Re: [Leica] Leica M3 cameras

["Marshall C. Hunt Jr" <huntmc2@fuse.net>]

The leader does not have to be cut at all for M3 or M2 with the stock
spool--either the commercial film trim, or a square cut on the end is usable.
There are three rewind knobs, the last model has two red dots on the knob, and
is the strongest.  I didn't like the "quick load" or the rewind extension. The
glass pressure plate gave problems with static electricity marking on the film
when it was rewound in dry conditions. Never heard of one breaking.

Gary and Dawn Klein wrote:

> I do have a question about M3 cameras as I am not as well versed about these
> compared the M4-M6 range.  Can a quick load spool be installed?  I
> understand they load much like the IIIf did.  I recall loading a IIIf with
> sucess in high school, but not sure if I want to deal with that should I buy
> an M3.  If I recall correctly, the leader had to be exactly 3 inches long or
> it wouldn't load correctly.
>
> Is there in all reality a huge difference between the M3 earlier cameras vs
> the later models for reliability.  Can any of you steer me what to look for
> when searching out a good user.   I will be searching out a user camera in
> good shape.  Could someone steer me in the right direction.  When I say
> user, I mean a camera can have paint wear, but no major dings that would
> cause usability problems. I want the M3 to be the camera where I have a 50mm
> planted on it at all times, leaving the wide work for my M4-2.  I notice
> that some guys have these funny little rewind knob levers on their M3
> cameras instead of the round knob which does slow down rewinding.  Are those
> still available?  It wouldn't be the end of the world if I couldn't get
> that, but I would like to know.  I realize that if I get one of these Leica
> Icons, its going to be from 33 to 45 years old.
>
> Is there any concern for the glass pressure plate models?  Has anyone had
> the misfortune of it breaking?  Or is that one of those convert it to metal
> type retrofit projects.
>
> Last but not least has anyone dealt with Jimmy Kuehl.  If so were you
> treated fairly and was gear rated properly.
>
> Thanks
>
> gck