Leica M3

Guest · Jan 17, 2003

Mark;

I'm the owner of a regularly serviced M3 that I enjoy using, even over M6TTL. The clean viewfinder & the reflection-free rangefinder patch is what I enjoy most over the M6.

However, if 35mm is one of your favourite focal lengths, then I'd have to say, forget the M3. The M3 is really great for 50mm, and of course it works just fine with a 24mm (cuz you need an accessory viewfinder regardless). But being able to carry just a 35mm lens & body without an accessory finder (or worse, the older 35mm lenses with "goggles") is really compact.

If 35mm is your focal length, go with an M6 0.72x or M6TTL 0.72x or 0.58x. The M6 with 0.85x finder makes it a bit difficult to see the 35mm framelines.

Guest · Jan 17, 2003

Or spend less money and go down the M2 route - you might not get much of a view outside the 35mm frame, but you get searchlight bright framelines and rangefinder patch without irritating flare. AND you get the bonus of the DoF indicators for the 50mm lens. Totally different experience to the M's from 4-P onwards.

Guest · Jan 18, 2003

Good point, Andy. And if anything, the M2 has an even cleaner looking finder than the M3. The 50mm frame lines on the M3 are constant, even when using the 90 or 135mm. On the M2, you get the 35, 50 & 90mm by themselves.

I have DoF indicators in my M3, which I think is present on later M3 production models.

Mark - one thing I forgot to mention is that yellowish rangefinder patches can be cleaned & brightened by a good Leica service person. I had this service done recently to my M3.

Guest · Jan 18, 2003

Can anybody help me with this? : I inhereted a couple of M3 from my father but I am lacking the M3 User manual.Does naybosy know where I can find any? No photo shop has been able to help me and there is no info on the Leica website. Are there any books that have info that I could but? Jan

Guest · Jan 18, 2003

Try http://www.photobooksonline.com/books/userbk10.html
They have either the originals or copies for sale of practically any model Leitz/Leica sold.

Enjoy

Guest · Jan 18, 2003

Jan - I have one that I won't be using since selling my M3. If interested in purchasing let me know off list

ernie nitka enitka@twcny.rr.com

Guest · Jan 18, 2003

@Jan van den Assem.
Original manuals are frequently on auction at www.ebay.de.
Or ask Photo Van Puffelen in The Hague, NL or Photo Lindeman in Germany.
I have seen manuals for different cameras at photo "fairs". Visit Fotografica-beurs in Houten (near Utrecht) coming March.
Voor uitgebreidere informatie: stuur mij maar een email.
Giap Tan

Guest · Jan 18, 2003

> Jan, there are a number of sites, some allowing free downloads, dealing with camera manuals. Key in 'Camera Manuals' and search. I found several using Google. Mike

Guest · Jan 18, 2003

Any of the Hardback Leica manuals after 1955 have the M3 how to use chapters. You have often find the manuals on Ebay for less than $10.00. Plus the manuals have all sorts of Leica how to use info.

Also, the Japanese Leica magazines found on Ebay contain color copies of original Leica manuals. One I got on the M3-M2 had a M3 manual in it. Too cool!

Chris

Guest · Jan 19, 2003

>Does naybosy know > where I > can find any? No photo shop has been able to help me and there > is no info on the Leica website. Are there any books that have info that I could but? Jan ================================================================= There have been many excellent books about using a Leica. Check with Ebay "Leica manuals", and "Leica Books". You may also check with Amazon.com and other similar sites.

You would also do well to by the pocket books and Mr. Putts'

Compendium to learn more about the different cameras ande lenses.