1960, chrome, serial no. 991803, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 1593202, body, F-G, shutter fires but sticks, speed dail

chrome, serial number 973307, body G, shutter fires but first curtain is not opening fully, speeds appear OK, RF patch working, with body cap and

silver, serial number 964853, body VG, shutter works but hesitant at slow speeds, RF patch working, with case, Leicameter MR, and UVa filter.

Leica DBP M3 35mm rangefinder camera body, serial no. 1038356, circa 1961, in chrome finis...

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 741554, 1955, double stroke, shutter working, rangefinder working, self timer working, body G,

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 1023588, 1961, shutter working, rangefinder working, self timer working, body G, some wear to

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 864827, 1957, double stroke, shutter working, rangefinder working, self timer working, body G,

Rare extremely early M3, in beautiful original, near-mint condition, note the features such as no frame selector, early speed progression, no black wax seal, 200 ISO index, etc., delivered to retailer Bauer, Düsseldorf, on 20.03.1954, together with matching very early Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1148385 in original M-mount (production starts with no.1148001), in meter scale, designed to be used on M3 cameras with external finder, very good optics, delivered to the same place on 30.04.1954, with SBLOO finder (leather case), UVa filter and both caps, with leather eveready case.

A unique and beautifully hand-engraved Leica M3, decorated with detailed motifs of space exploration and finished with special red covering. The deep engraving process, which required several months of work by a master engraver, demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The camera is offered together with a chrome Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1911648 and is in perfect working order.

A sought-after original Leica M3 black paint, in good condition and working order, with a nice patina on the edges, vulcanite showing signs of repair, unknown inventory numbers on the back, delivered to Leica retailer Brandt, Sweden, on 16.03.1964, together with a matching Summicron 2/50mm no.1954543 in good condition, delivered to the same location on 05.02.1964, clean and clear optics, with front lens cap.

An original M3 black paint from an official batch of 150 cameras issued in 1962, in good condition with a nice patina, a dent on the right side, with sought-after matching black paint Summicron 2/35mm 8-element #1631910, optics showing a few light cleaning marks, both delivered to German Leica retailer Süss in April and May 1963, with hood 12585, eveready case and German instructions.

An original and highly sought-after Leica M3 in black paint, from an official production batch, delivered to Munich in 1965. The camera is in very good cosmetic condition, showing a dent on the corner of the top plate near the ocular (which does not affect functionality), and vulcanite with traces of previous repairs.

Very rare early version olive paint Leica M3 'Bundeswehr' from the first production batch, with long strap lugs and double stroke advance, in good, original condition, showing a beautiful patina, small bubbles appearing in paint, engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418' on the rear of the top plate, together with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335693 engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419' (front lens cap) and Leica-Meter MC no.49780 engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5603' (including a green leather etui for the meter stamped with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5710).When the West German Army (Bundeswehr) was established after 1955, the Leica M cameras formed a large share of the photographic 35mm cameras ordered for the troops. Rare versions are the Leica M3, M1 and later M4 models in the olive paint finish. Leica produced less than 300 M3 cameras in this finish. The offered example comes from the earliest small batch delivered to the German army in January 1958 and is the 37th olive green M3 made!

An original Leica M3 black paint with a patina of years of professional use, later self-timer lever and preview lever, with M39 Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1226934 with M-adapter. The camera comes from an official batch of 200 black paint cameras issued in 1961.

Interesting very rare and early Leica M3 Betriebskamera (for internal factory use), with some early features such as the double stroke film transport, glass press-film, memo film to 200 ISO, speed progression, etc., with frame selector, in very good condition, top plate engraved 'Betriebsk. M3 – 1028', with body cap, together with a rare sought-after DONNA Leica M3 light brown leather box, similar to the one protecting the famous and very first Leica M3 no.700000 sold at the Leitz Photographica Auction in June this year.

Very interesting chrome M3 with unusual short serial number 'M3 - 1007' engraved on the top plate, most probably a model for intern use, like the early 'Betriebskamera' type but here without the usual 'Betriebsk.' engraving, in mint condition, the shutter curtains need attention, note the late features such as 1/4 sec speed, film index to 1300 ISO, late flash logos and extremely late lens release button without protection crown, with body cap.

Very rare and attractive original giant display model of a chrome Leica M3 without serial number, transitional version with frame selector, early strap lugs and later speed progression, together with unnumbered rigid Summicron 2/5cm, meter scale, in good condition, ca. 61 x 31 x 32 cm, giant wooden display models of Leica cameras were occasionally officially produced by Leitz since approximately the late 1920s. Examples of Leica camera models IA (A), III (F), IIIf as well as M3 have been reported. Furthermore, several custom-made giant models exist, but the original versions are exceedingly rare. Of the Leica M3 giant models, there even are a number of variations, made at different moments during the long production period of the M3. The first original giant display model of the Leica M3 was made for presentation of the then new camera in April 1954 at Photokina in Cologne.

Very interesting and rare Leica M3 chrome with early features such as double-stroke film transport, early strap lugs style, 1/5th sec. speed progression, etc, engraved on the back with 'Bayer. Rundfunk T-Nr.8210', for Bayerischer Rundfunk, federal radio station of Bavaria (Munich), in good condition, delivered to retailer Süss, Munich, on 16.01.1956, with body cap.

The latest example of an early Leica M3 with the distinctive corner at the front of the top plate we have recorded, no.701489. Typically, this feature is found on cameras in the 700100–700700 range; only a few examples from the 701xxx batch are known to display it. According to the delivery records, this camera was delivered to Manca, New York, on 23 April 1954. It was built with the early casting type (cast number 1664) and retains all original early features, including long strap lugs, absence of the ‘L’-seal, early viewfinder, and early back door. The camera is in excellent condition and is offered with a collapsible Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1146515, an early eveready case, a 1954 Leica M3 brochure, and an unnumbered maker’s box.

On October 20, 1958, Federal President Theodor Heuss of the Federal Republic of Germany arrived in the United Kingdom, marking the first official state visit by a German head of state since the end of World War II. The four-day visit, which concluded on October 23, was a symbolic step toward post-war reconciliation. One of the most notable moments was President Heuss’s formal meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.To mark the occasion, Leica was commissioned to produce a special edition of its M3 camera as a diplomatic gift for the Queen. This unique model featured the royal cypher “E II R” engraved on the top plate, with a commemorative inscription on the base plate reading:“Ihrer Majestät Königin Elisabeth II – 20. Oktober 1958 – Theodor Heuss”The camera offered here is the original backup unit, made alongside the gifted version and retained by the Leica factory in case a replacement was ever needed. It has remained in excellent condition and is fully operational. Interestingly, it comes fitted with a close-focus Summicron lens that lacks a serial number, suggesting it may be a prototype or pre-production sample.

Very early M3 body with a distinctive corner at the front of the top plate (only found on the earliest examples of the Leica M3), with all original features like the early casting type (guss number 455), long strap lugs, no 'L'-seal, early viewfinder and back door, the camera is in very good condition, showing some repair in the vulcanite, with matching very early collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1116588 with Thorium glass elements, feet scale version showing cleaning marks on the front element, with eveready case, both camera and lens were delivered to Manca, New York on 12.03.1954.

An early prototype Leica M3, produced as a sample for the chrome finish, engraved on the top plate and inside the base plate with "Chrom-Muster 2". Interestingly, this example shows no flash contact symbols engraved, an uncommon and noteworthy feature. The camera is in beautiful, near-mint condition, and comes with a matching unnumbered Elmar 2.8/5cm lens.

An extremely early Leica M3, produced in the first batch of serial production that began with serial number 700001 in early 1954. This example, with chassis number 305, features the distinctive two-corner top plate associated with the very earliest M3 cameras. It retains early traits, including the absence of an L-seal, the early chassis construction, and the original double-stroke film advance. The camera was delivered to Cape Town in March 1954 and remains in excellent, original condition. It is accompanied by a collapsible Summicron 50 mm f/2 lens, no. 1115548, which was delivered to the same destination on the same date - 11 March 1954. Finding such an early body together with a matching-delivery lens is exceptionally uncommon, making this a highly desirable and historically important set.

1961, black paint, serial no. 1038874, with Leitz Summitar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 978484, body, P, shutter working, lens, VG, complete

no.745879, with Leica Meter MC, in leather case with Instruction booklet; together with various Leica paperwork including Oskar Barnack Centenary, Accessory Guide, Pocket Book, Price Guide, Magazines and others

silver, serial numbr 894336, body G-VG, shutter working at all speeds, rangefinder patch working and clear, with leather case, G.

