LEICA M3

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The origins - 1930s

Teams

In 1935, Oskar Barnack was too ill to work full time and passed away in January 1936⁵⁶². The Leitz Company hired and reassigned several camera designers to compensate for this loss, including Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein in 1936 and Adam Wagner in 1938⁵⁶². Additionally, one of Oskar Barnack's long-standing design engineers, Wilhelm Albert, who had joined Leitz in 1928, appeared to take on extra responsibilities⁵⁶².

These designers were organized into two competing design teams⁵⁶². Ludwig Leitz developed a strong professional relationship with Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein, while Wilhelm Albert mentored Adam Wagner⁵⁶². The two teams had different philosophies: Wilhelm Albert and Adam Wagner embraced Oskar Barnack's "small is beautiful" creed, which led to the development of the screwmount line⁵⁶². In contrast, Ludwig Leitz and Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein, along with other members such as the already-present Hugo Wehrenfennig and later Heinrich Janke, focused on advancing the Leica IV, and, eventually, the Leica M3⁵⁶². The Leitz directors seemed pleased to have two competing design teams, although there was not much clarity on the specifics of this arrangement⁵⁶².

Leica IV

The origins of the Leica M3, known as the "Messsucher Kamera," traced back to the experimental prototype⁵³⁴ Leica IV, developed by Wilhelm Albert in 1935³⁶⁴. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated "birthday" of Leica IV ("Kamera Modell IV") as April 13, 1935 for the wooden model ("Holzatrappe") and as April 18, 1935 for the sample ("Muster") and noted himself as designer for both⁵⁷³. He described the device as "Camera Model IV with 1:1 magnification, mirror frame viewfinder (6 cm base), fixed shutter speed setting knob, built-in self-timer, parallax compensating viewfinder, and removable camera back." ("Kamera Modell IV mit M 1:1, Spiegelrahmensucher f.E-Basis 6 cm, feststehendem Verschlußzeit-Einstellknopf, eingebautem Vorlaufwerk, Parallaxausgleichsucher und abnehmbarer Kamerarückwand")⁵⁷³.

This camera was not a direct prototype for the Leica M3⁵³⁴. Page 21 of "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book featured photographs of Leica IV⁵⁷³. 3 photographs illustrating the 1936 Leica IV prototype were featured on page 35 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰. Leica IV could have been viewed in the factory museum at Solms in 2005⁵³⁴. This very camera, considered the only complete specimen, had a baseplate with a red "M252" museum inventory sticker on it⁵⁸⁷. It was extensively illustrated and described by Peter Coeln and Lars Netopil in the Camera Review No. 71 (Leica-Book '04), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo). Later, this camera was owned by Thai collector Surat Osathanugrah⁵¹¹.

 The inventory card of the Leica IV, designated with "DK771.313.4" and matching "M252" inscription, were sold for at the 39th Leitz Photographica Auction. 45th Leitz Photographica Auction saw a sale of historical Leica IV chassis (aluminium, with 1/5s and 1/10s speeds) and Leica IV chassis (brass, with 1/4s and 1/8s speeds), where as the one-of-a-kind original technical drawing of the Leica IV by Willi Stein was auctioned off at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction.  

The wooden models of Leica IV were also illustrated by Peter Coeln and Lars Netopil in the Camera Review No. 71 (Leica-Book '04), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo).

The first prototypes - 1940s

Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein and his design team likely began actual design work on the Leica M3 shortly after the war¹⁷⁹. Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein integrated the concepts and design solutions from the Leica IV¹⁷⁹. 

In 1945-1946, a prototype based on Leica IIId with parts from (or similar to) pre-production Leica M3, was made to test rapid winding⁵⁹⁵. This prototype was illustrated on page 44 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book⁵⁹⁵. The device featured a winding mechanism with a shift lever and freewheel, as opposed to a knurled knob of screwmount Leica body⁵⁹⁵. The article made references to another prototype, with a planetary gearing on the winding knob⁵⁹⁵. The device with planetary gearing, based on Leica III Model F, was illustrated on page 39 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book (where it was dated to September 18, 1934)⁵⁷³, and page 34 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶. 

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Leica M Prototype from 1948

In 1948, Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein developed a prototype of Leica M3 that was/had:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• was unnumbered and lacked engravings³⁷⁸
• film advance lever of unusual shape, with a "hole drilled at the end, almost certainly to test the possibility of remote control using a wire-connected device"⁵⁵⁰.
• the shutter release knob without knurled texture
• external, manual frame counter, which was different than that of 00XX prototype series that followed in 1952-1953⁵⁵⁰, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• specially designed strap lugs, "equipped with two sturdy, circular "mushroom-shaped" knobs that were attached to an elegantly-riveted internal plate"⁵⁵⁰.
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• without ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial without engravings
• all parts—such as the back door, camera chassis, and base plate—being hand-machined and unique to this specific camera³⁷⁸
• no film punch on the rear door
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• "flat" (and not raised, like in later 00XX prototypes and production series ) frames surrounding the viewfinder and rangefinder windows³⁷⁸.
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, which was different than that of 00XX prototype series that followed in 1952-1953
• no protective ring around the lens lock release
• no frame line selector lever
• The black glass film pressure plate was smaller than that on the Leica M3 and the interior was completely different with a number of unique details that were only found in this prototype⁵⁵⁰.
• The body was 2mm shorter than the final version of the Leica M3 and was covered in a sharkskin-type vulcanite³⁷⁸. The camera was larger than Leica IIIf and had a special baseplate which was compatible with neither Leica IIIf nor Leica M3⁵⁵⁰.
• illustrated in Classic Camera magazine Issue 23 from August 2002, where it was described by Luigi Crescenzi⁵⁵⁰.
• sold at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction held on November 23, 2024, for €2040000 including buyer's premium³⁷⁸. Included with this camera was a unique, unnumbered M-mount 3.5/3.5cm Elmar lens³⁷⁸. This prototype lens featured a special construction with a small slot at the lens base, likely intended for a detachable wide-angle viewfinder attachment³⁷⁸. Additionally, the camera came with a prototype light meter, which was similar in shape to the Leica-Meter but constructed differently³⁷⁸.

