Original Leica M3 Double Stroke — the first production variant of the most important rangefinder camera ever made.
The Leica M3 Double Stroke in Chrome is the original production variant of the most celebrated rangefinder camera ever made, introduced in 1954. The Double Stroke designation refers to the two-stroke film advance lever of early production — later replaced by a single-stroke mechanism that most M3s use.
The M3 revolutionised camera design with its bayonet M-mount, bright combined viewfinder/rangefinder, and the mechanical precision that established the template for all subsequent M cameras. The 0.91x magnification viewfinder is the brightest and most precise in any M-series camera.
Build quality is legendary Leica with machined brass in chrome finish. The Double Stroke variant is the earliest M3 production, making it historically significant as the first cameras off the line. The mechanical quality is identical across all M3 variants.
The Leica M3 Double Stroke commands premium collector prices as the earliest production variant of the most important rangefinder camera. The high viewfinder magnification suits 50mm and longer lenses perfectly, and the fully mechanical operation ensures indefinite service life.