Very early M3 body with a distinctive corner at the front of the top plate (only found on the earliest examples of the Leica M3), with all original features like the early casting type (guss number 688), long strap lugs, no 'L'-seal, early viewfinder and back door, the camera is in mint condition and working order, delivered to Stockholm on 19.03.1954, with body cap.

A sought-after original Leica M3 black paint from a batch of 200 cameras delivered in 1962 nos.1038801-10399000, in good condition and working order, with body cap, the top plate has been repainted probably in 1970, note some parts as the speed dial and the self-timer still in the original condition showing some bubbles in the finish. This camera was delivered on 18.01.1962 to Manca, New York.

The famous presentation camera presented to Professor Stefan Kruckenhauser in 1955, the Leica M3 no. 700000, holds significant historical value as the first serial-numbered unit of the iconic M3 series. Kruckenhauser, a renowned Austrian ski and mountain photographer received this camera on June 2, 1955, as a recognition of his contributions to alpine photography. While it bears the first serial number of all M cameras, the earliest M3 production models were actually completed in 1953. As a presentation piece, M3 no. 700000 features later design elements rather than the earliest production specifications.Well-documented in numerous publications, including Lager I (page 172), this camera has an extensive provenance. It was acquired in 1970 by Michael von Rosen, who kept it in his private museum until 2001. The camera remains in beautiful and perfect working condition, featuring an Elmar 3.5/5cm lens and an exceptionally rare presentation box. It also comes with a copy of the Leitz delivery book and expertise from Mr. Ottmar Michaely.The Leica M3 is one of the most highly regarded 35mm rangefinder cameras, produced between 1954 and 1966, with approximately 230,000 units manufactured. The presentation of serial number 700000 to Professor Kruckenhauser underscores Leica’s tradition of honouring influential photographers who have significantly contributed to the advancement of photographic arts.

Very rare Leica M3 in near mint condition produced in Canada, engraved 'Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario' on the top plate. Usually, the Leica M cameras assembled in Canada were equipped with top plates from the Wetzlar production. Just a handful of examples carried the 'Leitz Canada' engravings and were intended as samples. The offered camera is in beautiful, near-mint condition.

Very rare early version olive paint Leica M3 'Bundeswehr' from the first production batch, with long strap lugs and double stroke advance, in good, original condition and in perfect working order, with beautiful patina and small bubbles appearing in paint. Engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418' on the top plate, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1334328 engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419'.When the West German Army (Bundeswehr) was established after 1955, the Leica M cameras formed a large share of the photographic 35mm cameras ordered for the troops. Rare versions are the Leica M3, M1 and later M4 models in the olive paint finish. Leica produced less than 300 M3 cameras in this finish. The offered example comes from the earliest small batch delivered to the German army in January 1958 and is the 13th olive green M3 made!

Beautiful early double-stroke M3 chrome in almost mint condition, good working order, some light signs of wear visible on the top plate and rear, still in original condition with all early features such as no frame selector, no black wax seal on the bayonet, 'Buddha ear-style' lugs, 1-2-5-10 speed progression, ISO index from 6 to 200, etc, together with its body cap, delivered to Manca, New York on 06.04.1954.

A sought-after original Leica M3 black paint, in very good condition and working order, with only minimal patina around the edges and small bubbles appearing in the paint, delivered to Leica retailer Bauer, Germany, on 29.01.1964, together with a matching Summicron 2/50mm no.1926588 in good condition, optics showing some haze and cleaning marks, with front lens cap and leather case.

The 27th Leica M3 ever made. This extremely early camera shows all the earliest, desirable features, like the double corner on the top plate, early chassis (with the guss number 116!), matching, first version back door etc. It is also in excellent cosmetic condition and in perfect working order. It comes with an early Summicron 2/5cm no.1118626. Research in the Leica archives revealed, that the camera and lens was delivered to Günther Leitz on 27.02.1954.Günther Leitz was a German industrialist who was the fourth and youngest child of Ernst Leitz, the founder of the Leitz optical company. Günther Leitz joined the family business in 1937 and became its managing director in 1954. Under his leadership, Leitz continued to develop new products, including the Leica M3, which is considered one of the most important cameras ever made. Günther Leitz was also a strong supporter of photography as an art form, and he helped to establish the Leitz Photographic Society.

This is an extremely early Leica M3 in very good, original condition. It has all the early features, like the double stroke advance, the earliest type back door, early casting (with guss number 219), no 'L' seal, etc. The camera was delivered on 03.04.1954. It also has an early, collapsible M-mount Summicron 2/5cm no.1040976 (with a Thorium glass element, including a matching, early lens cap with the Summicron name on the inside). Including an early red maker's box (unnumbered), an early leather case and English instructions from 1954. This is a very rare and beautiful outfit.

Beautiful quite late single-stroke version in mint condition and working order, delivered on 9.11.1965 to retailer Süss, Munich, with Summicron rigid 2/50mm no.1887139 with clean and clear optics, with 12571 hood, front lens cap, leather case and German instructions.

Beautiful early double-stroke M3 chrome in mint condition, good working order, some gentle signs of wear visible on the top plate and rear, an interesting model with some early features such as no black wax seal on the bayonet, 'Buddha ear-style' lugs, 1-2-5-10 speed progression, glass press-film, etc, but with a frame selector, together with very early Summicron 2/5cm in original M-mount no.1115659 with meter scale, good optics only showing a few light cleaning marks, with front lens cap.

Single stroke version in very good condition and working order, transitional version with some early features such as early strap lugs, longer rewind lever, and with later features such as ¼ sec., metal press film plate, etc. delivered to Vienna on 08.05.1959, with meter scale Elmar 2.8/5cm no.1590454 with good optics only showing some cleaning marks on the front element, with UV filter, yellow filter (plastic keeper), IROOA hood (maker's box) and front lens cap, Elmar 4/135mm no.1769320 with clean and clear optics (rear cap and UV filter), Leica-Meter MR chrome no.40120, leather case, shutter release cable, 14100 table tripod (maker's box) and 14121 tripod ball head (maker's box).

A unique, beautiful Leica M3 with stunning engravings on the top and base plate, inspired by beautiful Chinese motifs. A master engraver spent several months completing this intricate work. The camera is in excellent cosmetic condition and comes with a collapsible Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1935717 engraved in the same beautiful style.

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, double stroke, serial no 820015, 1956, shutter sticking in three slowest speeds, working in others &

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 1033713, 1961, shutter working, self timer working, rangefinder working, body G, leatherette

silver, serial number 901331, body VG, shutter works, self timer works, rangefinder works, with case, F.

chrome, serial no. 897118, body, P, film advance jammed and shutter not working, missing glass from rear of eye-piece

chrome, serial no. 854134, body, P-F, shutter fires but slow speeds sticking, viewfinder black and de-silvered

1961, chrome, serial no. 1033682, with Leitz Summaron f/3.5 35mm lens, chrome, serial no. 1563942, body, G, shutter working but slow speeds

1958, chrome, serial no. 920937, body, G, shutter working, RF patch bright & clear (Qty: 1)

1965, black, serial no. 1134112, body, F, shutter working, complete with original bill of sale from Kafetz Cameras Ltd, dated February 1966 Notes:

1959, black paint, serial no. 959412, body, F, shutter working Notes: This example is from the first batch of Leica M3 black camera cameras produced

1957, chrome, serial no. 857823, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 1233415, body, G, shutter working, lens, G, some internal

A Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera Body Serial No: 882636 (1957) Body: G/VG Shutter: working Notes: with custom made rewinder, and photographer's name to (Qty: 1) ... read more

A Leica M3 DS Rangefinder Camera Body Serial No: 913458 (1957) Body: Film door and other areas with vulcanite losses, otherwise VG with L seal intact (Qty: 1) ... read more

Leica M3 Single Stroke Body # 973136 with MR Meter. Shutter firing, but 2nd blind lag noticeable at 1/60th and slower. Signs of normal use. With ... read more

A Leica M3 SS Rangefinder Camera Body Serial No: 1070451 (1963) Body: VG - some bright marks to chrome around strap lugs on top plate Shutter: (Qty: 1) ... read more

silver, serial number 1047465, body G-VG, rangefinder clear and working, advance jammed, with case.

silver, serial number 894474, body F-G, some usage marks to top, bottom and rear, rangefinder patch visible and moving, viewfinder clear, shutter and

1957, chrome, serial no. 895596, with Leitz Summitar f/2 50mm lens, with M adapter, chrome, serial no. 861560, body, G, shutter fires but second

1966, chrome, serial no. 1140361, body, F-G, shutter working but sometimes fires as soon as advanced, with rapid quick load modification

A sought-after original Leica M3 black paint, in beautiful condition, with only minimal patina around the edges and small bubbles appearing in the paint. The camera was delivered on 16.12.1964 to Manca, New York.

