Thrifting a vintage Leica M3 is an experience many dream of, but turning that dream into reality comes with unique challenges and rewards. A good camera, especially one with historical value, demands care, customization, and the right accessories to fit your shooting style.
Coming to you from Jonathan Paragas of KingJvpes, this detailed video revisits a $30 thrifted Leica M3. Paragas shares updates on the camera’s condition, modifications, and shooting experience. After a thorough cleaning and testing, the camera’s mechanical functions were restored. The viewfinder is bright and aligned, and the shutter speeds work perfectly. Paragas notes that the M3, with its 0.58 magnification viewfinder, pairs best with 50mm lenses. To enhance its usability, he opted for a Canon LTM 50mm f/1.4, known as the "Japanese Summilux," a budget-friendly choice that delivers sharp, vibrant results.
The video dives into creative modifications that improve functionality. Paragas added a rubber focus tab to the Canon lens, simplifying the focusing process. The focus throw is long without this addition, which can be cumbersome for quick adjustments. For aesthetic and practical reasons, Paragas replaced the original circular lens hood with a square hood from a different camera, further personalizing the setup. Each modification improves handling and makes the M3 more enjoyable to use.
Accessories play a significant role in optimizing the Leica M3 for modern photography. The lack of a built-in light meter led Paragas to add a cold shoe light meter. This chrome-finished accessory matches the M3’s aesthetic and functions like a built-in meter. Paragas also uses an external 28mm viewfinder when shooting with wide-angle lenses, compensating for the M3’s frame line limitations. While focusing still requires the rangefinder, these accessories expand the camera’s versatility without compromising its vintage charm.
Paragas showcases sample photos taken during trips to Japan and San Francisco. The Canon LTM 50mm excels at f/5.6 and f/8, but its performance wide open at f/1.4 is still impressive. While the M3 handles well, Paragas highlights its drawbacks. Loading film is a slow process due to the classic bottom-loading system, and the rewind knob is less efficient than modern designs. These quirks make the M3 better suited for deliberate, slower-paced shoots. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Paragas.
