tiny little knob on most 35mm cameras almost always slips from my fingers when I'm winding, and when it does, inevitably you have to take up the slack again! I know that I'm "in the weeds" but I think it's a valid point.
That's so cool, I just got your subscription while I watch this video :-) Halfway through right now. Great work so far ... but the 1/2 second sounded more like a 1/8 ;-) So if it really was 1/2 it's way to fast ...
Maybe that's because sounds and feel get part of the experience shooting these cameras ;-) Every speed has got it's own signature sound that you know by heart.
I hate it to put a new film into the Leica M3. "Please, can anybody hold the bottom plate of my Leica?" "Do not drop the take up spool". "Is my new Kodak Tri-X in my left or right pocket?" "My frozen fingers can not fix the film into the slot". (The Olympus Pen 18x24 mm had a removable backbottom plate in the early Sixties?
I don’t disagree. I also tend to put the film leader upside down in the take up spool if I have to put anything down while I’m grabbing film etc. I find when I use it all the time I don’t have a problem. It’s more when I pick up the M3 after not having used it for a while that I have issues
It should be from $1500-$2200 for a single or double stroke body. The key is patience when it comes to eBay. You might find one with the lens included like I did if your lucky for a low price. I bought mine with the 50mm Summicron DR (dual range) for $1600. I think those days are over bu I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Leica at any price because it seems the sky is the limit for the value of these cameras.
Wow it's literally worth 30 times or more what you paid for it! Even if it needs a CLA, that's only $150 so still the deal of the century! Is it a single or double stroke?
That sounds like Lieca haven't really increased their prices over time.They are roughly the same price as modern Lieca's Wow. I wonder if Canon and Nikon have kept their prices the same over the years.
Lol, probably. I’ve yet to see a Leica bounce flash either. I’ve used my M6 in a “strobist” configuration meaning a remote trigger with two or three off-camera flashes. That’s another story altogether tho.
Most 24x36 mm rangefinder cameras with interchanable lenses had a shortest shutterspeed of 1/1000 sec. Made in Germany, Japan, England, France, U.S.A, Italy, U.S.S.R., Chna etc. Leica, Zeiss Contax, Canon, Yashica, Reid, Nikon, Kiev, Borletti etc. In Japan dozens of brands were making copies of the Leica. Some with the new and better 24 x 32 frame. That new format did not fit into the Kodachrome 24 x 36 carton frame. I do not like / cannot see the use of a selftimer in a professional camera. Selftimers are the Achilles heel of any camera/shutter.
The seldom used selftimer gets jammed over the years. The oil in the bearings has got too thick and will block the mechanism afer being started. This problem causes the next mechanical problem; the jamming of the shutter mechanism. Self timers should had been banned in leaf shutters and focal plane shutter. There is no need to make a selfie with a professional camera. Some "profs" making a long exposure from a tripod forget their cable release. They are saved by the self timer. In the Sixties Asahi Pentax had the low budget SP 1000; a Asahi Pentax SP 500 without a 1/1000 sec and selftimer Nikon made a low budget Nikormat FT; the NIkormat FS without TTL and selftimer and 20 % cheaper. I think it is a huge risk a waste to mount selftimer in the shutters of the Hasselblad 500 leafshutter Zeiss optics. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did not make a selfie on the moon.@@FilmPhotographyChannel
Great video, finally someone that explains all the good details without any youtuber nonsense. Keep them coming
This is the definitive M3 plus accessories video. I didn't know about the MR meter or the dual range feature of the lens. Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Finally got myself an M3 single stroke with a 50mm corn DR lens. Just play in the hand feels great. Ture piece of art!
So true. I remember the first time I picked up an M3. I couldn’t believe how much more solid it was when compared to the M6. Didn’t think it could be possible.
@@FilmPhotographyChannelI really enjoy watch your camera reviews.
Thanks so much. That’s so good to hear. 👍
A beautiful, elegant, thorough, and common sense, video on the M3. I have owned my M3 for 39 years, and you covered this so well and thoroughly. Now, I am going to load my M3 with HP5 and this week I will shoot the empty streets of Ottawa. If I am going to photograph the pandemic, this is certainly the most poetic way of doing it.