Single stroke version in very good condition and working order, only showing some repair in the vulcanite, note the bottom plate without any engraving, probably a replacement part, delivered to Odin, the Netherlands, on 29.07.1960, together with matching Summaron 2.8/35mm no.1755793, clean and clear optics, with front lens cap.

A Beautiful classic single-stroke Leica M3 in almost mint condition and in working order, with only a few light signs of use, with body cap, French instructions, original control tag, leather strap and maker's box, delivered to Tiranty (Paris) on 14.05.1964.

Beautiful double stroke M3, originally a chrome version, professionally repainted black by the French technician Jacques Fontana in the 2000s, in absolutely mint condition and working order, with body cap.

Very early M3 body with a distinctive corner at the front of the top plate (only found on the earliest examples of the Leica M3), with all original features like the early casting type, long strap lugs, no 'L'-seal, early viewfinder and back door, the camera is in excellent condition, it comes with an early M-mount Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1107998, the camera was delivered to New York on 12.03.1954.

A sought-after, extremely rare first version black paint Leica M3, one of only a few demonstration cameras produced for the Leitz marketing department to use in advertising and for camera shows. This information was discovered during research in the Leica archives, which revealed unusual annotations in the control book: 'schwarz' and 'a. Ph. Verk. gel. 31.10.58' (an Photo Verkauf geliefert - delivered to photo sales department). Furthermore, an entry in the delivery book also confirms the camera's special designation: '12.12.1958' delivered to 'Peter, Werbeabteilung' (Marketing Department). The camera is in exceptional, beautiful condition, with only a minimal amount of brassing on the controls, it is still 'L' - sealed. What makes it even more special is the fact, that the included Summicron 2/5cm no.1582155 was also delivered to Leitz Werbeabteilung, on the exact same date 12.12.1958. It is not only the most desirable version of the black paint Leica M3, but also an interesting artifact from the company's history.

An extremely early Leica M3 - the serial production started with serial no.700001, one of the very few cameras with distinctive two corners on the top plate, in excellent, original condition, showing all features of the earliest M3 cameras, like the absence of L-seal, different chassis, etc. The chassis number is 108 - it is one of the earliest known. The camera was delivered to Manca, New York in 1954. It comes with a collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1304324, an early case, a red unnumbered box, and an early M3 brochure from 1954.

Beautiful double-stroke M3 chrome in mint, original condition and working order, still wearing the 'L' black wax seal, with all early features such as no frame selector, 'Buddha ear-style' lugs, 1-2-5-10 speed progression, ISO index from 6 to 200, etc, with body cap, delivered to Dusseldorf on 22.04.1955, together with Summicron 2/35mm 8-element for M3 11308 no.1997265, optics showing a light haze, with both caps.

Unusual military chrome single stroke M3 body used by the German Army and engraved with '6650-12-121-6500 BUND' on the back side, in very good condition and working order, together with Hektor 4,5/135mm head no.1313862 with same engravings (cond. B), both delivered to Wünsche, Stuttgart in May and August 1957, with Visoflex I, LVFOD magnifier, bellows I, UZEOO extending bellows hood, all with the same military engravings, with macro extension adapters.

A sought-after original Leica M3 black paint, in almost mint condition and working order, with only minimal patina around the edges and small bubbles appearing in the paint, with German instructions, maker's box, together with a matching Summilux 1.4/50mm no.1928906 in mint condition, clean and clear optics, with XOOIM hood and front lens cap, Leica records reveal that this exact lens was delivered on 25.03.1965 to Günther Leitz, the fourth and youngest child of Ernst Leitz, the founder of the Leitz optical company (!).

1960, chrome, serial no. 1014487, body, VG, shutter working but slow speeds inaccurate, complete with warranty tag and maker's box

Leica M3 rangefinder camera body serial no. 837014 in Leitz case, with two Ernst Leitz Gmb...

Leica M3 with 3.5cm Summaron, Goggles & Visoflex Outfit. Comprising M3 double-wind body #851806 still with the original swing-tag. Shutter firing, ... read more

Leica M3 double stroke 35mm rangefinder camera with chrome body, serial number 895037, circa 1957,

Leica M3 ELC double stroke 35mm rangefinder camera with chrome body, serial number 840507, circa

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 1014743, 1960, single stroke, shutter working, range finder working, self timer working, body

no.997413, with Leitz Summaron f2.8 35mm lens and goggles, in soft case

A Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera Body Serial No: 1032462 (1961) Body: VG Shutter: working Notes: complete with maker's body cap, ERC and Leica-Meter MC (Qty: 1)

A Giant Leica M3 Riesen Model Rangefinder Camera A large wooden dummy model of a 1954 Leica M3 camera, the model with a black painted body, silver ... read more

One of the last M3 chrome ever made (production ends with no.1158995!), in good cosmetic condition (shutter curtains not 100% light-proof), showing signs of use and a few light dents on the top plate, note the absence of lens lock release guard, typical for late models, with body cap.

This is an extremely early Leica M3 in very good, original condition. It has all the early features, like the double stroke advance, the earliest type back door, early casting (with guss number 219), no 'L' seal, etc. The camera was delivered on 03.04.1954. It also has an early, collapsible M-mount Summicron 2/5cm no.1040976 (with a Thorium glass element, including a matching, early lens cap with the Summicron name on the inside). Including an early red maker's box (unnumbered), an early leather case and English instructions from 1954. This is a very rare and beautiful outfit.

An original M3 black paint from an official batch of 150 cameras issued in 1962. In beautiful, near-mint condition and good working order. The camera was completely restored later.

Very rare early version olive paint Leica M3 'Bundeseigentum' with long strap lugs and early vulcanite pattern, single stroke advance, in excellent, original condition and in perfect working order, with beautiful patina and small bubbles appearing in paint. Engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418' on the top plate, with chrome Elmar 2.8/5cm no.2327087.When the West German Army (Bundeswehr) was established after 1955, the Leica M cameras formed a large share of the photographic 35mm cameras ordered for the troops. Rare versions are the Leica M3, M1 and later M4 models in the olive paint finish. Leica Produced less than 300 M3 cameras in this finish. The offered example comes from a small batch of 28 cameras delivered in 1961.

Sought-after, original black paint Leica M3, in used condition but with a very attractive patina around the edges and tiny bubbles appearing in the paint. Delivered to Brandt, Sweden on 14.04.1960. Including an unnumbered box.

An original Leica M3 black paint with a patina of years of professional use, later self-timer lever and preview lever, with M39 Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1226934 with M-adapter. The camera comes from an official batch of 200 black paint cameras issued in 1961.

Very rare early version olive paint Leica M3 'Bundeseigentum' with long strap lugs and early vulcanite pattern, double stroke advance, engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418' on the top plate, the camera was restored by Leica in the 1980s (both top plate and base plate repainted).

A Leica M3 engraved on the back of the top plate with 'Leitz-Eigentum' (property of Leitz), the originality of this special engraving is confirmed by an entry in the Leitz control book. Included with this special camera is a prototype Visoflex with a unique - SLR-like prism, unmarked 20cm Telyt (partially different finish than the production version), as well as an unengraved SFTOO finder.

Sought-after original Leica M3 black paint, with notable signs of years of use. Speed dial replaced. Good working order. From the second official batch of 250 cameras issued in 1960.

A black paint M3 from an official batch of 150 cameras delivered in 1964 (nos.1097701-1097850), in beautiful and original condition with its most desirable patina showing typical bubbles appearing in the paint, a reference number hand-engraved on the bottom plate, with a beautiful, matching black paint Summicron 2/50mm no.1926616 issued in 1962, with very good optics including a black paint lens cap, a truly classic and sought-after combination, the camera was initially delivered to Brandt, Sweden, on 18.08.1965, the lens to Copenhagen, on 12.07.1966.

