Leica's legendary M3 rangefinder — the camera that defined 35mm photography and set standards for decades.
The Leica M3 (Chrome) was produced 1954-1966 as the original Leica M-series 35mm film rangefinder camera. 50mm viewfinder magnification (1×). 0.92m minimum rangefinder base. Shutter to 1/1000s. Single-stroke film advance. At approximately 580g. Leica M mount.
0.92× viewfinder magnification. Shutter 1-1/1000s + B. Framelines for 50mm, 90mm, 135mm (no 28/35mm framelines). Single-stroke film advance. Leica M mount. 35mm film.
The M3 is the camera that established the Leica M system: the M-mount bayonet, viewfinder-integrated rangefinder, and interchangeable lens design introduced with the M3 in 1954 remain the defining characteristics of the M-series today. The 1× viewfinder provides life-size viewing; the 0.92× base enables precise rangefinder coupling at 50mm. The M3 lacks 28mm and 35mm framelines — designed primarily for 50mm use.
On the used market the Leica M3 Chrome is available as the founding Leica M-series camera. Condition checks: rangefinder patch brightness and alignment, shutter speeds at all settings, film transport, viewfinder/rangefinder window clarity. Leica M mount.