I agree 100%. Be safe and please post a link to your photos I would like very much to see them.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I shall do. And I am waiting for the right weather. I'll keep you posted, for sure. Thank you for the reply.
I have an M3, and this the clearest explanation of how it all works that I have seen.
Great video, many thanks. I took delivery of my M3 the other day and found this video really helpful. I can also attest to all the virtues of the M3 which you have mentioned. My M3 is from 1960 and I can't get my head around the fact that it is 63 years old. Everything works perfectly, everything is super smooth and the resistance on knobs and levers is spot on, as if it has not long left the factory. A remarkable piece of engineering and one hell of a pleasure to use.
Absolutely true. It’s a marvel of craftsmanship and engineering. It’s also very functional and easy to use after all of these decades!
Best Leica M3 review I ever watched. Thanks Eric !!
Thanks Hani! Please sub and share my channel. I'm new so I need all the help I can get!
My favorite Leica. No meters needed.
If you use the close focusing goggles, make sure you use an f5.6 or higher as depth of field can get wonky with wider aperatures.
Ralph Gibson used the m3 with goggles. For his black and white work.
When I first picked up a Leica I was amazed at the precision of the engineering. I thought that you had to handle one to really appreciate this point. Having watched your video the full class of the Leitz engineers is superbly demonstrated by your review. I am now figuring out what cameras/lenses I will need to sell to satisfy the quest for an M3 and Summicron!
Thanks very much. The M3 is an absolute joy to use. I'm sure you'll like it as much as I like mine.
Best Leica m3 tutorial of all time!! Bravo 👏
Thanks so much. I love the M3!
Thank you so much for this explanation of the Leica M3. I've just gotten one of these and I can hardly wait to begin using it.
It’s a great camera indeed. Solid, beautiful and easy to use. I absolutely love mine.
So very helpful! Thank you Eric. As a new owner of an M3 I found tidbits of information I would never have known, including the depth of field indicators in the focus patch and the film wind-up engineering.
I’m glad you found it useful.
Amazing video, one of the best I've seen regarding Leica M3's, plus I love the manner in which you incorporated the light meter & close-focus "googles". Great tidbits of information. The M3 is certainly a Leica on my "bucket list", and even more so now :)
Best film photography chanel
I got the M3 myself for a little while now and even though I already know everything important about it, I really enjoyed your video; just watched it for pure entertainment during lunch! ^^
Currently just looking for an affordable second lens..
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you found my video useful. I have a 90mm Tele Elmarit “skinny” lens, a 15 and 21mm Voigtlander, two 50mm Summicrons (a type IV and a DR) and finally a Zeiss 35mm Biogon-C. The reason I mention this is because I would recommend any of these as the best value in their category based on price vs performance/sharpness/color/coating etc. as far as Leica mount lens prices go, these lenses are all incredible for a “good” price.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Awesome, thanks for the recommendations! I think I would go for a 50mm because I don't have the goggles for the wider focal lengths. Though I would really like a 35mm len Of course its possible to use them anyway without them. Since you had praised the light meter so much, I took a look into it and am considering it now, but I will see what I actually do buy in the end. I had heard though that if you look into the viewfinder and ignore the 50mm lines and just take the viewfinder as a whole, that this would be kind of suited for 35mm; would you approve that?
I’ve heard the same things about using the outside area for a guesstimated 35mm lens field of view instead of the goggles. I’m sure you noticed that my goggles are used for close focusing with my 50mm DR “Dual Range”. The light meter was pretty amazing in how accurate it is for such an old and simple device. There’s also a shoe mounted meter that I saw on eBay which is smaller and has a digital display but I like that the Leicameter connects to the shutter speed dial.
Also if you want to see the 35mm Zeiss f2.8 Biogon-C in action follow this link to my Flickr. All film photos taken with my M6. Beautiful color, contrast, sharpness, etc. as good optically as a proper Leica with much cheaper build quality. www.flickr.com/search/?text=Biogon%20c&sort=relevance
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Oh right I mixed the goggles up with viewfinders you can buy additionally. Ive seen those cold shoe light meters too, its just that theyre all expensive. And the Leica one is expensive as well of course but I will have to see what I get or if I just stick to my phone meter and sunny 16. I will check out your Flickr now though, thanks for sharing!
The most complete thorough of leica film M3!
Thanks so much. Please share!
