CHECK THESE OUT! The THREE Leica M3 versions.

The Leica M3 is a classic 35mm rangefinder camera. From its introduction in 1954 and the last model made in 1966, Leica had made the M3 for 12 years! During these 12 years, there are some changes made. These three versions kind of summarize all the changes. Since there are a lot parts that are interchangeable, there is a chance some custom ones that are assembled with different parts. For example, some of double stroke models got "updated" to single stroke, so the camera will have both double and single stroke features.
My personal favorite is the original double stroke model, although I really do like the other two models. With Leica M3, there are no bad choices!

[@michaellong9526]

Hi, just an fyi . The design was originally made double stroke as it reduced the tensions on the mechanisms, not that they were weaker but to make it longer lasting with no breakdowns, similarly why the rewind knob is one straight piece vs angled as in later M versions, the angled while faster is a weaker design engineering wise. My thought is that After the 2stroke m3 almost a number of the change was a decrease in quality, (except the quick load spindle which I think is an improvement., also addition of meter is probably a good idea in later M ‘s) An issue with M3 is lack of wide angle frame lines.You can still get away with 35 mm as the whole viewing frame outside 50 frame lines is equivalent to 35mm but you usually have to angle your vision to see to the outer edges. Not the fastest but in a pinch is accurate for 35 compositions. I love 50 mm perspective and M3 is the best for this lens as it is optimized with much larger view and easier patch focus. Thanks for the video

[@wei2shoot79]

Thanks for the information! I agree, not everything that’s newer and improved. Often times the manufacture will reduce the quality due to cost.
If the shooting area is not the limitation factor, aka shooting outside, I always prefer the 50mm for fashion and portraits, over 35mm unless I do some street photography, I like the lens to be a little wider.

[@garysong8163]

Great video very informative. I always carry my M’s on a neck strap or camera bag when traveling. Use my M3 for 50’s and 90’s

[@wei2shoot79]

The M3 is great for longer lenses! I generally keep it in the camera bags for shoots. I only carry the camera around my neck when I only shoot with one camera and one lens for streets.

[@gsx-phantom645]

These cant be "The" three versions of the M3 since the earliest M3's didn’t have the frame selector lever.

[@weizhang6979]

True. These are probably more common 3 versions of the camera. Throughout the years of these camera were made, the factory might have also made other changes over time.

[@eggs-benny]

Great video. Love the details

[@wei2shoot79]

Thank you! I'm glad you like it.

[@user-bk2by9uz4z]

Very useful, thanks

[@Nicholasishappy]

another thing I notice being different is the viewfinder. he glass for the older one is circular and the newer iterations were not cut out and you don't see the glass piece. I'm not sure if I'm making sense haha

[@wei2shoot79]

You lost me haha. Were you talking about the eye piece?

[@jazzyman9959]

I have 100 M3s

[@wei2shoot79]

You are a big fan!