Found a camera in my grandpas old belongings

MNS

MNS

Active member
Hey, I'm hoping some people on here can give me some info/advice. I found this old leather bag today in some of my grandpas old stuff. My dad said I could have it.

Inside was a camera called a Leica M3, tripod, some lenses, instructional manual, etc. grandpa died at 100 yrs old about 2 months ago, so he was around long enough to buy this while he was in Europe during WWII (my dad says that's where he got It)

Does anyone know anything about this camera? I know NOTHING about photography but was considering getting some film and reading about the adjustable settings and testing this old thing out. Any ideas of what type of film it'd use and where to get it for a fair price. Or any accesories I may need to go with it?

Any advice is appreciated.
 
I have eternal envy towards anyone that finds anything nicer then a Nikon F in the belongings of their dearly departed.

That said, still happy for you.

And as the rest said: pics, pics, pics.
 
I have eternal envy towards anyone that finds anything nicer then a Nikon F in the belongings of their dearly departed.

That said, still happy for you.

And as the rest said: pics, pics, pics.
 
You own what is arguably one of the greatest cameras ever made. What numbers are written on the lenses you have? You've potentially stumbled upon some really valuable stuff.
 
I think it's worth mentioning that undoubtably everyone posting in this thread has been dreaming of this happinging to them. Condider yourself one lucky son of a bastard ;)
 
I think it was black. I only looked at it for a second. I couldn't really get a glimpse of the whole camera cause it had this stubborn leather case on it. that wouldn't detach from the bottom part.

Anyways, I get off work in about 4hrs. then i'll head home and get some pics up for you media wizards
 
Yeps thats the serial, it's a 1954 double stroke model, number 3657 from the first batch, they didn't record exact dates that early. I assume it has been sitting around for a while, so the grease inside is probably dry, will need a full cla before it can be trusted and used if you intend to use it. Nothing special about this exact one in particular, and pre million serials a less desirable as most do not have the updates unless they were sent back to leitz.
 
I appreciate it, but it holds sentimental value and I'd like to get some film and test it out
 
Using it without having it checked out could potentially be harmful to the internals. M's are built like a fine watch, they need to be used and wound or they deteriorate and will need service.
 
this is funny because i literally have the exact same story. Grandpa told me he had a leica somewhere in storage that he purchased in germany back in the 50s/60s, but we would have to wait a few months to find it cuz they were packing and moving. 10 months later he pulls out a Leica M3.

701611.jpeg

The finder needed a whole lotta work and so I sent it to that guy ^ Youxin Ye. He's awesome, best prices, fast communication and he only does the work after he tells you what the camera needs and you give the ok. Got the cam back in 3 weeks and it worked and looked like it was new.

If you have the funds, I would highly suggest putting the needed repairs into it and learn to use it. They dont call it the gadget of the 20th century for nothing. It really is incredible, and being able to use something so sentimental is waaaay cooler than putting it on the shelf for the next 50 years.
 
Thanks for t afvice I'll send it in to that guy once I get some cash, roughly how much was it for the maintenance? I know our prices may differ, just curious.
 
Youxin has all his prices listed on his site, you are looking for the normal M3 CLA, just remember those do not include cost of replacement parts if any are needed.
 
oh and it would be worth shooting an email the Sherry over at the golden touch asking for a cla quote, she use to work for leitz and is considered to do the best CLA's in the US without waiting 6 months for Don at dag. Youxin is the fast/cheaper(not always) choice.

http://www.sherrykrauter.com/repairs.php
 
kk cool thanks man. I live in Canada though. Might scope out to see if anyone here does it.
 
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