Hi,
I have watched your videos off and on, and your knowledge is excellent on cameras! Your explanations of camera gear is very sober and clear. I want to add a little tidbit on the video of Leica m3. Not knowing if true or not, I heard that when the camera was designed for the rewind know, it was made purposely to be rewound in a slow manner! The reason was if rewound to fast streaks of static electricity could appear on the film according to the environment you were in photographing! I just acquired one, and had an m3 many years ago and always regreted selling it. Now I have another, and this one stays with me!!
Thanks take care.
Paul Conway
The Leica M3 is a great companion! I haven’t heard about electrostatic charges affecting the film on a manually rewound camera but I have read that in the owners manual of my Nikon F3 as it pertains to auto rewind using the motor drive. I mention it in my video review of the F3. I guess it’s possible but hard to imagine that manually rewinding the camera would cause that to happen.
just got a M3 and waiting for its return after a CLA. video is really informative. thanks.
It’s such an enjoyable camera to use. I hope you like yours as much as I like mine. Thanks!
Best Leica M3 review ever. I'm primarily a digital shooter and you've made me want an M3!
That's amazing! Thanks so much.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel No, thank you. I appreciate the information. I'm a 50mm guy so the M3 is up my alley. My only hesitation was I'm not a Sunny 16 kind of guy. I need a light meter and your description of the camera and the meter has sold me. I'll be looking for an M3 now.
@@cjwillis6965 The M3 is a legendary camera because it's still so useable today. It's probably the best camera Leica has ever made. The good news is that the M3 isn't the most expensive Leica for sale on the used market. Remember to check if it's a DS (Double Stroke) or Single stroke film advance. I think it's a personal preference but you should know which it is up front. Good luck and happy shooting!
@@cjwillis6965 you don’t need a light meter. You just need to learn how to read light without a machine doing it for you.
Hi, thanks for responding. I appreciate your personal response. As I mentioned, I didn't know if it was true or not about the static!
I just wanted to share a note I heard about with a fellow Leica owner.
Thanks again.
Paul Conway
P.S. I really enjoy your videos!
This is the best review of the M3 on TH-cam! I can't wait to get myself an M2 at some point 🙂
Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
This is going to sound Sacrilegious almost. But I am realizing for what I want to shoot. Which is street and spur of the moment everyday. I am really enjoying this small Olympus point and shoot. Sometimes I would like a little more control and I am now seriously thinking about the Nikon 35mm TI. I have and shoot my Hasselblad 503 CW and Nikon F3hp all the time but a small easy to take with me camera sure is proving very nice to have. Here is something funny. It was my iPhone that got me interested in the point and shoot. Knowing I am taking so many really good photos with it. But wanting film and more resolution. So here I am my brother love your Channel you really do such a service educating us with these cameras.
Hi Terry, I’m glad to help film photo enthusiasts in any way I can! You are making true the old saying that the best camera is the one you have with you. I believe if Oskar Barnak we’re with us today he would probably use an iPhone from time to time. Also the compact point and shoot cameras with good lenses are great for street photography. I use my Rollei 35S pretty often. They’re so portable that people tend to take them more often than not.
Thank you so much for the detailed explanations and the extra tips, like the f16 and f5.6 notches in viewfinder, and the rewind knob workings ... very good tips.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you found it useful.
Thank you very much for this review. The best and simplest I have ever watched. Just like a M3.many times less is more.
My favorite M3 presentation. Logic and one can hear, that you know what you are talking about. THX!😀
Excellent video, nicely modulated. 29:05 Beware! Torn film sprocket holes! This is probably a test film, loaded and unloaded many times, but little flakes of film are Really Nasty to have sneaking around inside such a lovely (and complex) machine.
Great point about the potential danger of damage from torn bits of film inside a camera. Actually it is test film that had the sprocket holes damaged after too many film loading demos. Thanks!
Lovely presentation on the M3. Thank you!
Man This video makes me want to have an M3 now. and I just purchased a Rolleiflex 2.8F not long ago. Well done Sir.
The M3 is one of the more reasonably priced Leicas and it’s built like a Rolex!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel the price was reasonable not anymore!