A very well made cut-away model of the Leica M3 (double stroke version), in excellent condition (only a few small pieces of vulcanite missing) and in working order.

chrome, 1955, serial no.778448, with a Leitz Wetzlar Summicron f/2 5cm (50mm) collapsible lens, shutter cocking and lever advance faulty, will

1957, chrome, serial no. 863166, body, G, shutter working

1955, chrome, serial no. 735282, body, G-VG, shutter working

no.707659 with Leitz Elmar f2.8 50mm lens

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 752909, 1955, film advance lever jammed, self timer working, viewfinder clear, rangefinder

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 984301, 1959, single stroke, shutter fast on one & one half second, viewfinder clear,

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, double stroke, serial no 856847, 1957, shutter working, self timer working, viewfinder clear,

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 1100455, 1964, shutter working, viewfinder clear, rangefinder working, self timer working,

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 776827, 1955, single stroke, shutter working, self timer working, viewfinder clear,

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Rangefinder Camera, serial no 743816, 1955, film advance lever/shutter jammed, rangefinder functions, not clear, self timer

chrome, 1955, serial no.801383, with a Leitz Wetzlar Summaron f/3.5 35mm lens with "goggles", 1957, serial no.1485583, shutter working, body G-VG,

chrome, serial no. 1139381, body, F-G, shutter working, slow speeds inaccurate

Leica M3 Double Stroke with 50mm Summicron f2 Collapsible

Beautiful and early Leica M3 Double Stroke in near-mint condition and working order, still with many early features like the progression speeds, the finder eyepiece, no frame selector, etc, with body cap.

The 27th Leica M3 ever made. This extremely early camera shows all the earliest, desirable features, like the double corner on the top plate, early chassis (with the guss number 116!), matching, first version back door etc. It is also in excellent cosmetic condition and in perfect working order. It comes with an early Summicron 2/5cm no.1118626. Research in the Leica archives revealed, that the camera and lens was delivered to Günther Leitz on 27.02.1954.Günther Leitz was a German industrialist who was the fourth and youngest child of Ernst Leitz, the founder of the Leitz optical company. Günther Leitz joined the family business in 1937 and became its managing director in 1954. Under his leadership, Leitz continued to develop new products, including the Leica M3, which is considered one of the most important cameras ever made. Günther Leitz was also a strong supporter of photography as an art form, and he helped to establish the Leitz Photographic Society.

The M3J is one of the most attractive modern edition, it is stylised after the sought-after earliest version M3 black paint, and was issued in a limited edition of 200 cameras only by Leica Camera Japan, the offered example is in mint, unused condition and comes with box, all papers, and accessories.

A very early, double-stroke M3, in very good condition, with collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1379274 (good optics, front cap).

One of the most unusual examples of the M3 olive - the camera shows an early, 1959, serial number and long strap lugs, but the green vulcanite is of the later type. The research in the Leica Archives revealed that this camera was delivered in a small batch to the German Military on 22.09.1964, in a similar period as the cameras from the 11XXXXX batch! The camera is in beautiful condition, with an attractive patina around the edges and small bubbles appearing in the paint. It comes with a Bundeseigentum Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335666 and an olive-green case stamped on the back with Bundeseigentum and contract number.

A very early Leica M3 showing all matching features, like the double stroke film advance, 200ASA back door, long strap lugs etc., in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order, with body cap.

An original M3 black paint, in beautiful condition, only with minimal signs of wear, tiny bubbles appearing in the paint near the rewind knob (rewind knob screw chrome), in good working order (only some minimal spots in finder, not affecting the view), with matching black paint Summicron 2/50mm no.1954628 (very good optics with only a few hairline marks), the camera was delivered to Switzerland on 30.06.1965, the lens to the exact same location on 02.08.1964.

The third last M3 olive camera made! From the last production batch (nos.1206962-1206999) ordered by the German army after general production has ceased, engraved 'Bundeswehreigentum', original inventory sticker on the back, note that these cameras had no lens lock release guard, in very good original condition (only a few tiny pieces of vulcanite missing) and working order, with Elmar 2.8/50mm no.2327080 and matching olive green leather case.

A mid-production M3 olive, engraved with only 'Bundeseigentum' on the back of the top plate, 'Bund-BWD' sticker on the base plate, in excellent condition, very attractive, minimal patina around the edges, delivered to German military on 04.12.1964.

A classic, single-stroke Leica M3 with a distinctive serial number, in very nice condition and in working order, only a few signs of use, missing vulcanite on the back door, with matching rigid Summicron 2/50mm in feet scale no.1704632, good optics, with front lens cap, leather strap, instructions, papers, warranty card and import certificate, both the body and lens were delivered to Manca, New York in 1960.

Beautiful single stroke body in mint condition and working order, excellent rangefinder, with body cap, very hard to find in such a pristine condition!

An extremely early Leica M3 showing all the original features, like the double stroke film advance, glass press-film, speed progression with 1/5th sec, etc., in outstanding condition and good working order, back door finished with leather instead of vulcanite, with early collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1115808 with very good optics only showing a few light cleaning marks, with UV filter, ITDOO hood (red maker's box), front cap and plastic keeper, with leather ever-ready case and body cap, this outfit, body and lens, was delivered on 19.3.1954 to Copenhagen.

An exceptional Leica M3, the eight camera from the second official production batch (numbers 993501-993750), in beautiful condition, amazing patina with all the black paint elements covered with hundreds of tiny bubbles, including a sought-after black paint Summicron 2/50mm no.1926534 with a matching patina, this beautiful camera was delivered to Leitz Hamburg on 27.07.1961.

Extremely rare M3 prototype (pre-series, produced as test camera in 1952/53). The camera is in excellent original condition and in perfect working order. It shows original early features, including a special film advance lever, external frame counter, reversed direction of the rewind knob, the unique shape of self-timer, top plate with distinctive corners, matching base plate also with corners, completely different shutter casting and film guides. Besides these features, the camera also incorporates an unusual finder with square frame lines. All these small details make the experience of using the camera unique. It comes with an M39 Summicron 2/5cm no.921753. It is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most essential cameras in Leica's history.

Interesting very rare and early Leica M3 Betriebskamera (for internal use only), still with all the early features such as the double stroke film transport, absence of frame selector, glass press-film, memo film to 200 ISO, speed progression, etc., in user condition (dented corner next to the rewind lever) and in working order, top plate engraved 'Betriebsk. M3 – 1012', together with an interesting unnumbered and unnamed Summitar 2/5cm for M39 with coated lenses, with M39/M adapter and leather case.

An original black paint Leica M3, completely repainted in the past, in good working order, with patina of use around the edges, the camera was delivered to Leitz Hamburg on 29.03.1963.

Beautiful late single-stroke version, in absolute mint condition and in working order, rangefinder with very good contrast, perfect vulcanite and shutter curtains, with original body cap and maker's box, with a nice serial number, delivered on 30.07.1965 to Karlsruhe, Germany.

Very rare early version olive paint Leica M3 'Bundeswehr' from the first production batch, with long strap lugs and double stroke advance, in good, original condition and in perfect working order, with beautiful patina and small bubbles appearing in paint. Engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418' on the top plate, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1334328 engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419', ITOOY hood engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5529'.When the West German Army (Bundeswehr) was established after 1955, the Leica M cameras formed a large share of the photographic 35mm cameras ordered for the troops. Rare versions are the Leica M3, M1 and later M4 models in the olive paint finish. Leica Produced less than 300 M3 cameras in this finish. The offered example comes from the earliest small batch delivered to the German army in January 1958 and is the 13th olive green M3 made!

A sought-after, original black paint M3 from a batch of 150 cameras issued in 1965 (numbers 1097701-1097850), in fine working condition with a patina of professional use, delivered on 30.06.1965 to the Swiss Leica dealer Petraglio.

Sought-after, original black paint M3 from the first official production batch (no.959401-959500), in very good cosmetic condition with an attractive patina, with small bubbles appearing in the paint, including a matching black paint, brass mount Summicron 2/5cm no.1587453 (good optics with only a few cleaning marks), black painted ITDOO hood, the camera was delivered to Brandt, Sweden on 12.08.1959, the lens to the same location on 24.06.1960.

