Completing my move back into shooting film is my acquisition of a Leica M3.
I’m revisiting an old friend, in that I’ve owned two of these previously (a couple of examples of my previous output with the M3 can be seen here and here) .
This one is from 1963, and it still has the “L” seal intact — which means it has never been opened to be serviced since leaving the factory in 1963.
How well does this 50+ year old camera fare?
Here is a test shot from today (focus is on the angels):
↑Leica M3, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH @ f/1.4, and Kodak Tri-X 400.
–
The focus is spot-on, and most of the shutter speeds are working perfectly.
Now, do I get it serviced to get the last ounce of performance out of it, or do I leave it untouched (with the L seal intact)?
Hmmm…
—Peter.
Prosophos 
Congrats Peter. Happy to see you migrating back to film.
Thanks Dominic. Sold my back-up M9 to get this, the Mamiya RZ67, and the Plustek 120… and a boatload of film. I’m either very serious or insane.
Probably a bit of both. 🙂
No argument from me.
Love it.
(Such a fun coincidence! I posted some tri-x exposures from my M3 on my blog today)
>
Hilarious.
I just had a look and, sure enough, you have M3 shots posted. I’m sentimental for the slice-of-life images you and Mark E produce, so keep them coming, because they look great on film.
If I may, I wouldn’t worry keeping the M3 intact. Cameras are made to be used in perfect conditions (in your hands, brilliantly used).
Yes, I agree. It’s just, I don’t want to part with it right now… even for servicing.
If you feel the need to have it serviced…and I wouldn’t recommend it until the camera starts to disappoint or surprise you…I would be delighted to overnight you one of mine…newly serviced and performing brilliantly. You could use it until yours comes back from servicing. It would be my pleasure….and a public service…to do so. Your original posts on processing black and white film? They finally inspired/invited me to do it. I had been studying the issue to death. I read your post long ago and just did it…and have been doing it regularly ever since. I am grateful and would be happy to repay the favor with a loaner if that eases your mind. Follow and feed this new found joy….resist the temptations that doubt and hesitation present to derail you. Your talents are endless. but life is short. Keep shooting.
That’s so very generous of you, on so many levels.
I think I indeed may refrain from servicing it “until the camera starts to disappoint or surprise” me.
Thank you so much for the offer and kind words though.
Send the camera to Gerry Smith at Kindermann Canada in Markham, you won’t be disappointed!
Yes, if I was going to send it anywhere, I would send it to Gerry.
I look forward to your experiments with the M3. It was my first Leica at age 17. It has been imitated by Leica but never equalled.
“It has been imitated by Leica but never equaled.”
…So true.
Really….mmm…I thought you might have gone for the new Sigma Quattro…;-)
Oh yes, I think that Sigma is doing some interesting things. If Sigma has (finally) executed well on the camera operation side of things, then this will be the DP to own.
Still, I’m kind of off the e-camera (my term) upgrade path right now…
Yes I am yawning more and more with each new release unfortunately. Nothing at all against any particular type of digital camera…it’s just the sheer number of upgrades coming out. I’m actually not sure what is being “upgraded” anymore!!
Love it. Film just looks sooo good. I would get the camera serviced if I were you. May be more expensive in the long run to fix if not… Will need a re-lube after all these years surely.
Interestingly, the thing is working smoothly… amazing really.
The M3s are fabulous cameras. Mine is butter smooth and works like it was made yesterday.
Are you planning on shooting colour films with it?