So I just looked up my receipt dated June 27, 2018 for the purchase of the M3 in the video, Leica 50mm Summicron DR, Leicameter and leather case and strap. I bought the goggles later. I paid $1699.00 plus tax. I purchased the camera at my local camera store. It just arrived the same day of my visit. I just happened to notice it on the shelf. I negotiated $100 or so off of the price and it has gone waaaay up in value. The M3 single stroke body alone goes from $1000-$2200 now! The 50mm Summicron Dual Range is selling from $1100 to $1600! Like my other Leica purchases this combination has doubled in value.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Good investment for sure! All the Leica stuff hold really good value.
I’m just finding out that everything that I own that is Leica brand except for one lens has doubled in value. I don’t plan on selling anyway. My Nikon cameras have more than doubled also but they weren’t nearly as expensive as the Leica stuff.
I never knew about the depth of field indicator using the rangefinder patch. That is super cool !
That’s an “in the weeds” feature for sure. 😀
I own the M3 about 2 years know. This is the best review, i´ve ever seen. Congratz! I´ve learned 2 things: First thing 24:35. Incredible good. And second, that i can put now my film roll into my changing bag, without a tong. 28:57 Super! So thanks a lot man! Greetz
Wow thank you so much for your kind words. I work hard to bring information that you don’t see every day. Please subscribe and stay with me. Many thanks!
GREAT VIDEO! Just got one. Excited to start using.
Fantastic video. Thank you so much!
New M3 owner here and I appreciate the smaller details you talked about here like the focusing patch information and how the summicron 2 can be unscrewed for the visoflex. Very cool stuff.
Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful. The M3 is absolutely awesome.
Thank you. I just sold a M3 on eBay and the buyer wanted to know the serial number. The flash was hiding the serial number. With your video, I was able to see the serial number by removing the flash.
Good news!
Great breakdown for the newbie (and probably more experienced M3 shooter). I've been shooting my M3 for four months now and I'm learning a lot more about it from your video. Thank you again.
Good to know. Thanks for the feedback.
the leica m3 is truly an amazing camera
i own an m2 and it is one of my favourite cameras to shoot :D
thanks for sharing this great content with us,
really enjoyed watching this :D
I barrowed the Leica M3 from a friend for about a month and loved it! A single stroke and mint condition was given to her by her father who no long is alive. One of my favorite cameras I have had the chance to shoot with. Affordable to the 'hipsters' and those that have more money then I have for sure! Hahahaha! Great overview!
Thanks!
Really cool about the depth of field notches! I had no idea. When I was shopping around for a leica body I tried the m2 and saw those notches and thought it was so weird why they were there. They aren’t on the m6. Now I know. Thanks!
The notches were a “deep dive” into the instruction manual. These cameras are so simple that I imagine that most people don’t bother to read the instructions lol
Thanks for an excellent and thorough introduction to the M3. Love your videos. I do have a question about the MR light meter. How do you change the ASA? Mine won’t budge. The two discs will not move independently of one another.
have an M2, really like it-have since acquired the dual range summicron, voigtlander 50mm 3.5, and have since researched that the M3 would have been better coupled for the 50mm's in my bag, given the viewfinder in the 50mm is better suited to the M3, I'm gonna have to sell a couple of lenses to warrant my future M3 pursuits, Thanks great review
Just bought, after a long time pondering about it, I bought one, a 1962 made M3, plus an Elmar f2.8 / 50mm (my most expensive vintage camera, usually I buy cheaper cameras, about $100-150 models, but this is kind of the Shangri-la of rangefinder 35mm photography, so I have to buy one!
the Summicron will have to wait...
I fully agree. For what you pay, it seriously has anything and everything. I love using wides without an external viewfinder. I like how flash looks on a Leica or any camera, I don't uderstand not using flash if and when you want to on a leica. It's just another camera...that uses film like other film cameras. Hahah, not blasphemy. Just another way to use a little box. Great video. Great camera.
Very good video. Just the meat: information and design. No comedy routines. I have an M3 body and will get a lens soon... i have been shooting slrs forever. Been waiting for lens prices to drop but they went the other direction (ouch). The M Leica feels so natural in the hands. It feels right and the VF? Lovely. I am struggling w/a dim rf patch though and it seems the cure for this condition is not easy. Nor is finding another M3 these days. Since i am a 50mm guy, I agree w/ you: the M3 is it.
