Single or Double Stroke?

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 Post subject: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:27 pm 
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Ever wonder what this means and what the difference is?

The original M - the M3 - was produced from 1954 through 1966. There were many revisions during this time, and as the title might suggest, came in the original double stroke or a later single stroke... Which made its debut in 1958+ models, starting at S/N 915251.

So what's the difference?

A double stroke requires two shorter strokes of the advance lever, while the single stroke requires only one, longer stroke. There are two parts to advancing the frame. The first is obviously advancing the film - but the second is to re-cock the shutter. While the former separated this task; the latter combined it.

Some folks prefer the double stroke over the single because of its smoothness. A well-tuned, double stroke M3 is really something to experience.

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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 8:35 pm 
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Thanks for explaining this to a neophyte.

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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:01 am 
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My M3 is a double stroke as well, older model before the frame preview lever. That thing is pure joy to use. Smooth as a banana peel on linoleum. It took a little getting used to at first, but now it's a very fluid "zip-zip" while I'm finding my next shot. It's been away to Gus Lazzari having the vulcanite replaced. Hopefully it will be home within the next week or two.

Jeff

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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 2:46 pm 
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I was researching this a few weeks ago as the opportunity arose, that should have but couldn't be ignored...
I ended up $900 shorter but with my first Leica around my neck.
A Single stroke, sn #1,1mil+ Leica M3 with clean DR Summicron, but no glasses. 8-)

I am on my first film, going about it on a Sunny 16 rule since I am looking for a good deal on a Leica light meter.


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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 9:16 pm 
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My M3 is single stroke which is good for me as it keeps things simple and intuitive.

Since I will be using the M3 forever, I reckon it will be the only film M that I will ever own. I am happy with that but would like to try a DS just for fun.


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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:54 pm 
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My M3 single stroke is definitely my favorite vintage camera ever used, but always look for a reasonably priced double stroke to add as a partner. They're different, but not so much so that they couldn't be used together

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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 4:15 pm 
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Strange, I seem to 'double stroke' my MP, seems more comfortable.


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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:10 am 
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I've read recently that when the M3 was first released, Leica chose the Double Stroke action for a short while because they weren't sure if 35mm film could take the pulling forces of a single stroke, without tearing.

After a while they were sure it would be ok, so changed it to a single.

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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 6:36 pm 
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AV Janus wrote:
I was researching this a few weeks ago as the opportunity arose, that should have but couldn't be ignored...
I ended up $900 shorter but with my first Leica around my neck.
A Single stroke, sn #1,1mil+ Leica M3 with clean DR Summicron, but no glasses. 8-)

I am on my first film, going about it on a Sunny 16 rule since I am looking for a good deal on a Leica light meter.


Congratulations!

And if you want the "double-stroke" experience... just advance the lever 1/2-way, it will snap back & then you can advance it the rest of the way. Sometimes I do that on my SS, just for fun & it seems perhaps a bit more discreet.


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 Post subject: Re: Single or Double Stroke?
Unread postPosted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 9:20 am 
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I have a SS M3 and I perfectly happy with it.

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