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Another or possibly same prototype, known as "Camera 4", was the first fully functional M3 prototype, created between 1947 and 1948⁵³⁴. It was presented by Georg Mann at the Fall 1982 meeting of Leica Historica⁵³⁴. The main housing was milled from a solid block of brass to allow for modifications, and all components were manufactured individually⁵³⁴.

A July 1949 patent listed Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein as the inventor and addressed a continuous time-setting method for exposure times in focal plane shutters¹⁷⁹. Patent number 2664796, dated January 17, 1951, assigned to "W. Stein et al" was titled "Curtain Shutter Camera with Flash Synchronizing Device" and likely originated from February 1950¹⁷⁹. The key patent that ultimately led to the Leica M3 was Patent No. 935884, filed in 1952⁵³⁴. This patent described a photographic camera with interchangeable lenses⁵³⁴. and with it, Leica M3 became unrivaled by similar cameras⁵⁷⁷. This ultimately led to a change in camera design trends⁵⁷⁷. Whether the gradual disappearance of competing models was a benefit or a loss for Leitz remains a significant question⁵⁷⁷. The inventors listed in this 1952 patent were Ludwig Leitz and Hugo Wehrenfennig of Wetzlar⁵³⁴. The invention detailed a photographic camera equipped with interchangeable lenses and a viewfinder—specifically a range/viewfinder system that could accommodate a series of image frames corresponding to various focal lengths, all insertable into the light path⁵³⁴. 

There were two competing prototypes: the Leica H and the Leica IV¹⁷⁹. Ultimately, the Leica H was not chosen for production¹⁷⁹ in 1964, despite being production-ready, which led to Adam Wagner's departure from the company⁵⁶².

The decision to proceed with the Leica IV was believed to have been made around 1952¹⁷⁹. The decision to produce the M camera was made by a committee that included the Leitz brothers, Dr. Hugo Freund, and the leader of the Leitz labor union¹⁷⁹. 

The prototypes of 1950s

The 1951 Leica M3 Prototype 001

Leica M3 Prototype without serial number (likely 001) dated circa 1951 was sold for 72000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 15th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2009⁴⁰⁹. According to the lot description, the camera was a pre-model Leica M3, produced before the known 00XX-series cameras from 1952⁴⁰⁹. 

Inside the rear door, "001" was written in pencil, indicating that this was indeed camera number 001, produced before number 005, which was the earliest camera of the 00XX-series known to exist⁴⁰⁹. 

In fact, the lens and body formed a perfect matching pair, both dating back to the same vintage (1951) and produced before the Leica M3 cameras of 00XX-series⁴⁰⁹. The camera had all pre-series features such as the film advance lever, external frame counter, early speed dial, reversed direction rewind knob, back door with a film marker punch, and a ceramic pressure plate⁴⁰⁹. 

• the body had a shinier chrome finish, resembling that of cameras from the sharkskin period⁴⁰⁹. 
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany". All engravings were finer and slimmer⁴⁰⁹.
• "Nr."  engraved above hot shoe, without serial number
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter lock featured an engraved index dot on the knurled release knob, along with symbols for "T" and exposure "." on the top plate⁴⁰⁹.
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• The ocular ring was made of Bakelite, and the engraving for the flash was distinct⁴⁰⁹.
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• The self-timer lever closely resembled those found on the M3 with serial numbers 700XXX⁴⁰⁹. This lever had been verified by Ottmar Michaely, who confirmed that it was indeed a pre-model⁴⁰⁹.
• no protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• The die-cast shutter crate differed from that of other 00XX-series cameras; the bottom cover plate had no engravings, the body shell was not painted but anodized⁴⁰⁹. 
• ceramic pressure plate⁴⁰⁹.
• The lens attached to this camera was a prototype dual-lever Summikron⁴⁰⁹. Its engraving was similar in style and size to the Summitar engravings, differing from the later 50mm f/2 Summicron lenses of the 9200XX series⁴⁰⁹. The name "Summikron," spelled with a "k" instead of a "c," was the original designation for this new lens, referencing "Kronglas," the lanthanum crown glass invented by Leitz⁴⁰⁹. This was one of only two known Summikron lenses that existed; the second specimen was documented in Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's work, in plates XXVI and 141b⁴⁰⁹. Like the camera, this lens was also engraved with "Nr." without a serial number⁴⁰⁹. 