It’s an absolutely lovely camera. I’ve had good luck with Youxin Ye for my Leicas. He offers an MP viewfinder upgrade that improves the contrast in the rangefinder patch and a coated viewfinder (the coated finder may have been for the M6 since the M3 viewfinder is already pretty good). I plan to have my M3 for life so I didn’t mind splurging a little. I really recommend the 50mm Summicron DR (dual range). It’s a beautiful lens and one of the least expensive Leica 50mm. Enjoy!
Cant afford an m3. Not yet! But great video. Nikon 55mm 2.8 micro is a legend and still reasonably priced.
Great video man, very well informed information. It’s a shame you haven’t received more likes. A pleasure to watch, thank you. Your white balance shift at the end was a bit crazy but I’m sure your aware of it.
Thanks so much. I actually just started the channel so the Likes will come. Thanks for tuning in!
Film Photography Channel your welcome. I wasn’t aware of that but it now makes sense after seeing the date you posted. All the best with your Channel.
Top M3 review on the internet bar none !
Thanks so much! Please share it!
Great video and very informative - the best review I've seen and I've seen a lot. I have the double-stroke M3. When I rewinding the film, if I take my hand off of the rewind knob, it will spring back some, unlike the single stroke. Apparently, the company improved that feature with the single stroke. I love this video - do keep them coming. I'm now a subscriber. Happy Shooting!
Thanks so much for watching. I didn’t know that about the double stroke. Thanks for sharing.
I just got my M3 an hour ago with the light meter. It's a double stroke and has a few differences from yours. For example, I can't preview what a 90mm would look like by use of a switch. I need to put on a 90mm lens. Also my rewind nob only has one red dot. Great video though, most informative one I found so far on the m3.
Thanks a lot and congrats. The M3 is special.
Sir: You are correct ; the M3 is a better camera than the newer one's and I do not mind the film spool , I think it is a better way to load. Chris
Great review - thanks!
Leica M3 .... as good as it gets. I just bought a 1965 single stroke version. It's time to shoot some film !
Absolutely! It’s a functional masterpiece. So intuitive and easy to use. Have fun!
Excellent Review. Well done mate.
Happy to find your channel.
New to photography. Very helpful knowledge. Thanks.
All the best.
Thanks for the kind words and the visit to my channel! Please sub; there's more to come!
Thanks for this great video Eric - best instructional video on the M3 I have seen (I could say this about a few of your videos). Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much. Pls share!
Thank you so much for such an in depth video. Helped me decide on an M3.
The M3 is so finely crafted. It’s “mechanical perfection”
I love your videos, they are amazing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks so much!
Yep. We always had fun back in the day discussing what cam overall took the most photos. We pretty much agreed that as none of our family, friends or relatives had money it was probably something like a c3 for 35mm. Prob a Brownie Hawkeye though might might be the real winner. Wonderful vid. I did not know about that lens & the viso connection. Thanks.
wow your m3 is so shiny and new, true collector's camera!
Thanks! I bought it at a relative bargain from my local camera shop. The original owner sold it to them the same day that I walked in. He obviously cared for it very well. If memory serves, I paid them around $800 for the camera, case and 50mm Summicron lens. I bought the Leicameter separate for $140.
Film Photography Channel that’s really good deal! I’m struggling to find a good deal on m2s (good condition under1000), leave alone m3s. They really sky rocketed in price these days. Nice video btw.
Nice, brought up a few things which I was not aware of about my own M3. Thank You.
No problem. Thanks for tuning in!
Great explanation; I learned a few items, thanks; keep it up!!!!
That’s a beautiful camera and great review, thanks for sharing
Thanks so much and thanks for watching.
Thank you for your video, as I too still have my Rangefinders, have 2 Canon's Canon 7, and a Canon VT Deluxe 1956 in which that is my age, and my Pride and joy Contax IIIa. I get a lot of turn heads when I use my Canon, and Contax in Japan. Yes rewinding the film is a bit slow on the Contax, and the VT, but their are my babies, I use my Dad's Contax when I was in high school, his was a IIA.
Those are all classic and beautiful cameras! Thanks for stopping by (please subscribe?). Thanks
Wonderful overview. Thank you.
