u/Broken_Perfectionist

Just got my second M to accompany my M4! Will be sending it to Youxin Ye for a CLA.

The new acquisition is a M3 Double Stroke. I got it for a few reasons. I wanted a backup body so I wouldn’t be so precious with my M4, I wanted something different which the M3 DS has in spades (DS, higher magnification, different rewind knob, separate spool for loading to name a few) and I wanted something to shoot 50mm with. Getting another M4 would have been fine too but I’m sure one would live in the shadow of the other if one felt smoother or nicer. Compared to the M4, the double stroke is quite satisfying. You still get the same precision locked in feel at the end of the second stroke as the M4’s single stroke but the first stroke feels very satisfying and unencumbered - it floats with some resistance. It takes a little more effort to wind but that’s likely due to it needing a CLA.

Overall very happy with this camera. You can tell where they made some minor cost savings with the M4 but this pairing feels like a good representation of the classically built Leicas. I’ve used an M6 before and it’s also wonderful but you can tell something was different, not in a bad or good way but just different.

Many of you know that Arista Ortho Litho 3.0 is an inexpensive film—about $0.66 per 4×5 sheet. If you try it, be sure to order the 3.9" × 4.9" size; the version labeled 4" × 5" won’t fit standard film holders.

Although this film isn’t designed for continuous tones, I was able to get decent results after extensive experimentation and post processing. Here’s how I develop it.

• Arista Ortho Litho 3.0 Film (3.9" x 4.9")
  • B&H Photo
• EI 1.6. I use the reciprocity formula from Ilford Pan F+ which is Metered Time^(1.33)
  • Ilford Pan F+ Datasheet
• HC-110 1:214 Dilution
• Rotary Development 5 minutes 44 seconds @ 68F. If you develop by hand, my guess would be 6 minutes 45 seconds.
• Post processing usually requires lowering the brightness and levels and curves adjustments. Occasionally you'll need to do localized dodging and burning as well.

It's a great low risk starter film to familiarized yourself with loading, shooting and developing.

Good luck!

Fun fact: George Gordon Meade was an Army engineer that designed Barnegat Lighthouse in 1855 and completed in 1859. Four years later, he was a major general in command of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War and defeated General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

George Gordon Meade's great-great-great grandson is actor Matthew Fox, best known for his leading roles in Party of Five and Lost.

Fun fact: George Gordon Meade was an Army engineer that designed Barnegat Lighthouse in 1855 and completed in 1859. Four years later, he was a major general in command of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War and defeated General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

George Gordon Meade's great-great-great grandson is actor Matthew Fox, best known for his leading roles in Party of Five and Lost.