The 1952-1953 00XX-Series

In 1952-1953, years before the announcement of the Leica M3, Leitz handcrafted approximately 65 M cameras⁸⁰. These prototypes differed significantly from the production model, as well as from each other in several respects: 

• The bayonet mount was integrated into the top plate and lacked screws or a seal cavity³⁶⁰
• The film back featured a film punch, which was useful for marking important frames³⁶⁰
• The film rewind lever rotated counterclockwise³⁶⁰
• The wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve and varied among the prototypes³⁶⁰. At least one prototype was equipped with a wind-on knob instead of a lever³⁶⁰.
• The shutter release knob had a knurled texture and could be locked in the "B" position for time exposures³⁶⁰. While the release button was pressed, an interlocking device prevented the shutter from being wound³⁶⁰. This feature was retained in the production model, although it was later improved to prevent film movement in the gate while the shutter was open³⁶⁰.
• Some prototypes had non-resetting frame counters³⁶⁰. Frame counter was external and operated manually rather than automatically⁸⁰. Some others had a built-in frame counter that was also non-resetting, indexed 45 times and marked from 0 to 40 in increments of five³⁶⁰.
• Both the top and bottom plates of the body exhibited a slight curvature³⁶⁰, complemented by sharp angles at the top and base⁸⁰. 
• The top portion of the delayed-action lever was thinner than that of the production model³⁶⁰ 
• Some featured a lever for X or M flash synchronization³⁶⁰
• The chrome finish on the prototypes was duller compared to the production model³⁶⁰
• When the baseplate was removed, a small intermediary gear was visible inside the camera, which enabled the reverse winding mechanism⁸⁰. Additionally, the baseplate pin was circular rather than notched, as seen in the production versions of M cameras⁸⁰.

After production, these 65 cameras were distributed to select friends and employees of Leitz for testing⁸⁰. Once the testing period concluded, the cameras were recalled, disassembled, inspected for wear, and the components were reportedly destroyed⁸⁰.

In the words of Walther Benser, who received a prototype from Leitz for testing purposes shortly after Christmas of 1953⁴⁷⁸: "Shortly after Christmas 1953 Leitz sent in the new Leica M 3, not as a gift but to use and test out. This was, of course, highly con-fidentional and on the face of it this task did not seem any too easy since in making the practical tests it was out of the question to show oneself in public. Nevertheless although in the course of the spring I put through about 200 exposures..."⁴⁷⁸. 

Some of the surviving known prototypes from 00XX-Series were:

005, 007, 009, 0010, 0011, 0012, 0015, 0016, 0017, 0018, 0019, 0020, 0022, 0024, 0025, 0030, 0032, 0034, 0035, 0037, 0038, 0040, 0041, 0042, 0043, 0047, 0053, 0056, 0059, 0060, 0061, 0063, 0065.

The next section describes what was known about each of these prototypes.

Leica M3 prototype number 005

The features of this device included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" were in the same text used later on later production series, but the layout, style and punctuation were different⁵⁵⁰.
• "Nr. 005" engraved above hot shoe⁵⁵⁰
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• knurled shutter release button⁵⁵⁰. "If, after having been pressed to release the shutter; the button is turned clockwise using slight pressure from the fingertip, the "B" exposure changes to "T" exposure and the shutter will not close until the button is turned back. This is all accomplished very easily and only a rotation of a few degrees is required"⁵⁵⁰.
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• very special lens cap, "never before seen (except in a photograph in some rare, old book), with the circular front part slightly recessed and Vulcanite covered just like the camera. Removing the lens cap reveals one of the two parts into which the Vulcanite has been purposely divided, including the unexpected presence of the clear, lovely engraved "Leica" logo...When the special lens cap of this camera is removed, we see that the ring for inserting lenses is the four-screw type and there are slight differences in the camera obscura and internal arm that operates the rangefinder"⁵⁵⁰
• The interior of the 005 was entirely different from that of the Leica M3, including its metallic structure⁵⁵⁰. The plate that shielded the moving parts on the bottom did not contain the drawings that provided instructions on how to load the film⁵⁵⁰.
• rear door did not the two black protruding guards⁵⁵⁰
• black glass film pressure plate, which was darker and smaller (45x30mm as opposed to 52x45mm) than that of production series⁵⁵⁰
• illustrated on page 175 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. 
• illustrated on the cover and pages 1, 2, 3 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 23 from August 2002⁵⁵⁰. There, the camera was described in great detail by Luigi Crescenzi⁵⁵⁰. 

Leica M3 prototype number 007

This device existed, according to a comprehensive study performed by Mr. Lars Netopil⁵⁵⁰.

Leica M3 prototype number 009

This device was illustrated on page 136 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "Leica: A History Illustrating Every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 009" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows

Leica M3 prototype number 0010

This device was illustrated on page on page 15 of Viewfinder 10(4), October-December, 1977 and also appeared in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004. According to the article published in Viewfinder 10(4), October-December, 1977 by Bob Sperling, the 50mm f/2 Summicron lens on this device bore number 995553⁸⁰. This Summicron lens was manufactured in 1952, which was two years prior to the start of regular production of M mount lenses⁸⁰.

Leica M3 prototype number 0011

This device was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book. In 1995, the camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0011" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• chrome self-timer shaped very similarly to the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the lens accompanying the camera was a dual-lever 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920006.

Leica M3 prototype number 0012

This device was illustrated in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004.

Leica M3 prototype number 0015

This device, dated circa 1952⁴⁰⁷, was part of Surat Osathanugrah collection in 2006⁵⁰⁹. Later it was sold for 156000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 17th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2010⁴⁰⁷.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0015" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• ceramic pressure plate
• the lens accompanying the camera was dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920022⁴⁰⁷.

Leica M3 prototype number 0016

This device was featured in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004 and in an advertisement for Auction Team Köln - Breker - The Specialists in 2006.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0016" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• chrome self-timer shaped like that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920158.

Leica M3 prototype number 0017

This device was illustrated in the article titled "History of Leica IIIc to M4-2'' by Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa, published on page 15 of MIRROR IMAGE-PENTAX GALLERY NEWS magazine No. 35, 1977. It was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0017" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the lens accompanying the camera was 5cm f/2 Summicron number 1481200.