1958, chrome, serial no. 922127, body, G-VG, shutter working

1957, chrome, serial no. 856935, body, VG, shutter working

1959, chrome, serial no. 954683, G-VG, shutter working, slight stuff to top plate

chrome, 1962, serial no.1065407, with a Leitz Wetzlar Summicron f/2 50mm lens, 1962, serial no.1942720, shutter working, body G, lens G-VG, fungus

chrome, 1959, serial no.974996, witha Leitz Wetzlar Summicron f/2 5cm collapsible lens, 1954, serial no.1231508, shutter working, body F, scuffing

a black paint Leica M3, according to the previous owner, converted from a chrome camera by Leica in the 1980s, in good condition with an attractive patina

Very early M3 body with a distinctive corner at the front of the top plate (only found on the earliest examples of the Leica M3), with all original features like the early casting type, long strap lugs, no 'L'-seal, early viewfinder and back door, the camera is in excellent condition, it was delivered to New York on 24.03.1954

Very rare early version olive paint Leica M3 “Bundeswehr” with long strap lugs and double stroke advance, in good, original condition and in perfect working order, with beautiful patina and small bubbles appearing in paint. Engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418' on the top plate, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1333993 engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419', ITOOY hood. When the West German Army (Bundeswehr) was established after 1955, the Leica M cameras formed a large share of the photographic 35mm cameras ordered for the troops. Rare versions are the Leica M3, M1 and later M4 models in the olive paint finish. Leica Produced less than 300 M3 cameras in this finish. The offered example comes from an early small batch of only 20 cameras (serial numbers 920501-920521) delivered to the German army in 1958.

extremely rare one of the last M3 cameras made, ordered by the German army (nos.1206962-1206999) after general production has ceased, engraved 'Bundeswehreigentum', original sticker on the back, and inventory sticker on the base plate, note that these cameras had no lens lock release guard, in very good original condition and working order, with body cap

a very early and absolutely beautiful Leica M3 with all the original features, like the first type of casting, no 'L' - seal, early back door and base plate, long rewind lever, rare early numbered chassis '613', etc, in immaculate, mint condition and working order, with one of the first original M-mount Summicron 2/5cm no.1104735, (very good sought-after slightly radioactive optics with only minimal cleaning marks), with front lens cap

The earliest and most desirable version of the black paint Leica M3. The camera's most prominent feature is the black film counter dial. Of course, it also shows all the other features of the early M3 black paint, like the all-black base plate, long strap lugs etc. It was delivered on 03.06.1958 to Brandt, Sweden and comes with a black paint brass-mount Summicron 2/5cm no.1587299.

Very rare Leica M3 Betriebskamera (for factory use only), in fully original condition, top plate engraved 'Betriebsk. M3 – 1127'. By the end of the 1950s, Leitz Wetzlar had about 7,000 employees. Leica cameras were used internally in various departments, where cameras were needed, and there was a well-organised camera lending service for temporary private use, as a courtesy to those members of the company, who couldn’t or didn’t want to afford a Leica camera. After the war, the term 'Betriebskamera' was used, beginning with Leica model IIIc. The offered example is in excellent condition, and comes with a Summicron 2/5cm no.1400376, ITDOO hood and an early leather case.

Body in near mint and original condition, in good working order, with matching Summicron rigid no.1581383 with almost perfect lenses (front lens cap), with IROOA hood, UV and yellow filters (all with maker's boxes), ever ready case and original maker's box with both body and lens matching serial numbers

an interesting single stroke M3, engraved on the back of the top plate with 'United Nations, New York, NY 10017', in good working condition, with body cap

A very early M3 in beautiful, near-mint condition, with all matching features, like double stroke advance, early back door, long strap lugs etc., including a matching, early Summicron 2/5cm no.1117836 (cond. B+), control tag with the matching number and a red box with a matching number of camera and lens! According to the Leica Archives, the camera and lens were delivered on 31.03.1954 to Stuttgart.

a mid-production M3 olive, engraved with only 'Bundeseigentum' on the back of the top plate, 'Bund-BWD' sticker on the base plate, in good condition, very attractive patina around the edges, with Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1990935 and a matching olive green eveready case (with German Army inventory sticker and 'Bundeseigentum' embossing)

a very early Leica showing all original matching features, like the early type back door, double stroke advance, no 'L' seal etc., with matching early Summicron 2/5cm no.1169581, lens cap and leather case, the camera was delivered in 1954 to Manca, New York

Sought-after original black paint M3, from the second official production batch, owned and used by famous British photographer John Bulmer, the camera is in used condition, with a very attractive patina, perfect working order, comes with a matching black paint Summicron 2/50mm no.2159675, also included in this lot is a photo book 'The North' by Bulmer.

1963, chrome, serial no. 1072447, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, 1955, chrome, serial no. 1280497, body, G-VG, shutter working but slow speeds

1955, chrome, serial no. 743296, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, 1955, chrome, serial no. 1319744, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some

1961, chrome, serial no. 1026874, body, G-VG, shutter working,

chrome, 1966, serial no.1156626, single stroke, shutter working, body F-G, signs of use, with an M4 type winding lever, body cap and ever ready case

1959, chrome, serial no. 986563, body, G-VG

1961, chrome, serial no. 1027509, body, G, shutter working

1959, chrome, serial no. 974128, body, F, shutter working, complete with ever ready case and maker's box

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Camera, serial no 988940, shutter working, viewfinder clear, rangefinder working, self-timer working, body G, some marks to

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Camera, serial no 992219, 1960, single stroke, shutter fast on slow speeds, self-timer working, rangefinder working, body G,

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Camera, serial no 1014852, 1960, shutter working, viewfinder clear, rangefinder working, self-timer working, body G, some

A Leitz Wetzlar Leica M3 Camera, serial no 1000383, 1960, shutter working, viewfinder clear, rangefinder working, self-timer working, body G, some

chrome, serial no. 817775, body, F, shutter working, film advance leaver keeps moving onwards once cocked

a very early Leica M3 with all the original features, like the first type of casting, no 'L' - seal, early back door and base plate etc., in very good working condition (small separation in the rangefinder - still very good contrast), with M mount Summarit 1.5/5cm no.1209503 (very good optics with only minimal cleaning marks), lens cap and early leather case

a sought-after, original black paint Leica M3, in beautiful condition with only minimal patina around the edges and typical bubbles appearing in the paint in all the right places, with leather case and body cap, the camera was delivered to Tiranty, Paris, on 13.08.1965

M3 body in beautiful, near mint condition (only minimal signs of use), and in perfect working order, good contrast in the rangefinder, with body cap and including maker's box and control tag with matching serial numbers

very early Leica M3, in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order, still showing the original early features, like the double stroke film advance, no 'L' seal, early back door etc., with body cap

Rare Leica M3 Betriebskamera (for internal use only), in very good cosmetic condition and working order, top plate engraved 'Betriebsk. M3 – 1230'. Provenance: Prof. Helmut Marx - head of the photographic lens design at Leitz, inventor of the Summicron 50mm and Noctilux 1.2. Included with this special camera is a copy of a letter from Leitz from 1986, confirming that the camera was the property of Prof. Marx.

a very rare, original 'Leitz-Eigentum' Leica M3 (property of Leitz), in good condition and working order, the originality of the camera has been confirmed by an entry in the Leitz Archives Control Book, including an interesting Summilux 1.4/50mm no.1759844, also engraved with 'Leitz-Eigentum' and with a small red asterisk near the serial number

sought-after, original Leica M3 black paint from the second official production batch issued in 1960, in very good condition, an attractive patina of use around the edges, perfect working order, with an unnumbered M3 box and German instructions, the camera was delivered to Brandt, Sweden, on 14.04.1960.

A unique set including a prototype Telyt 8/40cm no.0000048, showing many special features, like the focusing knob that can be moved from the right to the left side, the camera mount that can be rotated 90° for landscape and portrait orientation, the filter slot accepting filters in two different sizes, and the entire lens head equipped with a quick-exchange system (resembling the one on much later Telyt V lenses). It is also one of the first prototype M-mount lenses. The set also includes an original Leica M3 Betriebskamera no.M3-1149 and a prototype SFTOO 20cm finder, heavily modified with a magnifier built-in on the top, for critical focusing on a Visoflex. Accompanying this unique finder is an original pencil design drawing on parchment dated 17.09.1955.

A unique, beautiful Leica M3 Kit, with amazing engravings on the top and base plate, inspired by the work of the most renowned Chinese painter of the 20th century, Zhang Daqian. It took several months for a master engraver to finish this work, the camera is in excellent cosmetic condition and comes with two lenses: a collapsible Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1935717 and Elmar 4/135mm no.1825536 - both lenses engraved in the same beautiful style.

