Very early Leica M3 camera body Ser. 701598 rangefinder camera 35mm

The Leica M3 is a legendary and highly sought-after 35mm rangefinder camera body. Introduced in 1954, it marked a significant turning point in Leica's history and set the standard for rangefinder cameras for decades to come.

Key features and characteristics of the Leica M3 include:

• Bright and High-Magnification Rangefinder: The M3 boasts a significantly larger and brighter rangefinder viewfinder compared to its predecessors. With a magnification of 0.91x, it offers exceptional precision for focusing, especially with fast lenses.
• Clear Framelines: The viewfinder displays bright, uncluttered framelines for 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses. The framelines are automatically selected when the corresponding lens is mounted.
• Bayonet Lens Mount: The M3 introduced the now-iconic Leica M bayonet mount, which allows for quick and secure lens changes.
• Smooth and Quiet Operation: Known for its exceptional build quality and precision engineering, the M3 offers a remarkably smooth and quiet shooting experience. The film advance lever and shutter release are particularly refined.
• Mechanical Shutter: The M3 features a reliable mechanical shutter with speeds ranging from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, plus Bulb.
• Double-Stroke or Single-Stroke Film Advance: Early models featured a double-stroke film advance lever, requiring two movements to cock the shutter and advance the film. Later models (and some early ones retrofitted) offered a more convenient single-stroke mechanism.
• Classic and Ergonomic Design: The M3's timeless design is both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically functional. Its solid construction and well-placed controls contribute to a comfortable shooting experience.
• No Built-in Light Meter: The Leica M3 does not have a built-in light meter, requiring photographers to use an external meter or rely on their knowledge of exposure.

The Leica M3 quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional quality, precision, and reliability, becoming the preferred camera of many renowned photographers. Even today, it remains a highly desirable camera for its unique shooting experience, superb build, and the legendary quality of Leica M lenses. Its influence on camera design is undeniable, and it is considered a true classic in the history of photography.