Excellent instruction. Have just received what I think is this exact Leica M3 model (serial no 98x,xxx) and Summicron DR lens, but not the goggle attachment you show. It has a hot shoe attached Leica meter MC. My late father bought it new, in the late 1950s though we are not sure exactly when. I haven’t done film photography in 35+ yrs (and learned on SLR) but this camera is amazing. Question: will the close-up feature of the lens work without the goggle attachment? I can certainly move it past the stop the way you showed
Hi, the DR lens has a small spring loaded ball bearing on top that is pushed in by the goggles thus releasing the focus ring into the close focus range. Click on this link 15:10 to see me explain it in the video. Thanks
hey that's like the dual range summicron- got one also- I was amazed how close you can get with the goggles- do you do any close focus stuff?
Yep, here's a link. This lens is ridiculously sharp! flic.kr/s/aHsmm1sbUK
I've got an M3, i love it, mine is from 1957. Only one thing that i don't like about it is the whole viewfinder has yellowed.
I've tried an M2 once, and the viewfinder comparing to the M3 was clear as crystal...
You can get the viewfinder serviced at YYE Camera. I’ve had 4 Leicas CLA’d by him over the years. He even upgraded the viewfinders in my cameras to the MP version. YYeCAMERA.com just a suggestion. There are plenty of service people out there.
😮
@@FilmPhotographyChannel you mean YYE upgraded your M3 viewfinder too? I though M3 wviewfinder doesn't have flare like M6 does
Me Ye added coated viewfinder glass that has better contrast. It’s absolutely beautiful to look through. He also did a cla, masked off the 75mm & 135mm frame lines and replaced the “leather”. He does great work. He cla’d a collapsible lens and fixed my M6 focus mechanism.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I know M3's viewfinder could have some issue deal to the age. So your M3's viewfinder is only for 50mm now?
Great review, thank you! I always wanted to know how the meter works.
Great video!
It is not only an amazing camera, it is also the most beautiful.
I bought mine at Meister camera in Hamburg in 2010 for 600€. I invest further 500€ in an overhaul. And have a perfect tool now. Still works perfect and my Leicameter too...
Very well done! I newer saw or read a better review of the Leica M3 👍🏻
Thanks so much!
Im considering the M3 for my first film camera since 50mm is my go to, but I've recently learned that the M3 doesn't focus closer than 1 meter and my 50mm Voigtlander range is 0.7 meters, so my question is - what happens if I go over the 1 meter setting on my lens while using the M3, is there anything I should keep in mind or worry about?
Not a huge difference between 1 meter and .7 meters but if that’s a dealbreaker I understand. I have the close focus DR dual range that focuses to about 15 in and is as sharp as they get. It’s incredible.
Great video. I subscribed .
Thanks!
In Europe the Leicas had Metz and Braun flashes.
Like the Hasselblad 500C had.
An education like all your videos. Thanks.
Aww, Thanks so much. I do what I can.
It's a tough call for me between the M3 and the new MP. I guess it would come down to which lens I was shooting with. M3 --> 50mm and MP ---> 28mm/35mm. MP has a built in highly accurate meter too.
I am really liking the 50mm but I'm thinking about going out with the Zeiss ZM 35mm f2.8 Biogon-C (C for compact). It's an appropriate (Leica) sized lens that is sharp as a tack and has great, contrast and detail. You know that you can use the 35mm on the M3 and just "estimate" the framing. There's not a huge difference between the 35 and 50mm coverage when it comes to composition. It's not ideal but I really prefer the higher magnification viewfinder of the M3.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel This is the best viewfinder on Leica M cameras, especially if you work with a 50mm. It is so clear in your eye and your mind ! Nothing can beat this with a rangefinder (for the moment). Very good review, you said all that we need to know about this M3. (sorry for my english, I'm french !)
@@xavierubeda1867 Thanks so much for your kind words. I think the 50mm Summicron is the most flexible since it can be used for portraits as well as street photography. It gives a more intimate perspective than a wide angle since it can isolate the background (bokeh). Of course I use wide angles as well, but I tend to use the ultra wides like the Voigtlander 21mm & 15mm's not so much the 28mm.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I cannot agree more, the Summicron 50 mm is very good on this M3. I prefer the v4 which is as good as the v5 and have a very good tab. The style is up to each photographer :D The 50mm is a very specific lens, probably harder to work with than a 35 but it really is close to "what we see". It deserves photographers to work with it.