Leica M3 prototype number 0018

This device was illustrated on the page 97 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (bigger font) GMBH (smaller font) (new line) WETZLAR (bigger font) GERMANY (smaller font)"
• "Nr. 0018" engraved above hot shoe. The "8" in looked like converted "6"⁵³⁴.
• wind-on lever was similar to that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 45 times and marked from 0 to 40 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• no film punch located on the lower left of the rear door
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows

Leica M3 prototype number 0019

This device, dated circa 1952, was sold for 360000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 34th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 8, 2019³⁸⁹. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0019" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• no film punch located on the lower left of the rear door
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• completely different shutter casting and film guides, along with a special pre-series back³⁸⁹.

Leica M3 prototype number 0020

This device was featured in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004, and on Lars Netopil Classic Cameras Facebook page in 2011.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0020" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture 
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0022

This device was part of Leica Archive in the fall of 2014. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0022" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0024

This device, dated circa 1952, was illustrated on page 105 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "Leica: A History of Every Model and Accessory" book⁴⁰². Later, it was sold for 312000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰².

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0024" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever was replaced at some point in time with a production series (as illustrated in the Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "Leica: A History of Every Model and Accessory" book⁴⁰²), and then back to a more pronounced curved one (as illustrated in the catalogue for 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰²). The initial absence of a prototype lever on this camera could be attributed to the fact that the camera could have been purchased by factory employees and was subsequently upgraded to meet the production specifications of the Leica M3³⁶⁰. 
• the shutter release knob did not have a knurled texture and was believed to have been replaced⁴⁰²
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• ceramic pressure plate
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920056.

Leica M3 prototype number 0025

This device, dated circa 1953, was illustrated on page 105 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "Leica: A History of Every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰. It was sold for 288000 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014³⁹⁹. After that, it was sold for 192000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 13, 2015³⁹⁶. After that, it was sold for 288000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023³⁸⁰. In January 2024, this camera was in Thailand.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0025" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• it was equipped with an unusual viewfinder that had square frame lines³⁸⁰.
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• no film punch located on the lower left of the rear door
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• camera had previously rechromed original top and bottom plates³⁹⁶.
• This camera came with a very early screw-mount 5cm f/2 Summicron lens, number 921753³⁸⁰.

Leica M3 prototype number 0030

This device, dated circa 1953, was part of a Japanese collection (personal communication of the author of this website), before being featured on the photograph published by Facebook user "Leica Fai" on August 16, 2025.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0030" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0032

This device was featured on the page 3 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 50 from May 2004, in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004, and back cover of VIDOM number 87. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0032" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0034

This device, dated circa 1952, was sold for 54600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 13th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 7, 2008⁴¹¹. The camera had original parts such as the film advance lever, external frame counter, early speed dial, shape of the self-timer, reversed direction rewind knob, backdoor with film marker punch, and ceramic pressure plate⁴¹¹. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0034" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture 
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• no protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920139.

Leica M3 prototype number 0035

This device was illustrated on page 174 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. This camera was owned by an Austrian collector in September of 2025 (author's note).

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0035" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 1481356.

Leica M3 prototype number 0037

This device, dated 1952, was sold for 312000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022³⁸².

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0037" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the camera was accompanied with an early 5cm f/2 Summicron number 1105473.

Leica M3 prototype number 0038

This device was illustrated on page 6 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 51 from November 2004. According to the article, it was sold for around 70000 euros, together with the dual-lever 5cm Summicron lens. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0038" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• very special lens cap, similar to that of Nr. 005 , which Luigi Crescenzi described in Classic Camera magazine Issue 23 from August 2002⁵⁵⁰ as "never before seen (except in a photograph in some rare, old book), with the circular front part slightly recessed and Vulcanite covered just like the camera. Removing the lens cap reveals one of the two parts into which the Vulcanite has been purposely divided, including the unexpected presence of the clear, lovely engraved "Leica" logo...When the special lens cap of this camera is removed, we see that the ring for inserting lenses is the four-screw type and there are slight differences in the camera obscura and internal arm that operates the rangefinder"⁵⁵⁰
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0040

This device, dated circa 1952, was illustrated in Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "Leica in Colour" on p.64 and in "Leica: A History Illustrating Every Model and Accessory" in color plate XXVI³⁹¹, in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004. It was illustrated on the page 97 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴. Later, it was auctioned off at the 32nd Leitz Photographica Auction on March 10, 2018³⁹¹. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH.(new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0040" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture 
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• ceramic pressure plate
  
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920290.

Leica M3 prototype number 0041

This device was illustrated on page 175 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book, where the photograph was credited to "Bozzano photo"⁵⁴⁰. It was also illustrated on the cover and page 1 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 1, from February 1997⁵⁹⁹. The camera was auctioned off on June 11, 1998, at Christie's⁶⁰⁰. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0041" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series 
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• chrome self-timer of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the camera was marked "B.G.C. 41 M3" inside the shutter crate⁶⁰⁰.
  
• the camera was accompanied with a prototype 5cm f/2 Summitar* lens⁵⁹⁹ number 937471 with a knurled focusing ring and engraved barrel⁶⁰⁰.

Leica M3 prototype number 0042

This device existed, according to the author of this website, who came into possession of the photograph(s) of this camera. This camera was owned by a collector from Hong Kong in June of 2025 (author's note).

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0042" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920448.

