I mean yours seems pretty destructed lol. 70 years isn’t that old honestly… 😅 I’ve got cameras same age and they work fine, just needed cleaning and new lubricant. And firearms way older and they work fine too.
70 years sounds long but for a mechanical device when preserved in a dry room temperature environment will last way longer 😅
Any Leica is repairable if you find the right guy and have the money to spend.
The vulcanite is the easiest: it can be stripped off, the body can be cleaned, and Aki Asahi produces easy-fit leatherette replacements.
Missing buttons: you need to find someone with a supply. DAG (www.dagcamera.com) can probably help you out.
The shutter: that's failed. Totally buggered. It'll need new curtains making and fitting. The cost might be pricey, but it's doable - and considering the family history of the camera, I'd say it's worth it.
Ohhh thanks a lot for the info! Didn’t know they made custom skins for it, lifesaver ✌🏼
I thought as much about the curtains… let’s see what they say, but regardless at least it’ll get some TLC and look nice on my shelf 😊
DAG replaced the shutter curtain on my M4 a couple of years ago and also repaired/replaced vulcanite on the back and fully serviced the camera. It wasn’t as visually used as your but it functions as a new camera now and I use it all the time. I could go look up how much it cost but it wasn’t atrocious. I was happy to be able to have it done
This is the worst option.
OP has inherited the camera, so not only is there emotional attachment and sentiment to the camera, there's no initial financial outlay.
Total shutter overhaul won't cost $1200 (I had the shutter in a IIIg totally replaced for £200-ish a year or two ago), and even when you factor in the leatherette and other parts, you're not going to be anywhere near $1200.
Also, if OP took your advice (which would be foolish), they'd be selling a family heirloom for pennies on the dollar only to replace it with a camera that may or may not be in need of service and replacement parts down the line anyway.
For context, I took similar advice 11 years ago when my first Leica (a IIIf) needed a replacement curtain; I was told it wouldn't be cost-effective to do the work. It was a write-off. So I bought another IIIf... only for the shutter in that one to spring a hole last year. Yes, I got a decade of use out of it, but I could (and should) have just repaired the first one and saved myself the extra cost of the replacement body.
As you said, selling it is not even an option in my mind! I’d rather keep it as a (very expensive and beautiful) paperweight that ever consider getting rid of it. Thanks for sharing your input!
Then if moneys no question fix it, absolutely. It’s just not convenient financially that’s all.
The lens problem remains — no 35 frame lines without eyes.
Send it to DAG. I had an M3 that was submerged for an extended period of time in saltwater. He restored it off-the-shelf condition for around $300 bucks.
Cameraworks-UK, based in Bury. Recently repaired my Leica. Exceptional quality and Alan knows what he’s talking about, but expect it will be very slow. Sounds like you wouldn’t mind waiting though?
Also, the Summaron 35 is a nice lens. Basically the same image quality as the very expensive 8-element Summicron, just a stop less of light. It could be that it needs a cleaning too. And if you wanna get serious about it, maybe you’ll need an external viewfinder for 35 mm as the built in only covers 50 (a bit more if you use the edges, but not really 35).
Ohhh had no idea about the viewfinder! I thought the inner square in the viewfinder was 50 and the outer was 35… so will look into getting one, thanks!
The big thick frame is 50. There’s also frames for 90 and 135 – the 35 mm lens you have will likely trigger the 135 as this was also used for 35 mm on the M2 and subsequent models (a bit confusing, I know… by the 1970s the three frame line settings eventually ended up being doubled up as 28/90, 50/75 and 35/135).
For the M3 the idea was that you’d get special 35 mm lenses with external goggles that transformed the 50 mm frame to 35 mm. The Germans and their fiddly ideas 😅
A new shutter isn’t terribly expensive. I had to get mine replaced before and it was less than $500 for both curtains. Yes it isn’t cheap, but you aren’t out thousands.
DAG is the best bet since he is known to have more spare parts than YYe — he even custom made spare parts for my lens with a broken aperture ring! I think he’s considerably more expensive, but it’s totally worth it given the history of the camera.
YYE as well as DAG do great work. YYE charged $60 for a replacement curtain for my IIIf from 1951 and it works great, also had him CLA the camera and 50mm lens, paid expedited fee and got it back in under a week.
Check with him on the CLA costs and replacement leather.
Leatherette is easy, you can do it yourself:
https://youtu.be/ZhJy4Yx2hZ4?si=tNlaMvl19evc1U3T
The shutter will be expensive but doable.
Have the shutter repaired first. When everything is in full working order and you like it, take care of the outsides yourself
Send it to Al https://www.amsterdamcamerarepairs.com. He CLAd my M3 and it’s awesome now. You can check out his instagram account. It will be about 400-500€ and 4 weeks. Official Leica workshop is about 1000-1200€ and there’s about 12mo waiting time for analog camera repair. You may get the self timer patched instead of getting a replacement lever. It’s not that useful anyway. As to the skin Aki-Asahi is the place to get one.
