Leica M3 DS with 50mm DR f2.0 lens
The Leica M3 was introduced in 1954. The early versions used a double stroke (DS) film advance. Some of them, like this one, included a lever under the view finder to preview frame lines. Previously, I shot an M3 DS without the frame line preview selector.
I shot this M3 DS with a unique lens. It is a 50mm f2.0 dual range (DR). The DR is both a standard 50mm lens plus a close focus lens. The standard 50mm lens has a 1M to infinity focus. Add the special “Goggles” and the focus drops to .5M to 1M. The goggles also add magnification for better focus on smaller subjects.
My Take:
The M3 DS is wonderful and needs no endorsement from me. The question is the 50mm DS lens. It is more than a novelty item the close focus is a great and a nice twist on the Summicron lens. The Summicron 50 is a longtime must have Leica standard. The DR just adds to the fun. If there is a downside it is the need to removing the goggles and then keeping track of them. I have enough trouble keeping lens caps. The goggles did come with a nice leather case to keep them clean and safe but still one more item to lose.
Something to keep in mind is that the frame lines are not dynamic and will shift somewhat. This was especially the case for close up shots. I think it would take some practice to get use to the offset.
If you can find a DS lens, try it. Get close and take all the up close and personal shots that you could not take with a standard 50mm. Just remember that in standard mode, the goggles are probably getting lost or left behind. Enjoy.
Lens: Leica Summicron DR 50mm f2.0
Film: Kodak Portra 400
