I know!!!! I got to use a Leica M3!!! I was slightly excited. What better camera to talk about for the 200th camera post.
Someone I know has a few Leicas and let me choose one to play with on a short walk. He even provided the film.
I only had my phone with me to take the camera shots, it doesn’t matter, it always looks good. This version was a one-stroke version which he has had CLA’d. Using the focusing mechanism was as smooth as a knife through butter. The viewfinder was the brightest one I have ever seen. The second image was really clear. I have serious camera envy. I almost feel like selling all my cameras and getting just this one. In return for me using this camera I gave him my Leica III with the Canon 1.4 lens to use.
When I pressed the shutter I asked if that was it, did it work? It was so quiet I was unsure if I had pressed the shutter hard enough. I agree with all the good things that Mr. Rockwell said in his review. This website also talks about the bright viewfinder. Seriously, it made using my Leica like looking into a cave with only a candle while wearing sunglasses. If you need any more details, here is the ultimate M3 review, honestly that is the title. Though I want one desperately now, I am not going to do what Hamish did and buy one while tipsy. I have a habit of doing things like that.
The walk our group did was far too short. I think we all finished one film. I used a Fuji Acros 100. Here are my test shots, with permission from the parents to post the children’s photos.
I love this camera. I love the smoothness of the lens movement, shutter movement, and winder movement. Now, how do I get one for myself? Wait, what about the photos from my Leica that my friend used.
Hey, not bad at all…maybe I just need to stop playing with cameras, get the Leica CLA’d and use that more often.
As for the M3, keep or sell: I had to give it back 🙁
BUT 200th camera reviewed!!!!!
I’ve always fancied the M4; the only time I used an M3 (not mine) I found loading just too fiddly for me though no doubt if I was lucky enough to own one I’d get used to it. I also prefer the rewind crank though I understand it’s more fragile but I’m not keen that the advance is plastic. However, the most important reason is that a 35mm lens is my favourite. If I won the Lotto it would be the M4 I’d go for. But of course if an M3 fell into my lap …
I think the friend had an M4, M6, and the digital. He has an amazing collection. The M3 I tried had the 35mm lens. I would be happy with any of the Ms.
By the way, congratulations on the 200th. That’s quite an achievement! Nothing to do with cameras, or photography (yet), but you might be interested in grumpytyke’s latest post:
https://wp.me/pkm0h-1QT
Don’t know why I didn’t see your blog sooner! 🙂 I bought an M3 about a month and a half ago. I’ll be writing my own review and thoughts this week. It really is a fantastic camera. Congrats on your 200th post!
Yes, I almost feel like selling all the ones I kept to get one…almost.
Congrats on 200 camera reviews! Of course I have to ask, aside from the M3 here, which are your top ten favourites from those 200?
That’s a good question. I will think about it and maybe make a new post.
Look forward to it! I know when I used to shoot a lot of different cameras I got more picky over time as I started to see what was out there, and it became easier to dismiss new “contenders” as I had yardsticks in place.