The Leica M3 is often regarded as the best Leica M film camera for shooting 50mm due to its large and crisp rangefinder and lack of intrusive frame lines visible like on later Leica M cameras.
This particular example is a single stroke with a self-timer too! It was made in September 1961 according to available online databases, and it spent most of its life in the USA before coming to the UK this year.
This camera is a classic example of a camera that has been loved but also used - if you’re looking for a mint condition safe queen, this isn’t the camera you want. If you’re looking for a camera with some visible patina and stories to tell, you’re looking at the right camera.
It’s been given a significant service in conjunction with a well-respected technician last month and is operating well, the shutter speeds are nicely accurate, and the rangefinder is in great condition and freshly calibrated without any balsam separation or nasties! The whole camera all feels as it should.
In order to preserve it’s originality, we opted to repair small section of the vulcanite on the body, mainly around the original strap lugs. The vulcanite often cracks due to the age of these cameras, and is easily replaced with pre-cut leather kits (we can recommend a supplier in Japan who ships worldwide). For this same reason, we also opted to not replace the shutter curtains. They are free from any light leaking/curling and are operating well despite having an aged look, so we made the decision to preserve it’s originality.
The camera has some scratches, small dents, brassing etc in line with what you’d expect for a 64 year old camera that has been used. The rear door paint has also worn, most likely where it’s rubbed against the original owner’s top.
Condition Grading:
Read more about our condition grading here.
Additional comments:
In order to preserve it’s originality, we opted to repair small section of the vulcanite on the body, mainly around the original strap lugs. The vulcanite often cracks due to the age of these cameras, and is easily replaced with pre-cut leather kits (we can recommend a supplier in Japan who ships worldwide). For this same reason, we also opted to not replace the shutter curtains. They are free from any light leaking/curling and are operating well despite having an aged look, so we made the decision to preserve it’s originality.
Recently serviced including the rangefinder
The camera has some scratches, small dents, brassing etc in line with what you’d expect for a 64 year old camera that has been used.
Comes with a body cap as pictured
The Leica M3 is often regarded as the best Leica M film camera for shooting 50mm due to its large and crisp rangefinder and lack of intrusive frame lines visible like on later Leica M cameras.
This particular example is a single stroke with a self-timer too! It was made in September 1961 according to available online databases, and it spent most of its life in the USA before coming to the UK this year.
This camera is a classic example of a camera that has been loved but also used - if you’re looking for a mint condition safe queen, this isn’t the camera you want. If you’re looking for a camera with some visible patina and stories to tell, you’re looking at the right camera.
It’s been given a significant service in conjunction with a well-respected technician last month and is operating well, the shutter speeds are nicely accurate, and the rangefinder is in great condition and freshly calibrated without any balsam separation or nasties! The whole camera all feels as it should.
In order to preserve it’s originality, we opted to repair small section of the vulcanite on the body, mainly around the original strap lugs. The vulcanite often cracks due to the age of these cameras, and is easily replaced with pre-cut leather kits (we can recommend a supplier in Japan who ships worldwide). For this same reason, we also opted to not replace the shutter curtains. They are free from any light leaking/curling and are operating well despite having an aged look, so we made the decision to preserve it’s originality.
The camera has some scratches, small dents, brassing etc in line with what you’d expect for a 64 year old camera that has been used. The rear door paint has also worn, most likely where it’s rubbed against the original owner’s top.
Condition Grading:
Read more about our condition grading here.
Additional comments:
In order to preserve it’s originality, we opted to repair small section of the vulcanite on the body, mainly around the original strap lugs. The vulcanite often cracks due to the age of these cameras, and is easily replaced with pre-cut leather kits (we can recommend a supplier in Japan who ships worldwide). For this same reason, we also opted to not replace the shutter curtains. They are free from any light leaking/curling and are operating well despite having an aged look, so we made the decision to preserve it’s originality.
Recently serviced including the rangefinder
The camera has some scratches, small dents, brassing etc in line with what you’d expect for a 64 year old camera that has been used.
Comes with a body cap as pictured
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