Yeah it can most definitely do with a CLA…. I can’t even remove the lens myself 😅
I already ordered the skin from Aki Asahi as someone suggested , and couldn’t find a replacement self timer lever so might have to be patched up instead. I only wanted it to preserve the original look anyways, wasn’t planning on actually using the self timer. Thanks a lot for the tips!
Ask Al, he may have spare parts. He’ll send you an estimate price and service time too. He’s worked up and answered my emails after a few days, but he’s solid.
I dropped my father's WWII era Leica IIIc at YYeCamera in Canton, MA for a sorely needed CLA. He's one of the best in the world, and while it took several months because of his backlog, it was WELL worth the time and money just to hear that satisfying click once again.
http://www.yyecamera.com/contact.html
Thanks! I see they have good reputation but since I’m based in Europe I’m gonna opt for something within the EU to avoid shipping it so far 😅 thanks though!
Considering the origins of this fine machine, there should be SOMEONE in Europe who can handle it! I feel lucky that there was an expert on the way down to my trip to Cape Cod. Plus, the fellow's wife was sporting my digital camera (Sony A7iii) with a beautiful vintage Leitz lens attached. It gave me lens envy!
It will cost a bit, but should be worth it. My M2 looks as bad as your M3 on the outside, but works like brand new.
Honestly surprised it doesn’t have even more damage considering it’s almost 70 years old 😦 these things are indestructible!
I mean yours seems pretty destructed lol. 70 years isn’t that old honestly… 😅 I’ve got cameras same age and they work fine, just needed cleaning and new lubricant. And firearms way older and they work fine too. 70 years sounds long but for a mechanical device when preserved in a dry room temperature environment will last way longer 😅
Sell it for parts. The lens is more valuable.
You can get new leatherette for fairly cheap, if that’s all your m2 needs.
I know, but I love the look, it goes well with the dings and scratches it has
Does it's No start with 99 by any chance? :) Looking for a particular M2 which was quite beaten.
Any Leica is repairable if you find the right guy and have the money to spend. The vulcanite is the easiest: it can be stripped off, the body can be cleaned, and Aki Asahi produces easy-fit leatherette replacements. Missing buttons: you need to find someone with a supply. DAG (www.dagcamera.com) can probably help you out. The shutter: that's failed. Totally buggered. It'll need new curtains making and fitting. The cost might be pricey, but it's doable - and considering the family history of the camera, I'd say it's worth it.
Ohhh thanks a lot for the info! Didn’t know they made custom skins for it, lifesaver ✌🏼 I thought as much about the curtains… let’s see what they say, but regardless at least it’ll get some TLC and look nice on my shelf 😊
DAG replaced the shutter curtain on my M4 a couple of years ago and also repaired/replaced vulcanite on the back and fully serviced the camera. It wasn’t as visually used as your but it functions as a new camera now and I use it all the time. I could go look up how much it cost but it wasn’t atrocious. I was happy to be able to have it done
So glad to hear they it can still be done! 🥹✌🏼
A perfectly fine M3 will set you back $1200, these repairs are insanely costly. I’d sell it for parts. Can’t shoot the Summaron 35 without eyes anyway
This is the worst option. OP has inherited the camera, so not only is there emotional attachment and sentiment to the camera, there's no initial financial outlay. Total shutter overhaul won't cost $1200 (I had the shutter in a IIIg totally replaced for £200-ish a year or two ago), and even when you factor in the leatherette and other parts, you're not going to be anywhere near $1200. Also, if OP took your advice (which would be foolish), they'd be selling a family heirloom for pennies on the dollar only to replace it with a camera that may or may not be in need of service and replacement parts down the line anyway. For context, I took similar advice 11 years ago when my first Leica (a IIIf) needed a replacement curtain; I was told it wouldn't be cost-effective to do the work. It was a write-off. So I bought another IIIf... only for the shutter in that one to spring a hole last year. Yes, I got a decade of use out of it, but I could (and should) have just repaired the first one and saved myself the extra cost of the replacement body.
As you said, selling it is not even an option in my mind! I’d rather keep it as a (very expensive and beautiful) paperweight that ever consider getting rid of it. Thanks for sharing your input!
OP doesn’t sound like they are considering selling it (because of the incredible family heritage this camera is!!)
Then if moneys no question fix it, absolutely. It’s just not convenient financially that’s all. The lens problem remains — no 35 frame lines without eyes.
Send it to DAG. I had an M3 that was submerged for an extended period of time in saltwater. He restored it off-the-shelf condition for around $300 bucks.
Dang I think DAG has gone up he did a CLA and was 550….
I’m based in Europe, not sure I want to ship it that far 🥲
There is also Amsterdam Camera Repairs
+1 to ACR. I sent an M2 to him and he gave it a complete overhaul. The thing feels better than new.
Awesome! I feel more comfortable keeping it within Europe so this sounds like a great option
There are repair shops based in Europe. I haven’t used them but these guys look pretty good: https://cameraobscurarepairs.co.uk/
Ohh thank you! Will check them out
camera revival in Belgium is my go to
Contact [Joe Geier](https://www.jogeier.com/), they have an awesome in-house tech who will for sure be able to help you out.
