Leica M3 Archives - Camera Obscura Elburg https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product-category/cameras/rangefinders/leica-m3/ Analogue Camera store in Elburg the Netherlands. We specialise in quality rangefinders (Leica,Canon) and vintage lenses. Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:29:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cropped-favi-32x32.jpg Leica M3 Archives - Camera Obscura Elburg https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product-category/cameras/rangefinders/leica-m3/ 32 32 Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-chrome-11/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:17:14 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=7299 A lovely Leica M3, dating from 1957, with serial number 875571.

This example is fitted with the single-stroke film advance mechanism, making it particularly pleasant to use. The camera presents beautifully, with only very minor superficial signs of use to the body. Nothing excessive or distracting – simply the light traces one would expect from a carefully used Leica of this age.

Mechanically, the camera feels exceptionally good. The film advance is extremely smooth, the controls operate exactly as they should and the camera has the wonderfully precise mechanical feel for which a good M3 is known.

The viewfinder is beautifully clear, with a strong, bright and very clearly visible rangefinder patch. The rangefinder is correctly aligned and focusing is accurate.

The M3 remains one of the finest mechanical rangefinder cameras ever made, and its large 0.91x viewfinder is particularly wonderful when used with 50mm lenses.

A nice little detail is the red-dot soft release fitted to the shutter button, which is included with the camera.

Details:

* Leica M3
* Serial number 875571
* Manufactured in 1957
* Single-stroke film advance
* Very good cosmetic condition
* Only very minor superficial signs of use
* Extremely smooth mechanical operation
* Clear and bright viewfinder
* Strong and clearly visible rangefinder patch
* Rangefinder correctly aligned
* Red-dot soft release included

A beautifully preserved and particularly smooth M3 that is ready to be used – exactly how a classic mechanical Leica should feel.

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]]> Een prachtige Leica M3 uit 1957, met serienummer 875571.

Dit exemplaar is voorzien van een single-stroke filmtransport, wat hem bijzonder prettig in het gebruik maakt. De camera verkeert cosmetisch in zeer mooie staat, met slechts zeer lichte oppervlakkige gebruikssporen. Niets storends of opvallends, maar simpelweg de minimale sporen die passen bij een zorgvuldig gebruikte Leica van deze leeftijd.

Mechanisch voelt de camera uitzonderlijk goed aan. Het filmtransport loopt bijzonder soepel, alle bedieningen functioneren precies zoals het hoort en de camera heeft dat prachtige, precieze mechanische gevoel waar een goede M3 om bekendstaat.

De zoeker is mooi helder en schoon, met een sterk en zeer duidelijk zichtbaar meetzoekervlak. De meetzoeker staat correct uitgelijnd en de scherpstelling is nauwkeurig.

De M3 behoort nog altijd tot de mooiste mechanische meetzoekercamera’s die Leica ooit heeft gebouwd. De grote 0,91x zoeker is met name in combinatie met een 50mm-objectief een genot om mee te werken.

Als leuk klein detail is de ontspanknop voorzien van een rode soft release, die uiteraard bij de camera wordt meegeleverd.

Details:

* Leica M3
* Serienummer 875571
* Geproduceerd in 1957
* Single-stroke filmtransport
* Zeer goede cosmetische staat
* Slechts zeer lichte oppervlakkige gebruikssporen
* Bijzonder soepele mechanische werking
* Heldere en schone zoeker
* Sterk en duidelijk zichtbaar meetzoekervlak
* Meetzoeker correct uitgelijnd
* Soft release met rode stip inbegrepen

Een prachtig bewaard gebleven en bijzonder soepel werkende M3 die direct klaar is om gebruikt te worden – precies zoals een klassieke mechanische Leica hoort aan te voelen.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-chrome-10/ Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:40:21 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=7199 The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is a single stroke lever, and normal ears to mount a strap on.

Is in great condition, has been checked for proper workings, and all is good.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is a single stroke lever, and normal ears to mount a strap on.

Is in great condition, has been checked for proper workings, and all is good.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder Chrome – Boxed https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-chrome-boxed/ Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:35:27 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=4616 A lovely condition M3, This particular example comes with original numbers matching box and the original dutch import papers.

This is one of the last production Leica M3s with single stroke operations, and harder to find with a serial number above 1 million.

It is in a clean condition with minor user marks, only very light rubbing marks on the side where the strap rubs it. It also has all the original vulcanite in good condition, and the original body & flashcaps.

When it arrived in our shop, it still had the original L seal, we did however need to remove that, in order to give it a full service. It is now fully serviced , it did not need new curtains, but we needed to replace the lightseals. It is now in perfect working condition.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder Chrome – Boxed appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> A lovely condition M3, This particular example comes with original numbers matching box and the original dutch import papers.

This is one of the last production Leica M3s with single stroke operations, and harder to find with a serial number above 1 million.

It is in a clean condition with minor user marks, only very light rubbing marks on the side where the strap rubs it. It also has all the original vulcanite in good condition, and the original body & flashcaps.

