Leica M3 Single Stroke Black Paint Camera
SKU: AEM0623/1078588
Availability: 1
Six months - used equipment that tests to specs
The Leica M3 was the first of Leica's 35mm rangefinder film cameras designed to accept M-Mount lenses. This series of cameras was introduced in 1954 and revolutionized the Leica rangefinder not only for its bayonet-style M-mount, but also by having a large, bright, combined viewfinder/rangefinder window. In addition to be bright and allowing simultaneous focusing and composition, the M3 viewfinder also corrects for parallax during focusing and projects framelines for 50mm, 90mm and 135mm lenses. The shutter of the Leica M3 is capable of speeds from 1 second up to 1/1000, plus Bulb and Flash Sync. Another key difference that set the M3 apart from earlier Leica cameras is the hinged back "door" of the camera that made film loading much easier and quicker. There is good reason this camera is considered legendary and has been used to make some of the most famous photos in the history of 20th century photography.
This Leica M3 is a rare and highly collectible "Black Paint" edition. As identified by its serial number, it is part of a batch of 300 black paint cameras produced in 1963. It is a much sought-after prize for any Leica collector and they have become increasingly rarer on the used market. As a late version of the M3, it features a single stroke film advance, metal pressure plate, frameline preview lever, geometric shutter speeds, and circular strap lugs.
Due to the valuable nature of this camera and the need to ship it properly with full insurance, we are asking interested buyers to contact us directly in order to purchase this M3. You can e-mail us at sales@bluemooncamera.com or call us at 503-978-0333. Thank you.
Be sure to check out our Codex piece for more history on this camera and how it handles.
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