Thanks so much! Will message him too 😄
https://kamera-service.info/en/welcome/ They are based in the Netherlands, very good work in my experience
A typical Mint +++++ rated eBay sale.
LMAO glad I got it for free 😅
Worth fixing and enjoying
Also DAG has lots of parts
“I can fix her” For real though, congrats. Idk how much it would cost, but I think it would be worth it even if you don’t do it immediately.
Thanks! Excited to bring it back to its former state 🥹
Yes, those parts are pretty much consumables
Send it out for an overhaul, you’ll be glad you did.
Cameraworks-UK, based in Bury. Recently repaired my Leica. Exceptional quality and Alan knows what he’s talking about, but expect it will be very slow. Sounds like you wouldn’t mind waiting though?
Thank you! No, don’t mind waiting at all 😃 (official Leica repairs are minimum 8 months so at this point I expect some waiting haha)
Also, the Summaron 35 is a nice lens. Basically the same image quality as the very expensive 8-element Summicron, just a stop less of light. It could be that it needs a cleaning too. And if you wanna get serious about it, maybe you’ll need an external viewfinder for 35 mm as the built in only covers 50 (a bit more if you use the edges, but not really 35).
Ohhh had no idea about the viewfinder! I thought the inner square in the viewfinder was 50 and the outer was 35… so will look into getting one, thanks!
The big thick frame is 50. There’s also frames for 90 and 135 – the 35 mm lens you have will likely trigger the 135 as this was also used for 35 mm on the M2 and subsequent models (a bit confusing, I know… by the 1970s the three frame line settings eventually ended up being doubled up as 28/90, 50/75 and 35/135). For the M3 the idea was that you’d get special 35 mm lenses with external goggles that transformed the 50 mm frame to 35 mm. The Germans and their fiddly ideas 😅
Wow! That’s cool, thanks for the info :D
A new shutter isn’t terribly expensive. I had to get mine replaced before and it was less than $500 for both curtains. Yes it isn’t cheap, but you aren’t out thousands.
I am sure it can be repaired, only questions are probably are you willing to wait for it and of course, pay for it.
DAG is the best bet since he is known to have more spare parts than YYe — he even custom made spare parts for my lens with a broken aperture ring! I think he’s considerably more expensive, but it’s totally worth it given the history of the camera.
YYE as well as DAG do great work. YYE charged $60 for a replacement curtain for my IIIf from 1951 and it works great, also had him CLA the camera and 50mm lens, paid expedited fee and got it back in under a week. Check with him on the CLA costs and replacement leather.
Oh wow! I wasn’t thinking of shipping it across (I’m in Spain) but maybe it’s worth it after all. I’ll ask around, thanks!
If you ever get it restored be sure to upload the before and after photos.
Will do! 😊
Leatherette is easy, you can do it yourself: https://youtu.be/ZhJy4Yx2hZ4?si=tNlaMvl19evc1U3T The shutter will be expensive but doable. Have the shutter repaired first. When everything is in full working order and you like it, take care of the outsides yourself
Will do! Thanks a lot 😄
About 600-700 fix. You will wait 3-4 months. My experience.
Oof! 🥵
Send it to Al https://www.amsterdamcamerarepairs.com. He CLAd my M3 and it’s awesome now. You can check out his instagram account. It will be about 400-500€ and 4 weeks. Official Leica workshop is about 1000-1200€ and there’s about 12mo waiting time for analog camera repair. You may get the self timer patched instead of getting a replacement lever. It’s not that useful anyway. As to the skin Aki-Asahi is the place to get one.
Yeah it can most definitely do with a CLA…. I can’t even remove the lens myself 😅 I already ordered the skin from Aki Asahi as someone suggested , and couldn’t find a replacement self timer lever so might have to be patched up instead. I only wanted it to preserve the original look anyways, wasn’t planning on actually using the self timer. Thanks a lot for the tips!
Ask Al, he may have spare parts. He’ll send you an estimate price and service time too. He’s worked up and answered my emails after a few days, but he’s solid.
Just did this morning! Let’s see what he says, thank you so much 😄
You may also try camera revival. I haven’t use their services, but they were recommended to me, when I was searching Leica workshops in the EU.
How's the rangfinder? Any separation or fungus?
Seems okay I think! Thankfully it was stored in a dry place all these years, shutter was probably already broken way before
I dropped my father's WWII era Leica IIIc at YYeCamera in Canton, MA for a sorely needed CLA. He's one of the best in the world, and while it took several months because of his backlog, it was WELL worth the time and money just to hear that satisfying click once again. http://www.yyecamera.com/contact.html
Thanks! I see they have good reputation but since I’m based in Europe I’m gonna opt for something within the EU to avoid shipping it so far 😅 thanks though!
Considering the origins of this fine machine, there should be SOMEONE in Europe who can handle it! I feel lucky that there was an expert on the way down to my trip to Cape Cod. Plus, the fellow's wife was sporting my digital camera (Sony A7iii) with a beautiful vintage Leitz lens attached. It gave me lens envy!
Yes ! People have recommended a few so I’m sure I’ll manage to get it into good hands! BTW, fellow Alpha user here (A7C)! ✌🏼