A black paint M3 from an official batch of 150 cameras delivered in 1964 (nos.1097701-1097850), in beautiful and original condition with its most desirable patina showing the typical bubbles appearing in the paint, a reference number hand-engraved on the bottom plate, with a beautiful, matching black paint Summicron 2/50mm no.1926616 issued in 1962, with very good optics including a black paint lens cap, a truly classic and sought-after combination, the camera was initially delivered to Brandt, Sweden, on 18.08.1965, the lens to Copenhagen, on 12.07.1966

a unique, large display model showing the working principle of the shutter speed adjustment cams in the Leica M3, made by Leitz in the production preparation department in 1952 for display purposes, 31x56cm, in excellent and working condition, including a description by Georg Mann, a very attractive and interesting piece of the history of Leica M3

a very early M3 in excellent cosmetic condition and very good working order, with all early features like a shorter winding lever, lack of the 'L' seal, early-type back door with ceramic pressure plate etc., worth mentioning is a different style of the M3 engraving, the camera has been delivered on 25.03.1954 to New York, included in the lot is an early collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1104620 (M39 with an M-adapter, some cleaning marks on the front element), lens cap, leather case

an interesting single-stroke Leica M3, modified to work with the Leicavit MP, including an M2 film counter and quick-loading system, in very good working condition (minimal corrosion in the RF patch), with Leicavit MP and body cap

very early first version military olive green M3 in exceptional, beautiful condition, with just the right amount of patina around the edges and small bubbles appearing in the paint, flawless early green vulcanite with coarse pattern, top plate engraved on the rear with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418', the 19th camera from the first production batch, with a correct annotation in Leica control book 'olivgrün', included with this special camera is a matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1334885 engraved on the lens mount with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419'

Body in very good and original condition, in working order, with early features, incl. matching Summarit 1.5/5cm no.1430066 with good lenses showing few cleaning marks and a light haze, with UV filter and hood, collapsible Elmar 4/9cm no.1189764 showing some haze, with front lens cap and plastic keeper, polarizer filter 13352 (maker's box), Leicameter MR no.80530, German instructions and leaflet, ever ready case and maker's box with matching body serial number.

1962, olive repaint, serial no. 1047645, body, E, shutter working Notes: This camera was hand-built and custom-finished in black enamel by Peter

1965, black paint, serial no. 1134073, body, F, shutter working, heavy brassing Note: From a batch of 150 cameras, serial numbers 1134001-1134150

1962, black repaint, serial no. 1057458, body, E, shutter working Notes: This camera was hand-built and custom-finished in black enamel by Peter

1959, chrome, serial no. 958997, with Leitz Summaron f/2.8 35mm lens, with ocular attachment, chrome, serial no. 1628919, body, G-VG, shutter working,

Leica M3 Single Stroke, refinished in hammertone

chrome, serial no. 974128, body, F, shutter working, complete with maker's case and box

1955, chrome, serial no. 779312, body, G, shutter working Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the

1955, chrome, serial no. 751288, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, 1954, chrome, serial no. 1191935, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG Note: Lot

1960, chrome, serial no. 991795, body, G-VG, shutter working Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the

1961, chrome, serial no. 1026874, body, G, shutter stuck and requires attention

1961, chrome, serial no. 1027509, body, G, shutter working Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the

1957, chrome, serial no. 897474, G-VG, shutter working Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’

Early version olive paint Leica M3 “Bundeswehr” with long strap lugs and double stroke advance, in good, original condition and in perfect working order, with beautiful patina and small bubbles appearing in paint. Engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418' on top plate, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1334812 engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419', ITOOY hood engraved “Bundeseigentum 12-121-5529”, Hektor 4.5/13.5cm no.1509711 with olive vulcanite and engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-120-1625', Leica-Meter MC no.75704 engraved with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5608 with olive-green keeper for the meter and booster and matching olive green outfit case. When the West German Army (Bundeswehr) was established after 1955, the Leica M cameras formed a large share of the photographic 35mm cameras ordered for the troops. Rare versions are the Leica M3, M1 and later also M4 models in the olive paint finish. Of the Leica M3, less than 300 units were prepared in this finish in total. The offered camera comes from an early small batch of only 20 cameras (serial numbers 920501-920521) delivered to the German army in 1958. It is for sure one of the nicest sets we have seen.

Very early M3 body with a distinctive corner at the front of the top plate (only found on the earliest examples of the Leica M3), with all original features like the early casting type, long strap lugs, no 'L'-seal, early viewfinder and back door, the camera is in excellent condition, with a small dent on the left strap lug, it comes with an early, collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1126618, the camera was delivered to New York on 12.03.1954

very nice single stroke version in beautiful and original condition, in working order, with some early features such as long strap lugs and long rewing lever, well contrasted rangefinder, with Summicron rigid 2/50mm no.1811174, very good lenses (front cap and plastic hood 12538), Leicameter MC no.36250 (not reacting), leather case and German instructions

interesting body restored by Leica in the 1980s with some M4 parts, in mint condition and working order, rangefinder showing some separation but still with good contrast, with body cap and maker's box (serial number not matching)

quite rare single stroke body assembled by ELCAN in Canada, in very good condition and working order - from a batch of 100 cameras (nos.1135001-1135100) finished in Midland in 1965, with mint Summicron 2/50mm no.3167288* (Cond. A-) also made in Canada, clean and clear lenses, with 12538 hood and front cap, it is interesting to note that both camera and lens have a serial number with a '*', denoting a duplicate delivery

a sought-after, original black paint Leica M3, in good condition, with beautiful patina on the edges, from an official batch of 150 cameras (serial numbers 1059850-1059999), with body cap

double stroke version in mint and original condition, in good working order, with some early features such as first version strap lugs, speed progression 2-5-10/sec, long rewind button, etc, rangefinder with good contrast, body cap and maker's box with another serial number (cond. B/A)

an interesting and very well made cut-away model of the Leica M3 (late version), in excellent condition and working order

Very rare Leica M3 Betriebskamera (for factory use only), in fully original condition, top plate engraved 'Betriebsk. M2 – 1114'. By the end of the 1950s, Leitz Wetzlar had about 7,000 employees. Leica cameras were used internally in various departments, where cameras were needed, and there was a well-organised camera lending service for temporary private use, as a courtesy to those members of the company, who couldn’t or didn’t want to afford a Leica camera. After the war, the term “Betriebskamera” was used, beginning with Leica model IIIc. The offered example is in beautiful, near-mint condition, and comes with an early M39 Summicron 2/5cm no.993933 engraved near the mount 'Leitz-Eigentum M'. The lens is not listed in the delivery records, which confirms that it was used for internal purposes.

quite early body with all original features, in very good condition and working order, rangefinder with good contrast, with Summicron 2/5cm no.1168076 (1954) with good lenses only showing some light haze and very few cleaning marks, front lens cap, hood IROOA, Leicameter MC no.60545 (not reacting) German instructions, ever ready case and matching red maker's box

1954, chrome, serial no. 703850, body, G, shutter working

1954, chrome, serial no. 703260, body, VG, shutter working, complete with maker's case and box Note: Box serial number does not match the body Note:

chrome, serial no. 756880, body, P, shutter fires but sticking, rangefinder window is black Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK

chrome, serial no. 864234, with Leitz Summarit f/1.5 50mm lens, body, F-G, shutter working, lens, F, heavy internal haze and light cleaning marks

chrome, serial no. 742420, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, body, F-G, shutter working, speeds inaccurate, lens, G, some internal haze

Single-stroke body in good cosmetic condition, rangefinder with light contrast but still usable, the shutter needs maintenance, with Summaron 3.5/3.5cm M3 no.1614645 showing some haze

sought-after, original M3 black paint, from the official batch of 150 cameras issued in 1962, in fine condition (small dent near the rewind knob), with very attractive patina and characteristic small bubbles appearing in the paint, with leather case and body cap

user double-stroke body in good cosmetic condition and working order, with body cap

Single-stroke body in very good condition and working order, rangefinder with good contrast and vulcanite in good condition, with body cap

an original, early second batch Leica M3 black paint, with very attractive patina and small characteristic bubbles appearing in the paint, in perfect working order, with body cap, leather case, German instructions and unnumbered maker's box

Single-stroke body in very good cosmetic condition, rangefinder with good contrast, the shutter needs attention, with Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1334233 only showing some minor haze and light cleaning marks, with front lens cap

an interesting black paint Leica M3 - the camera has been fully refurbished and converted by Leitz from a chrome model to black paint, in beautiful, mint condition and good working order, provenance: ex Leitz director, who ordered the conversion in 1980s

sought-after, very early Leica M3 black paint, in excellent, unrestored condition, with all matching features, like long strap lugs, first-type base plate etc., with matching black paint, brass-mount Summilux 1.4/50mm no.1644769 (very good optics), the lens has been delivered to Brandt, Sweden on 17.12.1959, camera has been delivered also to Brandt, Sweden on 31.12.1959, including with this special set is an original Swedish invoice with matching serial number of the camera and lens from 1960!

