[Leica] Where is your M3 Diploma?

[Afterswift@aol.com]

Dante,

One lesson I've learned about a Leica M3 is that I don't fool with it. I 
don't modify it. I don't have other people play games with it. I use it as 
the camera was intended. I only have it maintained by Leica specialists.  

You will find loading the M3 time consuming. But for that you have almost 
ultimate precision. You don't load an M3 in the middle of shooting a 
basketball game. Always have another camera with you.

If you bought the MR meter with the M3, beware that the index dial has a 
habit of moving off the right ISO number. I don't know why. It is firm. But 
somehow it does rotate over time; so always check it before you use it. The 
M3 flash outlet is a real pain in the neck. You must use a PC adapter with 
it, which most stores sell. But contact isn't always a sure thing.

The M3 is a typical Leica in that it goes its own way. Play by its rules and 
you'll eventually learn to enjoy using it. But if you try to modify it, as 
you seem hell bent to do, I suggest you trade it in for a Nikon or Canon or 
whatever is considered a normal camera before you come to grief. Cross an M3 
with your glibness and it will kick you in the shins and eat you for lunch. 
In short, it will make your life miserable. 

It just struck me that not everyone can own a Leica M. And it isn't the money 
that self-selects an M3 type. He's a soldier who likes to do things the 
straight and narrow and meticulous way. This is the kind of individual who 
takes the time to do things the Leica way. He's a subset of the Leica 
personality. He is the ultimate Leica user. I figure that more than 50% of M3 
owners don't use them. Another 25% forgot where they put their M3s. It all 
boils down to about 10% who are really dedicated M3 addicts. I'm one of them; 
but I have my off days when I opt for my CL or a Nikon FM. 

The way you talk makes me think that you're not in the M3 class. Not every 
man who writes a check to a flying instructor belongs in the cockpit. The 
plane gets mad at him. An M3 isn't a horse; but sure as hell it knows how and 
where to kick a man when he's down. 

br