Leica M3 prototype number 0043

This device dated 1953, was illustrated on page 173 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. This camera was mentioned on the page 98 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0043" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0047

This device existed, according to the author of this website, who came into possession of the photograph(s) of this camera. In September of 2026, the camera was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• "Nr. 0047" engraved above hot shoe
• This camera had counter-clockwise turning wind-on knob instead of lever
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture 
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• chrome self-timer shaped like that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
  

Leica M3 prototype number 0053

This device was illustrated in Leica Store Wetzlar Altstadt - Lars Netopil Classic Cameras advertisement published on page 124, Leica Fotografie International magazine issue 5 of 2017.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0053" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0056

This device, dated 1953, was illustrated on page 174 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. This camera was part of Leica Archive in the fall of 2014. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0056" engraved above hot shoe
• This camera had counter-clockwise turning wind-on knob instead of lever
• had shutter release button without knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0059

This device was illustrated on page 124 of 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.)⁵⁹⁸.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0059" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob did not have a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• no film punch located on the lower left of the rear door
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever

Leica M3 prototype number 0060

This device was illustrated in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004. It was sold for 432000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013⁴⁰¹. 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0060" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• two slightly raised borders on the vertical edge of the back of the base plate, on the bottom left and bottom right, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• ceramic pressure plate
  
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920060.

Leica M3 prototype number 0061

This device was illustrated in Leica Store Wetzlar Altstadt - Lars Netopil Classic Cameras advertisement published on page 3 2/2026 Leica Fotografie International magazine.

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH. (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0061" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 40 times and marked from 0 to 35 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 921805.

Leica M3 prototype number 0063

This device, dated 1953, was illustrated on page 11 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "Leica. Vol. II Rare and Unusual 'M' Series Cameras and Accessories"⁴²³, in James L. Lager's "Gathering of M Prototypes" article in Viewfinder 37(2), 2004, and on page 224 of Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book. The camera was previously owned by a European collector before being sold for 240000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024⁴²³. 

The camera featured the typical engravings of the manufacturer's designation, along with distinct corners at the front and back⁴²³. It was equipped with a special winding lever and a self-timer lever, while the rear door included a button for the film marking pin⁴²³. Inside, there was a non-resetting³⁶⁰ frame counter (indexed 45 times and marked from 0 to 40 in increments of five³⁶⁰) 

The features of this prototype included, but were not limited to:

• the body was chrome in finish
• clockwise turning film rewind knob
• inscriptions "Leica (new line) D.B.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"
• "Nr. 0063" engraved above hot shoe
• wind-on lever had a more pronounced curve than that of later production series
• the shutter release knob without a knurled texture 
• external, manually resetting frame counter, indexed 45 times and marked from 0 to 40 in increments of 5.
• chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape
• semi-round baseplate attachment point
• distinct corner, partially hidden by the viewfinder piece
• ports for electronic flash and flash bulbs with icons
• distinct corner, on the top right of the top plate, looking from the rear
• film speed reminder dial with engravings
• convenient punch located on the lower left of the rear door that allowed the photographer "to easily mark important frames or those to be printed" immediately""⁵⁵⁰.
• distinct corner, on the top left of the top plate, looking from the front
• raised frames surrounding the rangefinder mechanism window, frame-line illumination window and viewfinder window and rangefinder windows
• chrome rewind lever
• uniquely shaped chrome self-timer, top portion of which was thinner than that of the production model
• chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
• chrome lens lock release button
• no frame line selector lever
• chassis designed with two circular segments for film guidance⁴²³. 
  
• the bayonet ring was secured with five screws and included a Leitz Wetzlar repair seal marked with "£"⁴²³.
  
• the body shell and bottom plate resembled those of the very first series of the Leica M3 model⁴²³.
  
• the camera was accompanied with a dual-lever prototype 5cm f/2 Summicron number 920490 and a lens cap featuring a black Summicron plaque⁴²³. 

Leica M3 prototype number 0065

This device was described by Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck in his "Leica: A History Illustrating Every Model and Accessory" book as:

• the body was chrome in finish
• counter-clockwise turning film rewind knob
• the shutter release knob had a knurled texture and could be locked in the "B" position for time exposures³⁶⁰. 
• external, manually resetting frame counter
• The camera featured a lever for X or M flash synchronization³⁶⁰.

Other Prototypes

A few other prototypes were known:

