|
|
The Leica M3
camera was introduced in 1954,
The first production model being
number 700 000, last number 1 158 995 when general production ceased in 1966.
The Leica M3 was the first
production model using a bayonet type lens mount, a 30° turn locking the lens in
position.
Viewfinder / range finder system
sharing a common eyepiece with bright line frames for 50,90 and135mm focal
lengths, each with automatic parallax adjustment.
A rapid wind lever which with two
short strokes wound on the film and tensioned the shutter.
On changing the film the counter
reset automatically to -2 and the camera back was hinged to provide access for
film
loading.
Flash synchronization is automatic,
separate contacts for expendable and electronics flash units The shutter speeds
from B to 1/1000 of a second are incorporated in a single dial.
There were some variations during the
production run and I would like to illustrate them in the same time as the 35mm
focal lengths and coupled Leicameter.
First model from 700 000 to 785 890
have no manual frame selector incorporated, back door with glass plate film
pressure. Long lever rewind lever sided by a screw.
Rewind knob with slotted and
red painted axe.
The Summaron 3.5/35 lens
bayonet mount first model, SOONC-M, 1954 issued, red painted dot on the
flange, with UVa filter, cap and ITDOO sun shade, SBLOO reflecting mirror
viewfinder, second model and German catalog.
Code name is IGEMO catalogue number 10680E
|
|
Second model, manual frame selector
incorporated with the serial number 785 891.
Rewind knob with cocked eye, one dot,
red painted axle.
The Summaron 3.5/35 lens with
removable ocular attachment, glossy black painted, SOONC-MW, 1956 issued,
Leicameter M, with booster cell attached, antic red box and German lens catalogue.
|
|
Third model 1957.
The pressure plate
changed from glass to metal from number 844 001 and shutter speeds changed to
mathematical progression from number 854001.
The Summaron 3.5/35 lens with
removable ocular attachment, crackled black painted, SOMWO, 1958 issued,
with UVa filter, cap and IROOA/12571J sunshade.
Leicameter MC with incident
light screen , cell booster with respectives leather bags, Leicameter MC instructions for
use booklet, English printed.
Leica M3 short instructions
for use leaflet, English printed.
|
|
The Leica M3 1958
Single
stoke film transport lever, replaced double stroke from number 915 521.
The Summaron 2.8/35 lens with
ocular attachment, crackled black painted, SIMOW/11106, 1960 issued, with
UVa filter, cap and IROOA/12571 sunshade.
Leicameter MC with incident
light screen and red box, cell booster with leather bag and M3 catalog, English printed.
|
|
Many changes of small details : lug shape,/size/position throughout production run.
In 1958 two notches added to range
finder frame in viewfinder to indicate depth of field.
An over 1 000 000 serial number range, 1962 issued, model with original box Summicron 2/35 lens with fixed
ocular attachment, SAMWO/11108, 1959 issued with original box.
UVa filter, cap and 12585
custom sunshade, milled to be reversible on the lens upon the infinity lock.
Leicameter MR with original box and Leica M3
catalog, English printed.
|
|
One of the last
produced M3,
over 1100 000 serial number range, 1965 issued model,
with Summilux 1.4/35 lens,
fixed ocular attachment, 11871, 1960 issued with E43 UVa filter, cap and OLLUX sunshade.
ECOOG leather bag for 11871,IDYOO leather bag for M3
with 11871,
Leicameter MR 4 with German
printed instructions for use booklet.
|
|
OROLF (1960)
For three screws lenses with M2 and M3.
No more than 250 made and only in one year.
Camera fitted with a special base plate
The thumb screw at the back of the turret when turned on the right unlocked the
lens from the camera, when turned on the left it locked the next lens in
position.
Illustration with Summicron 50mm, Elmar 90mm and Hektor 135 mm lenses and M3 camera.
|
|
|
|