@@xavierubeda1867 You should go out for an afternoon with only one lens whether it's the 50mm,. 28, 35, etc. Force yourself to use only one lens. You'll learn a lot about your own personal photographic style. It's a great exercise!
Nice informative video. Personally, I went with the M2 because I wear glasses and want to be able to see the framelines, but if that's not an issue, the M3 is perfect.
Thanks so much. The M2 is a great choice also. Love those Leica’s!
Do you recommend M6 TTL or new MP?
If money is no object I would get the MP. If you get an M6 I recommend the classic (I don’t like the larger plastic shutter speed dial on the TTL) but stay away from the ones with the “Leitz” red dot since the meter won’t time out once the shutter is cocked and not in Bulb. Goodbye batteries! Also consider the MP’s black paint shows fingerprints and is heavier than the M6 because of its brass plates. It has a great solid feel of the M3 as well as the all metal film advance and thumb wheel film rewind knob which I kinda like too. The black chrome and lighter weight of the M6 is kinda cool over the shiny paint of the MP. If I’m thinking practically I would save 2 grand and get the M6 with a summicron for the same price as the MP. At the end of the day both cameras have the same capability so it comes down to aesthetics, personal preference and history.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel very helpful and which colour MP new would you go for?
@@FilmPhotographyChannel which colour mP do you like black or chrome?
You have so many beautiful cameras Sir! I kinda want to start my own channel with my own SLR collection. I’ve been told to steer clear of Leicas, that is if I want don’t want to drain my bank account. Ha
That's very true as they are not cheap. I would recommend classic Nikon's, Minolta's or Canon's since they are really reliable, fun to use and don't cost nearly as much as Leica's do. My number one choice of the three by far is Nikon. An FE, F3 are great choices that won't break the bank. Canon A1, AE-1/Program, and Minolta SRT-101 are all great, fun to use cameras. Also check out the fixed lens rangefinders like the Olympus DC (Great lens and dirt cheap!), Yashica Electro 35, Minolta HiMatic 7SII or Canon GIII QL17 although the last two are a little pricey. I've reviewed most of these on the channel. Cheers!
would be so cool if someone would offer a mod for an internal light meter for the m3
That would be a great mod. The M6 classic is supposed to be a very similar body. It is without a self timer because that's where Leica inserted the light meter circuitry. It may be possible to retrofit the M3 with an M6 classic meter. Maybe?
@@FilmPhotographyChannel i think i will bite the bullet and get a used Leica MP. probably the best of both worlds. i miss the rendering of the summicron and kind of regret selling my m6
Very thorough review with interesting facts which seem to be quite unknown even amongst Leica aficionados like the DoF feature in the rangefinder.
Funny: You may be the only person who prefers the rewinding knob w/o the lever.
Lol, I really find it very well designed. It doesn't ratchet back if you release it as you're winding it and you can easily rewind it with gloves. That tiny little knob on most 35mm cameras almost always slips from my fingers when I'm winding, and when it does, inevitably you have to take up the slack again! I know that I'm "in the weeds" but I think it's a valid point.
Unfortunately to expensive for me. :D But a very smooth and fascinating Camera.
very good
That's so cool, I just got your subscription while I watch this video :-) Halfway through right now. Great work so far ... but the 1/2 second sounded more like a 1/8 ;-) So if it really was 1/2 it's way to fast ...
Your absolutely right! I noticed as I was editing the video. You have a well-tuned ear my friend. lol
Maybe that's because sounds and feel get part of the experience shooting these cameras ;-) Every speed has got it's own signature sound that you know by heart.
I hate it to put a new film into the Leica M3.
"Please, can anybody hold the bottom plate of my Leica?"
"Do not drop the take up spool".
"Is my new Kodak Tri-X in my left or right pocket?"
"My frozen fingers can not fix the film into the slot".
(The Olympus Pen 18x24 mm had a removable backbottom plate in the early Sixties?
I don’t disagree. I also tend to put the film leader upside down in the take up spool if I have to put anything down while I’m grabbing film etc. I find when I use it all the time I don’t have a problem. It’s more when I pick up the M3 after not having used it for a while that I have issues
Wow you've got a very mint m3
The red dot on lightmeter is for Flash
How much should be paying for a Leica M3 in good condition these days?