Beautiful single stroke version in mint condition and in working order (factory upgraded from Double Stroke), rangefinder with good contrast, with matching and mint Summarit SOOIA-M 1.5/5cm no.1331708 (lenses in outstanding condition), with ever ready case and red maker's box

very early M3 with all original features like the early back door, longer rewind lever, no L seal etc., in excellent condition

double stroke body in excellent condition and good working order, small repair on the vulcanite covering, rangefinder with good contrast (some dust black specs visible in RF path though), with M3 Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1518192 (good optics)

M3 outfit in exceptional, beautiful condition, only tiny signs of use on the base plate and counter window cracked, still 'L' - sealed, with mint Summarit 1.5/5cm no.1330273 (good optics, cap), incl. matching control tag, near-mint Leica-Meter MC, three mint filters, English instructions, leather case, M3 maker's box with matching camera number

1957, chrome, serial no. 903156, with Leitz Summicron Dual-Range f/2 50mm lens, 1958, chrome, serial no. 1567412, body, G-VG, shutter working, some

1954, chrome, serial no. 704752, body, G, shutter working, complete with maker's leather case and original box Note: Engraved to inside of film door '

1955, chrome, serial no. 733041, body, VG, shutter working, complete with maker's case and velvet box Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission.

1954-66, chrome, serial no. 12988A, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, body, VG Note: Non-working display model Note: Lot imported under Temporary

1957, chrome, serial no. 855337, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 1402446, body, F, professionally used patina, shutter working,

1954, chrome, serial no. 707477, body, G, shutter working, rangefinder cam sticking slightly

a late double stroke M3 in beautiful, almost mint condition, and in good working order, with leather case, control tag with matching number, English instruction, flash exposure table, red maker's box with matching camera number

Early Leica M3 from the first year of production in very good condition and working order, fully original and all early features, with collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1155627 in feet scale (also from 1954) showing a minor haze and some light cleaning marks, with front cap

Original black paint M3 out of a batch of 150 cameras from 1962, with black paint Summicron Rigid 2/50mm no.1954607 (good lenses), both body and lens are in original condition with their beautiful patina, only some repair to the vulcanite can be seen, with body cap and rear lens cap, a highly desirable set

Leica M3 chrome double stroke in very good and original condition, good working order, with collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1235636 meter scale (1954) showing some haze and light cleaning marks, with UV filter

Double stroke body in near mint condition and working order, all original features, only showing few and light scratches on top and bottom plates, very well contrasted rangefinder, with early Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1149026 (1954) with minimal cleaning marks (cap)

Very late Leica M3 in very good cosmetic condition, the rangefinder is showing some traces but still well contrasted, shutter needs adjustment, with dual-range Summicron 2/50mm no.2092689 (very good lenses)

Very nice single stroke body in near mint condition and perfect working order, only minor signs of use can be seen, clear and contrasted rangefinder, with body cap and test certificate, in maker's box

an early M3 body in beautiful, almost mint condition and very good working order, with matching early collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1156039 (near mint, slight cleaning marks on the front element, front cap), original control tag with matching number, red maker's box with matching camera number, leather case, Italian instructions and brochure from 1954, very uncommon certificate with matching serial number of the camera and the lens

a sought-after, original black paint M3, a user body with a visible patina of years of professional use, perfect working order, from an official batch of 150 cameras issued in 1962, incl. body cap and black paint Leica-Meter MR

Very rare and unusual M3 chrome single stroke 'Betriebskamera' in near mint condition, made for internal use in the Leica factory, not intended to be sold to the public, only engraved 'Nr. 1288' on the top plate (no 'M3' or 'Betriebskamera') and 'P1288' on the chassis, showing late features such as round lugs, frame selector, standardized speed progression and short rewind knob, earlier 1000 ASA back and uncommon standard flash sync attachment, with body cap, this is a good opportunity for every Leica collector

a beautiful, near mint and original black paint M3, with all matching parts and in perfect working order, with written expertise from Mr. Ottmar Michaely, one of the best examples of this sought-after model we have seen

single stroke body in excellent condition and perfect working order (recent CLA), with body cap, strap and German instructions

Beautiful and early Leica M3 Double Stroke in very good condition and working order, with some early features, contrasted rangefinder and good shutter curtains, with body cap

body in good cosmetic condition and working order, with Summaron 2.8/35mm no.1679543 (optics with only minimal cleaning marks)

Leica M3 camera body, 1959, chrome finish, serial number '986937', fitted with 'Ernst Leit...

Leica M3 35mm rangefinder camera body, serial number M3-876515, circa 1957

chrome, serial no. 979336, body, P-F, shutter working, rangefinder damaged, chassis slightly bent

together with a case for a Leica IIIg (2) Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’ and 20% UK

chrome, serial no. 1077019, body, G, shutter working Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be charged on the ‘hammer’

chrome, serial no. 1045210, body, F, shutter working, with Leica Meter MR

Rare M3 dummy of a single stroke camera in near mint condition, with A (Attrappe) serial number, with matching unnumbered dummy Rigid Summicron 2/50mm

a single stroke Leica M3 in beautiful, near mint condition and in perfect working order, with near mint rigid Summicron 2/50mm no.2141615 (very good optics with only a few hairline marks, both caps), boxed Leica-Meter MR, red M3 maker's box (different number), near mint M-mount Hektor 4.5/13.5cm no.1238152 (1955, very good optics, front cap and keeper)

single-stroke body in good working condition (some scratches and small dents on the top plate), with Leica-Meter MR no.80715 (untested), M3 Summaron 2.8/35mm no.1947446 (cond. A/B, very good optics), German instructions

Body in excellent condition and in good working order (the rangefinder slightly low on contrast, but still usable) with body cap and leather case

Single stroke body in excellent condition and good working order, with body cap and leather case

a very early M3 in excellent cosmetic condition and in very good working order, with all early features like a shorter winding lever, lack of the 'L' seal, early-type back door with ceramic pressure plate etc., worth mentioning is a different style of the M3 engraving, the camera has been delivered on 25.03.1954 to New York

Single stroke body in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order, with body cap

Originally a chrome camera, converted to customer's order to black paint around 1980s, in beautiful condition, few small parts (rewind know, speeds knob, flash shoe, back door etc.) in black chrome, incl. body cap

an original early design study model of the Leica M3, just like the earliest prototype cameras, this plastic model is around 2mm shorter than the production M3, it still shows the iconic shape of the camera body and is equipped with a lens resembling the Summicron 2/5cm in the collapsed position, it is an interesting piece showing an important step in the development of the M3

Very interesting double stroke version used by the Criminal Police Department of Berlin, 'Kriminalpolizei Berlin - Nr. Fo 100/24' sticker on the bottom plate and 'Kripo Berlin' engraved right from the flash sync connections, in very good condition, some early features such as early lugs, no frame selector and one point film transport indicator, according to the Leica record books, it has been delivered on the 7th of July 1955 to Berlin

very early first version military olive green M3 in original, unrestored condition and perfect working order, early green Vulkanite with coarse pattern (two small pieces missing), top plate engraved on the rear with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418', unlike the later examples these early M3 olive cameras were made to individual orders from military, entries in Leica control books reveal that this camera is the second one known from in 916XXX serial number range and the last M3 olive with double stroke advance(!), included with this camera is the written expertise from Mr. Ottmar Michaely

A very early M3 in excellent cosmetic condition and in good working order (low rf contrast), with all early features like long strap lugs, lack of the 'L' seal, early-type back door with ceramic pressure plate etc., with early M-mount collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1118596 (from the first batch of M-lenses)

A black paint M3 in beautiful, unrestored condition, and only minimal wear around the edges, with typical small bubbles appearing all around the black-painted elements, from an official batch of 250 units issued in 1960 (serial numbers 993501-993750), with matching black paint rigid Summicron 2/50mm no.1836429 (also showing small bubbles in black paint finish, incl. black paint lens cap, ITDOO hood), and leather case, definitely one of the most beautiful black paint Leicas we have seen

Double stroke body in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order, with Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1185795 (minimal cleaning marks, with front cap), incl. leather case

An early M3 body in very good cosmetic condition, good shutter, rangefinder pale and with light separation, inc. early M-mount Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1145841 (cond. A/B, only minimal cleaning marks), screw-mount Hektor 4.5/13.5cm no.1608702 (very good optics, with M-mount and rear cap), Leica-Meter M (not tested) and early case

an early double-stroke M3 body in beautiful, almost mint condition and in good working order, with all matching early features, inc. body cap and later box

Very early M3 body with a distinctive corner at the front of the top plate (only found on the earliest examples of the Leica M3), with all original features like the early casting type, long strap lugs, no 'L'-seal, early viewfinder and back door, the camera is in excellent condition, with a small dent on the left strap lug, it comes with a very early, collapsible M Summicron 2/5cm no.920887, the camera has been delivered to New York on 13.03.1954

