Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/01/03

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Subject: Re: [Leica] E bay Vendors - M3 restoration
From: Hans-Peter.Lammerich@t-online.de
Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2001 13:31:38 +0100
References: <200101030801.AAA02174@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>

I have one of these, but the restoration (1999) was made by an
independent repairman. The starting point was a banged-up M3 I purchased
cheap from a press photographer. But I asked my repairman before I made
the purchase. Initially I only wanted a "technical" CLA, but then I got
the "full programme": The vulcanite was replaced by M6 style vinyl, the
bottom plate lacks the "auf/zu" or "open/close" engraving, the back door
has the M3 style film reminder, but is black anodized instead of black
paint, the cap/screw on the self timer lever lacks the two tiny holes.
Collars on eyepiece, pc connectors, stutter release were replaced. There
are new strap lugs, a new bayonette and shutter release button. In
general, all parts with nicks or scratches were replaced. I think this
what get if you ask Leica in Solms for a restoration.

The resulting product is weird: technically and cosmetically frightfully
perfect and essentially like new. So I wouldn't take it on a desert
hike. But a picky collector would not like the replacement parts.
However, I (which should be the reference) enjoy it and the total cost
(don't ask) were below dealer prices for M3s in lesser condition.

When I talked to my repairman last year, he indeed confirmed that
essential spares, e.g. M3 rangefinder and top plate, are no longer
available from Leica. So I assume my M3 is one of the last ones. At a
local camera exchange I saw some M3/M2 top plates, without serial
numbers, offered for DM 800. Didn't go.

My conclusion and recommendation? Buy a filthy, cheap user M3 and take
it to a trustworty repair(wo)man. Don't mind evenly fogged, out-of-wack
rangefinder or whining shutter speeds, but avoid Ms with damaged shutter
curtains, spots or strange reflections in the rangefinder which may
require expensive or unavailable spareparts. Purchasing minty
collectibles from ebay I find risky. Non-expert sellers sometimes have
sentimentally biased opinions and minor defects or deviations from the
original condition matter a lot. And the price level might justify more
serious fraud.

Hans-Peter