[Leica] Re: Where is your M3 Diploma?

[Dante A Stella <dante@umich.edu>]

BR:

Other than the close-focus limit (not important with telephotos but not a major
repair from the discussions on this group), I don't see why I would be
"hell-bent" on modifying it.  And it is just a machine.  Nothing more, and
except for the user's negligence, it has no capabilities to "kick you while you
are down."  It's just a camera.

Thanks for the PC socket advice.  I took care of that when I got it.

Dante

Afterswift@aol.com wrote:

> 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
>
>

- --
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dante Stella
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~dante