It should be from $1500-$2200 for a single or double stroke body. The key is patience when it comes to eBay. You might find one with the lens included like I did if your lucky for a low price. I bought mine with the 50mm Summicron DR (dual range) for $1600. I think those days are over bu I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Leica at any price because it seems the sky is the limit for the value of these cameras.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you. I won a eBay Auction on M3 Double stroke that was CLA . $1,400. Just need a good lens.
LOL, and look at the prices of Leicas now, particularly the new digital Leicas , which are not a patch on the older ones like M3 & M2.
Try a Contax ii
Counting inflation, it was reasonably priced unlike the m10 today 😆
Great video but could you please turn up your mic.
I bought my M3 in 1966.
Why is everybody geittng mad seeing a M3?
I didn’t realize anyone was mad at M3’s.
hi, why do you say no one uses flash on a leica?
That’s been my experience. Do you use flash on a Leica?
@@FilmPhotographyChannel not yet but i'm considering.
so how do you manage for low light?
The low audio level on this review make it impossible to me to get it :( Love your reviews, tho.
I’ve heard many times. Unfortunately, TH-cam won’t allow audio fixes after posting.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I will connect my USB Audio adapter maybe that would allow me to blast some noise out of TH-cam, thank you ;)
Finally got the audio right, I've enjoyed your review as usual. Thank you again :)
The 1950s called and they want their film transport mechanism back.
I found one of these at Goodwill for $35 recently.
Wow it's literally worth 30 times or more what you paid for it! Even if it needs a CLA, that's only $150 so still the deal of the century! Is it a single or double stroke?
That sounds like Lieca haven't really increased their prices over time.They are roughly the same price as modern Lieca's Wow. I wonder if Canon and Nikon have kept their prices the same over the years.
There are different factors that affect the prices. My M6 is worth $800 more than what I paid for it 10 years ago.
The M3 is nice, but the frame lines on the M2 are more versatile.
Also true of the M6. I like the simplicity of the M3 viewfinder. It’s not a “do it all” type of camera but it’s perfect with a 50, 75 and 90mm lense
I use flash on a leica. Bruce gilden uses flash on a leica. A lot of people use flash on a leica.
I’ve used three off camera flashes with remote triggers on my M6. I wasn’t making a literal statement.
Why don’t people use flashes on Leica’s? Is it because Leica flashes as so bad?
Lol, probably. I’ve yet to see a Leica bounce flash either. I’ve used my M6 in a “strobist” configuration meaning a remote trigger with two or three off-camera flashes. That’s another story altogether tho.
3 papers in 1958 was really a lot of money . So M3 literally keeps its value.
Most 24x36 mm rangefinder cameras with interchanable lenses
had a shortest shutterspeed of 1/1000 sec.
Made in Germany, Japan, England, France, U.S.A, Italy, U.S.S.R., Chna etc.
Leica, Zeiss Contax, Canon, Yashica, Reid, Nikon, Kiev, Borletti etc.
In Japan dozens of brands were making copies of the Leica.
Some with the new and better 24 x 32 frame.
That new format did not fit into the Kodachrome 24 x 36 carton frame.
I do not like / cannot see the use of a selftimer in a professional camera.
Selftimers are the Achilles heel of any camera/shutter.
Interesting. Why is the self timer a problem?
The seldom used selftimer gets jammed over the years.
The oil in the bearings has got too thick and will block
the mechanism afer being started. This problem causes
the next mechanical problem; the jamming of the shutter
mechanism.
Self timers should had been banned in leaf shutters and
focal plane shutter.
There is no need to make a selfie with a professional camera.
Some "profs" making a long exposure from a tripod forget
their cable release. They are saved by the self timer.
In the Sixties Asahi Pentax had the low budget SP 1000;
a Asahi Pentax SP 500 without a 1/1000 sec and selftimer
Nikon made a low budget Nikormat FT; the NIkormat FS
without TTL and selftimer and 20 % cheaper.
I think it is a huge risk a waste to mount selftimer in the
shutters of the Hasselblad 500 leafshutter Zeiss optics.
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did not make a selfie on the moon.@@FilmPhotographyChannel