• During discussions about changing the chrome finish plating for the Leica M3 among the relevant board of officers at Leitz Wetzlar, several sets of parts were produced for two different versions of chrome plating⁵⁶⁴. These cameras were marked "Chrom Muster 1" and "Chrom Muster 2"⁵⁶⁴:
  • "Chrom-Muster 1", dated 1955-1956, was auctioned off at the 1st L&H Photographica Auction⁵⁶⁴. The camera featured top and bottom plates from a series of finish plating samples⁵⁶⁴. The bottom plate of this camera was engraved internally "Chrom Muster 1"⁵⁶⁴. The shutter crate included a cartouche indicating the location of the internal serial number⁵⁶⁴. 
  • "Chrom-Muster 2", dated circa 1954, was illustrated on page 36 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book, together with 5 cm f/2 Rigid Summicron number 1570731⁶⁰². Later, it was sold for 20400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025⁵³³. It was engraved on the top plate and inside the base plate with "Chrom Muster 2"⁵³³. Interestingly, this camera did not have any flash contact symbols engraved. The camera was accompanied by a matching unnumbered 5cm f/2.8 Elmar lens⁵³³. 
• The prototype that was illustrated on page 107 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book, together with 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens number 2000000⁶⁰².
• The prototype that was illustrated in Paul-Henry Van Hasbroeck's book⁵³⁴. The "UR" model Leica M3, according to Paul-Henry Van Hasbroeck, was engraved "No" but had no actual number⁵³⁴. The rewind knob rotated anti-clockwise⁵³⁴.
• The prototype that was illustrated in Paul-Henry Van Hasbroeck's book⁵³⁴. It had no number engraving, but had spirit-level fixed to top-plate behind Leica logo, and had prototype style wind-on lever⁵³⁴. Perhaps, it was the same prototype that was auctioned off on March 18, 1999 at the Christie's. It was described as "chrome, doublewind, prototype, the top-plate fitted with spirit-level, with an f/2.8 35mm. lens no. 0000463, numbered B680 and fitted with a close-focus black crackle spectacle finder, contained in maker's ever ready case".
• The unnumbered prototype that was auctioned off on November 22, 2006 at the Christie's. It was described as "chrome, the four-screw top plate unengraved, prototype-style film advance lever, the shutter dial with 'red flash' synchronisation marker, 'straight-line' film indicator, with a Leitz Summicron 5cm. f/2 lens no. 920493". The author of this website came into possession of photographs of this camera.
• The prototype that was illustrated in James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. It had a prototype body shell and top plate⁵⁴⁰. The film advance lever was jointed so that the outer half would have to swing out to operate it⁵⁴⁰.
• The first one of only two original cut-away cameras of the prototype Leica  M3, that was illustrated on page 176 James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰ and on page 109 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck "Leica in Colour"⁴⁰². Later it was auctioned off at the 22nd Westlicht Photographica Auction⁴⁰².
• The cutaway prototype #2 that 22nd Westlicht Photographica Auction mentioned in the description of Lot 113⁴⁰².
• An unnumbered, unfinished, and functional prototype of Leitz Amateur Model with Compur Shutter (Leitz Amateur-Modell mit compur-Verschluß), dated 1954-1960 and made of Leica M3 parts, was described and illustrated on page 34 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book⁵⁹⁵. This prototype had a Compur shutter and a fixed 45mm f/2.8⁵⁹⁵. The camera featured a built-in exposure meter that worked with the aperture and shutter speed settings⁵⁹⁵. It was designed to attract those who desired a Leica but typically chose other brands due to budget constraints⁵⁹⁵. On the diagram, the corresponding camera model had body similar to that of Leica M3, with serial number "M-171934", and a 40mm f/2.8 Elmar lens number 275432⁵⁹⁵. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶. 
• The prototype dated circa 1956 and engraved "8 Versuch" was auctioned off at the 2nd Wetzlar Camera Auctions and was described as "A formerly factory-internal camera, used in the Leitz design department and showing some unusual, experimental features: The topplate with no "legs" to the bayonet flange, "R" lever marking just in form of a dot engraving, no flash symbol engravings and just one active socket, original MP frame counter converted into M3 version by means of a subsequently fitted magnifying glass. It is the first time that we see this unusual Leica M3 version! With Summaron 3,5 cm f/3.5 Nr. 1273924. Nice condition, with Leitz Wetzlar "L" repair seal." In July of 2026, the camera was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection.

The Introduction of Leica M3 in 1954

The introduction of the Leica M3 was delayed several times due to limited production capacity¹⁷⁹. During this early postwar period, the demand for the screwmount cameras remained high, continuing even after the Leica M3 was released¹⁷⁹. Most of Leitz's early postwar camera production was supplied to the U.S. Army's post exchange system, but there was also strong demand from Leitz agencies around the world¹⁷⁹. 

At that time, Leitz was very tight-lipped about new models, and the public had absolutely no idea what new models were coming out, or even if they were being released at all⁵⁷⁷. Furthermore, at the time, Leica held the top position among 35mm cameras worldwide, and it was difficult to imagine a camera that was significantly better than the Leica IIIf⁵⁷⁷. In these circumstances, the sudden announcement of the Leica M3 came as a dream come true for users, and left the other manufacturers speechless⁵⁷⁷.

On April 3, 1954, the revolutionary Leica M3 was launched to the world simultaneously at Photokina in Cologne, Germany and in North America¹⁷⁹. It was a new camera that made an unprecedented impact⁵⁷⁷. It was the first model in the new M series, distinguished by bayonet-locking mounts instead of screw mounts³⁶⁰. This new design included a built-in parallax-compensated frame finder (for the first time ever in Leica line-up) and a rangefinder compatible with 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm frame lines³⁶⁰. Leica M3 was designed principally by Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein²²¹ and Heinrich Janke, while Hugo Wehrenfennig helped with the design of the bayonet mount³⁵⁷.

Photokina's popularity was dominated by the Leica M3, journalists featured the Leica M3 as their top story, the audience was obsessed with learning the details of its performance and construction, and users around the world were eager to get their hands on it as soon as possible⁵⁷⁷.

The 700XXX Series

The Leica M3 models that were first sold commercially in 1954 exhibited notable differences in various parts between the initial production units, numbered from 700000 to 700XXX, and later models⁵⁷¹. This captured the interest of Leica researchers⁵⁷¹. There were several theories regarding the number of units in this early production range, with estimates varying from around 200 to approximately 450 units, as documented in research publications from Europe and America⁵⁷¹.

The most prominent external difference of the 700XXX series from the standard model lay in the shape of the top cover⁵⁷¹. On the left edge of the camera, looking from the front, where the band-shaped pressed section, which was equal to the vertical width of the rangefinder window, protruded and integrated with the rounded shoulder, the design was typically smooth⁵⁷¹. However, in the 700XXX series, there was a slight step in this area, giving it a somewhat angular appearance when viewed from above⁵⁷¹. This feature was often referred to as the "corner⁵⁷¹". Some cameras had two corners, with the other one being visible on the back of the camera, closer to the top right of the film door.

The shape of this angular top cover was identical to that of the 65 00XX-Series Leica M3 cameras produced before the official announcement of the Leica M3 model⁵⁷¹. It was likely that the top covers of the 700XXX series were made with the same mold that was used for the 00XX-Series⁵⁷¹. While the die-cast mold for the body shell was similar, the shape of the film gate differed⁵⁷¹. In the standard version, the lower film guide consisted of a straight guide rail, whereas in the 700XXX series the lower edge of the film was guided at two points where the upper edges of two circular protrusions on the left and right met⁵⁷¹.