When it arrived in our shop, it still had the original L seal, we did however need to remove that, in order to give it a full service. It is now fully serviced , it did not need new curtains, but we needed to replace the lightseals. It is now in perfect working condition.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder Chrome – Boxed appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome Boxed Near Mint https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-boxed-near-mint/ Sun, 30 Jun 2024 11:50:23 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=4394 A beautiful M3, in a condition we do not come across very often. This particular example comes with original numbers matching box, the original manual, and the original strap.

This is one of the last production Leica M3s with single stroke operations, and harder to find with a serial number above 1.1 million.

It is in a very clean condition with only very minor user marks, it has no scratches or marks on the top plate, only very light rubbing marks on the side where the strap rubs it. It also has all the original vulcanite in perfect condition, and the original body & flashcaps.

When it arrived in our shop, it still had the original L seal, we did however need to remove that, in order to give it a full service. The inside was very clean, the camera has barely seen use in it's lifetime. It is now fully serviced and in perfect working condition.

We have also added our own rewind lever to it, which will come with the camera.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome Boxed Near Mint appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> A beautiful M3, in a condition we do not come across very often. This particular example comes with original numbers matching box, the original manual, and the original strap.

This is one of the last production Leica M3s with single stroke operations, and harder to find with a serial number above 1.1 million.

It is in a very clean condition with only very minor user marks, it has no scratches or marks on the top plate, only very light rubbing marks on the side where the strap rubs it. It also has all the original vulcanite in perfect condition, and the original body & flashcaps.

When it arrived in our shop, it still had the original L seal, we did however need to remove that, in order to give it a full service. The inside was very clean, the camera has barely seen use in it’s lifetime. It is now fully serviced and in perfect working condition.

We have also added our own rewind lever to it, which will come with the camera.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome Boxed Near Mint appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-chrome-8/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:53:55 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=4283 The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is a single stroke version. It is in lovely condition with only minor usermarks on it.

Besides that, it has been serviced, and calibrated to factory specifications.

Delivery comes in our own box, with a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty included.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is a single stroke version. It is in lovely condition with only minor usermarks on it.

Besides that, it has been serviced, and calibrated to factory specifications.

Delivery comes in our own box, with a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty included.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder/ Thu, 18 May 2023 09:51:32 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=2668 The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

This particular example has what it seems an interesting history, it has engraving of (what we guess) the original owner, which seems to have been heading up a very large corporation. The camera has been tested on the shutter tester, and shot with film, and is in perfect working order. Rangefinder is spot on. There are however some user marks, and ofcourse the previously mentioned engraving. A real user camera.

It comes in our own box, a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

This particular example has what it seems an interesting history, it has engraving of (what we guess) the original owner, which seems to have been heading up a very large corporation. The camera has been tested on the shutter tester, and shot with film, and is in perfect working order. Rangefinder is spot on. There are however some user marks, and ofcourse the previously mentioned engraving. A real user camera.

It comes in our own box, a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-chrome-9/ Mon, 15 May 2023 14:41:14 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=3117 The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

This particular single stroke example with a 1 million serial number is in a lovely condition, and has only very minor user marks.

It received a full CLA from Amsterdam Camera Repairs and is mechanically in perfect working condition.

It comes in our own box, a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

This particular single stroke example with a 1 million serial number is in a lovely condition, and has only very minor user marks.

It received a full CLA from Amsterdam Camera Repairs and is mechanically in perfect working condition.

It comes in our own box, a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-chrome-6/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 17:05:40 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=2563 The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is a late version, with a serial number over 1 million.
It has a lovely new skin from Aki-Asahi Japan in Hermes-look.

Besides that, it has been serviced, and calibrated to factory specifications.

Delivery comes in our own box, with a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty included.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is a late version, with a serial number over 1 million.
It has a lovely new skin from Aki-Asahi Japan in Hermes-look.

Besides that, it has been serviced, and calibrated to factory specifications.

Delivery comes in our own box, with a hyperion strap, and 6 months warranty included.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-chrome-5/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:50:23 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=2512 The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here has the double stroke lever, buddha ears to mount a strap on and includes two flash protector caps as well as an additional eye protector on the viewfinder.

It has a small dent on the corner and some user marks.

It benefitted from a full CLA by Amsterdam Camera Repairs and has 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here has the double stroke lever, buddha ears to mount a strap on and includes two flash protector caps as well as an additional eye protector on the viewfinder.

It has a small dent on the corner and some user marks.

It benefitted from a full CLA by Amsterdam Camera Repairs and has 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/product/leica-m3-rangefinder-0-91-chrome-3/ Sat, 24 Jul 2021 14:08:56 +0000 https://www.cameraobscuraelburg.nl/?post_type=product&p=959 The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is an early version and has the double stroke lever, buddha ears to mount a strap on.

It benefitted from a full CLA at Amsterdam Camera Repairs.

This camera has 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]> The first Leica M camera, the M3, introduced in 1954 combined the viewfinder and rangefinder into a single window, and set the design standard for any Leica M camera coming after it. It was the most successful model of the M series, with over 220,000 units sold.

The camera presented here is an early version and has the double stroke lever, buddha ears to mount a strap on.

It benefitted from a full CLA at Amsterdam Camera Repairs.

This camera has 6 months warranty.

The post Leica M3 Rangefinder 0.91 Chrome appeared first on Camera Obscura Elburg.

]]>