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This was my first SLR ever and I don't think I could have picked a better bargain. The R3 is an absolute joy to shoot with. The one I received had a little chrome bubble on the top, but it really just adds to the character. Light seals are original but still holding, photos show no light leak. I was able to find some seals for the Minolta XE which this camera is based on and they appear to fit although they're not currently needed (if it ain't broke...) All functions of the camera work as intended. If you're coming from digital, specifically mirrorless, this thing is going to feel hefty. You won't forget you have it on you like a Leica range finder or my Olympus OM-d. The image quality when paired with a cheap (relative to Leica glass) Tamron 24mm f2.5 prime is excellent. I've been shooting with expired Fujifilm 100 and the color and contrast are wonderful. The meter seems to be fairly accurate, it calls for a slight over exposure vs what my phone app meter reads, but I took multiple exposers using the internal meter reading and everything except super contrasty shots came out great. The automatic shutter speed setting produces pretty accurate pictures, I don't plan to shoot in that mode much but for quick shots of fleeting moments, it's a nice option to have. I keep it set on that mode when I'm out walking around, just in case. It takes 2 standard 357 batteries which can be found pretty much anywhere. Battery life at this point is unknown since I've only been shooting with it 3 weeks. One drawback for someone on a limited budget will likely be the lack of affordable lens options for the R mount. But I've been happy with the Tamron prime I've been shooting with and they can be had for about half the cost of a prime Leica lens. Since it's a toy for me, I consider this paring more than acceptable. My only complaint about this camera is I'm worried it may have caused me to jump head first into film. The R3 is an absolute blast to shoot with and worth the relatively cheap cost of admission.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Leica r3, r4, r4s!, cameras, if not CLA'd aren't worth using for film photography. Meters are usually off or erratic or have electrical issues. If looking for a collectible, find the best one. buy from German dealers,
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
So why choose a Leica like the R3? - It is easy to acquire, not really high priced. - The quality is outstanding. - but.... without leitz lenses it does not make much sense to buy. so... why not but a Leica R3? - It is heavy - It is big - it needs... aha you guessed it... Leitz lenses which are... EXPENSIVE!!! Leica is fame, reliability, but most of all a collectors item. No doubt the quality is outstanding, my R3 and R4 with a summicron lens do an outstanding job. But if you are into quality of analog filmcameras without willing to spend a lot on lenses like leitz used to make, then you should look for a different make like Contax with its equally good zeiss lenses. Generally speaking you pay twice the amount of a zeiss 1.7/50mm lens for a leitz summicron 2.0/50mm. And be prepared because there are loads of leitz lenses heavily used with high prices while zeiss lenses are still available in a near new state at reasonable expense. Of course if you also own a digital full frame SLR then it is certainly worth considering having one or more leitz lenses as the optical quality is outstanding. Get a 135mm lens and just look at the bokeh which is far superior to any modern super digital zoom lens.Read full review
I was actually more interested in the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f2 lens included in the auction than the camera itself. I had read wonderful reviews about the lens, and not so wonderful about the Leica R3. The price was right for both so I bid on it. The lens definitely deserves its reputation, but the R3 (at least the one I received) does not deserve its less than stellar rep. It is a beautiful camera and works flawlessly. This particular camera was in near mint condition. The only issue was the light seals. Typical of cameras this old they needed to be replaced. I had read that the electronics could be a problem with the R3. Again, this one works flawlessly. Metering is right on and so are the shutter speeds. Viewfinder is bright and clear and focusing is easy. I'm glad I got it and I plan to keep this one for my personal collection (and use it often).Read full review
Camera made in the 70s and still work if you maintained it correctly. It is hard to reel film taken by Leica R cameras. Camera has good grip and OTHER features that other SLR doesn't have! SO what are you waiting for? Go grab one.
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