Leica M3 DS 5cm Summicron
The Leica M3 was introduced int 1954. The early versions used a double stroke (DS) film advance. Later versions switched to the more conventional single stroke (SS).
This one is an early version from the second batch of M3s in 1955. It does not have a frame line selector like the later models. It also has the early shutter speed selections. For example you get 1/100 not the traditional 1/125th. The Leica Meter-M is correct for the camera and matches the shutter speeds.
Previously, I shot the M3 and a repaint black M3, both were single stroke, later models. This was my first DS. Why did the early M3 have a DS lever? Prevailing theories are that it put less stress on the gears and/or lowered the chance of film slipping or breaking. Real reason? Not sure but several were converted to single stroke latter in life. So if you find one that fits the DS age but is a SS now, it was modified. Another quirk of the early M3 is a glass film pressure plate.
My Take:
Is the DS better or worse than the Single Stroke? Both are amazing cameras. Both are Leica to the core. Both have the M3 .91 viewfinder. The advantage to the latter Single Stroke is the more traditional shutter speed that matches up to more modern meters. If you ok with Sunny 16 or doing the estimation for the adjustments to a more modern meter (or have a working Leica Meter-M) then it all comes down to the advance.
In use, it took me a few frames to adjust to the double stroke. I would advance once they focus and be met by a locked shutter release. After a bit of shooting, I adjusted. If the M3DS became my only camera, the double stock would become natural. I have read other owners say that they were in the habit of advancing once right after they took a photo, then advancing the second time just before the next shot. This is a great solution if you like the satisfaction of advancing after a shot but don’t want to worry about unintended fire.
The lack of a frame line preview lever could be an issue if you like to see what your shot would look like with a different lens. Not an issue for me. I don’t spend a lot of time switching lenses.
This is a very nice lens even if it is not up to modern standards it is still a lovely Leica lens. Mine is in decent shape and seems to have survived very will. I am not the biggest fan of the collapsable lens but it does keep the camera profile low. In truth, I struggled more with remembering to open the lens than with the double stock advance.
Should you get one? It is a Leica M3… so, yes. I would be more concerned about condition than the fact that it is a double vs single stroke. If you have multiple cameras, it may be confusing to alternate between single and double, but the M3 is worth the effort.
Lens: Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Summicron 5cm f2.0
Film: Ilford HP5 400