1960, chrome, serial no. 1003344, body, G-VG, shutter working, in maker's box Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import VAT will be

1963, black re-paint, serial no. 1077277, body, VG-E, shutter working, re-covered

Leica M3 35mm rangefinder camera outfit, camera serial number 1044347 circa 1962, with Leitz

a very early M3 in with all original features like the early back door, longer rewind lever, no L seal etc., in very good condition, with very early rigid Summicron 2/5cm no.1400161 (the production started with the number 1400001) in excellent condition with good optics

a very early double stroke body in excellent condition and with all early features, with early Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1177297 (near mint, with UV filter, front cap), ITDOO hood, SBLOO finder, early eveready case, M-mount Hektor 4.5/13.5cm no.1311918 (cond. B, hood, rear cap, UV filter), Bertram Standard light meter (uncommon version for Leica, with box)

double stroke body in excellent cosmetic condition, shutter needs adjustment, with body cap

black paint body in beautiful and perfect working condition, converted to black paint by Leitz in the 1980's to customer's order, black/chrome back door, rewind knob, shutter speed dial and counter window rim, with body cap

very early M3 body in excellent condition, with all original early features like the early casting type, lack of the 'L'-seal, early viewfinder etc., with matching early base plate and back

very rare 100% original double stroke M3 Betriebskamera (for internal use), engraved on top plate 'Betriebsk. M3-1089', in near mint condition (small piece of vulcanite repaired on backdoor) and working order

in near mint condition and good working order, only minimal marks on top plate, clean rangefinder with good contrast, including body cap

an original M3 black paint, very rare version factory-adapted to use with Leicavit MP, from an official batch of 300 cameras issued in 1963, in very good condition, small dent near the rewind knob, incl. black paint Leicavit MP (totally restored)

A Leica M3 SS 'Betriebsk.' Rangefinder Body, 1954-56, chrome, serial no. 1215, body, G, shutter working

double stroke body in beautiful, almost mint condition and in good working order, with body cap

Early version olive paint Leica M3 “Bundeswehr” in good original condition and in working order, engraved “Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418” on the rear of the top plate, with screw-mount Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1563235. When the West German Army (Bundeswehr) was established in 1955, a number of Leica M cameras have been ordered in olive finish. Less than 300 Leica M3 cameras have been prepared in this special finish. The camera offered comes from a batch 927671 to 927734 issued in 1958.

late single stroke body in excellent condition and in good working order, with body cap

sought-after original black paint M3 in excellent condition (only slight brassing on the edges), from an official batch with numbers 993501-993750 issued in 1960, with body cap

early Leica M3 in near mint condition and in good working order (Vulkanite replaced on the back door), with near mint rigid Summicron 2/5cm no.1532272 (good optics with only minimal cleaning marks, metal cap)

single-stroke body in a beautiful, unused condition and in good working order, with mint rigid Summicron 2/50mm no.1832836, lens cap, maker's box with matching serial number - very hard to find in this condition!

interesting dummy M3 housing without self-timer and frames preview lever, no M3 or serial number engraved, with unfinished die-cast aluminium camera back with provision for punching knob - as seen on early M3 prototypes

black paint body in beautiful and perfect working condition, originally a chrome camera, it has been converted to black paint by Leitz in the 1980's to customer's order, black/chrome back door, rewind knob, and counter window rim, with body cap

an original Leica M3 Betriebskamera (for internal use in the Leitz factory), in excellent condition and good working order, with very rare variation of OROLF lens turret - with special breast tripod, inclusive 3 screw-mount lenses: (1) Summaron 2.8/35mm no.1947472 (very good optics, with only few hairline marks), (2) Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1624604 (cond. A/B, clean optics), (3) near mint Elmarit 2.8/90mm no.1683112; a very impressive ensemble!

body in near mint condition (only small marks on the top plate and near the strap lugs), with body cap

nice M3 outfit in working condition, bright rangefinder with depth of field indicator, including Dual-Range Summicron 2/50mm no.1542145 (with cap, UV filter, early type IROOA hood and SPDOO attachment), Summaron 3.5/3.5cm no.1554385 (hazy, with both caps and M/M39 adapter), Elmarit 2.8/90mm no.1658466 (hazy, aperture not fully opening, with front cap, UV filter, keeper and IUFOO hood), Elmar 4/135mm no. 1801467 (with keeper and SHOOC finder in leather case), Leicameter MR (in leather case, not tested), Leitz E39 CR1.5 filter and Leitz E39 Pol Filter

1954, chrome, serial no. 703560, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm lens, 1954, chrome, serial no. 1231924, body, VG, shutter working, lens, F-G,

1955, chrome, serial no. 750510, with Leitz Summicron f/2 50mm Dual Range Lens, 1962, with occular attachment, chrome, serial no. 1955598, body, G-VG,

1955, chome, serial no. 744305, body, G, shutter working.

body in fine condition and in working order (RF patch pale, Vulkanite on back door replaced), with collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1205013 (minimal cleaning marks, cap, IROOA hood), early type leather case, German instructions, red maker's box (different number)

This is the fifth production Leica M camera. It is one of the earliest known to exist in 100% original condition and for sure the best preserved one! Leitz reserved the numbers from 700001 on for the new M3 in 1953. Some books list no.700000 as the first M3, in fact the original and very first M camera is no.700001, finished in September/October 1953 (a camera with number 700000 was a presentation camera given to Prof. Kruckenhauser in 1955 and doesn't have the early features). The camera no.700005 has never been restored and it got all the early features. It is in beautiful, original condition and – after 66 years now – still in perfect working order. The chassis number (Guss Nummer) is 181, (the first M3 no.700001, also sold in our auction has got the chassis number 178). Included with the camera is a very early collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1041619 in near mint condition. The camera has never been sold to any customer - it has been a private camera of Willi Stein (a chief engineer of Leica and a co-developer of the M3!), later it has been given as a gift to the current owner and it has been in private hands for over 40 years! It was never on the market before and is a sensational discovery from the history of Leica! We've had the honour to offer the M3 cameras nos. 700000, 700001, 700004, 700006 and 700007 in our auction history!

body in excellent original condition and good working order, with body cap and maker's box with matching serial number

very rare original M3 Betriebskamera (for internal use), upgraded by Leica to single stroke (L-sealed), very good condition and working order, engraved on top plate 'Betriebsk. M3-1172', also with a proper engraving inside, with Summitar 2/5cm no.979042 and M-M39 adapter

black paint Leica M3 from an official batch 1038801-1039000, in beautiful condition, the camera has been completely restored around 1970, the camera received later black/chrome base plate, back door and black/chrome shutter speed dial, the body is sealed with NY seal, comes with body cap and unnumbered maker's box

beautiful, mint body in perfect working order, refurbished by Leica in 1980's, accurate shutter and good contrast in rangefinder path, with body cap

LEICA M3 with unnumbered (prototype or sample) Summaron 3.5/3.5 cm, matching 3.5 cm SBLOO BL finder (small scratches on front element), IROOA hood and cap, from an early small batch of 200 cameras (700801-701000), with all original features, in very good condition with clean finder and perfect shutter. All in all, 10000 M3 cameras have been produced in the first year, rising to almost 50000 units in 1955. After more than 225000 cameras in different versions, the production of the first M-camera has ceased in 1968.

rare black paint M3 body in beautiful and 100% original condition, never repainted or restored, clean finder, perfect shutter, made in a batch of 250 cameras (nos.993501-993750) in 1960, with matching and original black paint Summicron 2/5cm no.1587262 (also in excellent condition, with black lens mount, black cap), everready case

single stroke camera in very good working condition (small dent in the top plate), with Super-Angulon 3.4/21mm no.1968083 (optics with only minimal marks, incl. 12008 finder), Tele-Elmar 4/135mm no.2207970 (very good optics, both caps, chrome finder), ever-ready case

very early M3 body in fine condition, with all original early features like the early casting type, no 'L'-seal, early viewfinder etc., with matching early base plate and back

very early M3 in with all original features like the early back door, longer rewind lever, no L seal etc., in beautiful, near mint condition, with matching registry card and import certificate, early instructions and maker's box

1964, chrome, serial no. 1094877, body, G-VG, shutter working, slow speeds inaccurate, with ISOOZ adapter, in maker's case

unique cut-away model of an M3 camera, top plate different to the production models (Leica M2 style of the finder and rangefinder windows, M3 film counter), no production camera in this form is known, the body is in very good condition and all mechanisms are fully functional, a fascinating piece of history