The author of this website was able to examine some cameras of the 700XXX series and determine the following:

Cameras with two angular corners, on the front and on the back:

• 700013
• 700024 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 169
• 700027 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 116
• 700043 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 108
• 700045
• 700046
• 700051
• 700067 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 321
• 700074 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 305
• 700084 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 322

Cameras with one angular corner on the front:

• 700001
• 700008
• 700095
• 700114
• 700147
• 700209
• 700316
• 700343
• 700365
• 700366
• 700413
• 700417
• 700423
• 700433
• 700436
• 700444
• 700453
• 700482
• 700484
• 700485
• 700500
• 700511
• 700523
• 700534
• 700548
• 700555
• 700566
• 700573
• 700576
• 700583
• 700584
• 700592
• 700599
• 700604
• 700621
• 700622
• 700709
• 700749
• 700759
• 701042
• 701489

Cameras with at least one angular corner (on the front):

• 700005
• 700010
• 700026
• 700048
• 700058
• 700063
• 700066
• 700074
• 700159
• 700226
• 700331
• 700500
• 700501

Cameras with no angular corners:

• 700000
• 700002 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 239
• 700003 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 1950
• 700004 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 177
• 700006 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 179
• 700007 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 171
• 700059 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 217
• 700061 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 219
• 700086
• 700105
• 700116
• 700131
• 700133
• 700151
• 700170
• 700173
• 700184
• 700186
• 700187 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 621
• 700198
• 700199 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 605
• 700201 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 613
• 700202
• 700218
• 700219
• 700234
• 700243
• 700270
• 700285
• 700286
• 700298 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 255
• 700299 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 252
• 700303
• 700309
• 700323
• 700324
• 700344
• 700352
• 700353
• 700380
• 700381
• 700390
• 700515
• 700521
• 700577
• 700648
• 700652
• 700656
• 700681
• 700682
• 700704
• 700708 with chassis number (Guss Nummer) 101
• 700716
• 700731
• 700782
• 700789
• 700806
• 700808
• 700850
• 700852
• 700868
• 700878
• 700907
• 700923
• 700944
• 700955
• 700975

Technical Specifications

External Design

The design of the Leica M3 had largely been settled in the early 1950s, influenced by the principle that form followed function and the existing design of the Leica IV⁵⁶³. However, Ludwig Leitz, who had a background as a sculptor, wanted the camera's style to be shaped by someone who could perceive objects "three-dimensionally," like an artist⁵⁶³.

In discussions with Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein and Adolf Groß, head of the Leitz Styling Department, the latter proposed reaching out to his former sculpture professor for assistance⁵⁶³. Consequently, Ludwig Leitz visited this professor at a college in Hannover, Germany, where he met Heinrich Janke⁵⁶³. 

Ludwig Leitz must have sensibly made up his mind to offer Janke the styling position because Heinrich Janke later recounted that he was asked if he was familiar with the Leitz company and if he would be interested in relocating to Wetzlar to work creatively for them⁵⁶³. Heinrich Janke expressed his interest, but they did not finalize any plans at that moment⁵⁶³.

Eventually, when Heinrich Janke joined Leitz, his primary responsibility on the Leica M3 was to enhance its styling to match its perceived value⁵⁶³. He restyled the top cover by adding the now-familiar frames around the viewfinder/rangefinder windows and extending the protruding element in front of the rangefinder⁵⁶³. These design refinements reportedly added 30 minutes to the production time for each camera⁵⁶³.

Later, Heinrich Janke became the head of the styling department during the development of the Leica M2 and completely removed the frames—despite Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein allegedly insisting on their inclusion⁵⁶³.

Viewfinder 

Combined rangefinder, telescopic viewfinder, and external illumination of the frame lines were patented by Leitz in 1935 and 1936⁵⁶¹. The full concept for the potential Leica M3 rangefinder/viewfinder was patented in 1941⁵⁶¹.

The first aspect that stood out was the innovative design that combined a rangefinder and a viewfinder into a single optical unit, known as the measuring bright line viewfinder⁴⁵³. This large single eyepiece, which allowed for the attachment of corrective lenses, displayed the subject in nearly natural size (0.9x), enabling both eyes to remain open if desired⁴⁵³. The field of view was wide and clear, with the bright line outlining the exact image field superimposed on it⁴⁵³. This new change was particularly beneficial for photographing moving subjects, as it allowed the photographer to track the object before it entered the bright line image field⁴⁵³.

Focusing Rangefinder

In the center of the field, there was a small luminous rectangle that served as the focusing rangefinder⁴⁵³. This design combined the principle of coincident images—used in earlier models—with split image range-finding, ensuring precise and accurate focus⁴⁵³. Furthermore, this rangefinder was free from parallax, meaning that even when viewed at an angle, there was no risk of incorrect focus settings⁴⁵³.

Automatic Parallax Correction

Most importantly, there was automatic parallax correction for each focusing distance, ensuring that even in close-ups, what was seen in the brightline finder was accurately captured on film⁴⁵³.

Built-in Automatic Universal Finder

One of the most significant innovations became evident when changing lenses: as the focal length was adjusted, the bright line field of view automatically adapted to match the image field of the newly inserted lens⁴⁵³. As a result, the measuring bright line viewfinder also functioned as a built-in automatic universal finder⁴⁵³. The term "bright line" was aptly chosen, as the delineation of the image field was bright and clear, even in low light conditions⁴⁵³.

Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein's article in Leica Fotografie magazine published in September/October of 1956 touched on some challenges of constructing a finder for Leica M3⁴⁵⁸. According to him, when designing a finder for the Leica M3, the goal was to create a universal solution⁴⁵⁸. This involved developing a single built-in finder that would have a wide range of applications, operate completely automatically, and include a distance measurement feature⁴⁵⁸. Such a versatile and complex design demanded the highest level of precision in both optical and mechanical construction throughout all stages of production⁴⁵⁸. The scale of the challenge was significantly heightened by the limited space available in a miniature camera⁴⁵⁸.

The Leica M3 bright-line finder introduced a new approach to photographic techniques⁴⁵⁸. Its large, brilliant viewfinder image was clearly defined by bright, suspended frames corresponding to various focal lengths⁴⁵⁸. This design enabled quick and accurate subject framing, ensuring that the area outlined by a suspended frame was precisely what was captured on the film, regardless of the focus settings⁴⁵⁸. The parallax correction was automatic across the entire lens focusing range⁴⁵⁸.

Die Casting

Die casting was first used commercially by Leitz on the Leica IIIc in 1940, after the company's experimentation with the technique began in 1935⁵⁶¹. This approach simplified manufacturing and provided greater stability and rigidity, enabling the use of longer and heavier lenses⁵⁶¹. However, the film channel in the Leica IIIc and the Leica IV prototype was not die-cast⁵⁶¹. The Leica IV prototype featured a back door that could potentially reduce stability and rigidity⁵⁶¹. Therefore, great care was taken during the design of the Leica M3 to "make the film path into a rigid cast film channel"⁵⁶¹.

Lens Mount

Changing lenses on the Leica M3 was done using a highly refined bayonet clamp⁴⁵³. This design created a joint that was as precise and sturdy as a screw mount but offered the significant advantage of quicker lens changes without any risk of abrasion⁴⁵³. The flange distance was reduced by 1mm to 27.8mm, in comparison to the flange distance of the screw mount cameras³⁶⁰.

When Hugo Wehrenfennig developed the M-bayonet, significant emphasis was placed on the precision of the latching mechanism and the flatness of the attachment⁵⁶¹. Considerable attention was also given to the wear resistance of the alloys used, the number and positioning of the four bayonet lobes to maximize light transmission, and the functionality of the frame selector trigger⁵⁶¹. Additionally, the mount was designed to accommodate screwmount to bayonet adapters, which was an idea proposed by Hugo Wehrenfennig⁵⁶¹.

Rapid Lever-wind

The decision to equip the new camera with a wind-on lever instead of a knob was a somewhat contentious issue for Leitz⁵⁶¹. It was important to remember that the first models of the Leica M3 featured a dual-stroke mechanism, requiring two motions of the lever to advance the film⁵⁶¹. There may have been concerns about potential electrostatic discharge affecting the film if it was wound too quickly in a cold, dry environment, or other types of damage to the film⁵⁶¹. However, it seemed that the dual-stroke mechanism was generally regarded as smoother, possibly more robust, and almost as fast⁵⁶¹. 

Interestingly, there were pre-production prototypes of the M3 that included a wind-on knob⁵⁶¹. While this design looked fairly standard from the top view, it appeared quite unusual from the front⁵⁶¹. This preference for familiar controls from the screwmount era was significant, as winding levers were a relatively new feature in the 1950s⁵⁶¹. 

Most cameras with lever wind mechanisms were introduced around the same time as the Leica M3 or slightly afterward⁵⁶¹. However, internal Leitz drawings from 1946 showed designs for such a camera, indicating that the concept had already been under consideration before the Leica M3's release⁵⁶¹.

The winding knob was no longer on the camera⁴⁵³. Instead, the Leica Leica M3 featured a built-in rapid lever wind that advanced the film and cocked the shutter, just like before⁴⁵³. This lever was operated with the right thumb while holding the camera at eye level, enabling very fast sequence shooting⁴⁵³.

Exposure Counter

The exposure counter was integrated into the camera body, located under a flush-fitting magnifier for easy readability⁴⁵³. It automatically returned to a position two divisions below zero each time the take-up spool was taken out for reloading⁴⁵³.

Coupled Exposure Meter, the "Leica-Meter M" 

On the speed dial, a small notch connected to the cam of an exposure meter (the Leicameter), making the Leica M3 the first Leica to feature an exposure meter linked to the shutter speeds, allowing the aperture setting to be read from the meter and transferred to the lens³⁶⁰. A coupled exposure meter called the "Leica-Meter M" automatically set the correct shutter speed and was manufactured by Metrawatt Ltd⁴⁵³. The said exposure meter was replaced with a smaller and lighter version in 1956⁴⁵⁷.

Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein's article in Leica Fotografie magazine published in September/October of 1956 touched on some challenges of implementing meter reading for Leica M3⁴⁵⁸. According to him, generally, the exposure meter was a separate device used to take light readings, which were then manually transferred to the camera controls⁴⁵⁸. Most cameras with a built-in light meter followed a similar process; however, the two-step operation of first setting the meter and then adjusting the shutter speed dial can be cumbersome⁴⁵⁸. This method could lead to errors and wasted time⁴⁵⁸.

Numerous suggestions were made regarding changes to procedures, particularly on how to integrate meter readings with the simultaneous automatic adjustment of camera controls⁴⁵⁸. A substantial amount of literature had been published on this topic, and a significant body of patent documentation focused on the direct coupling of a camera's exposure timing mechanism with a photoelectric cell⁴⁵⁸.

Several patents from Leitz provided the foundation for the design used in the Leica M3⁴⁵⁸. A key development was the separation of the shutter speed dial from its direct connection to the shutter mechanism⁴⁵⁸. This innovation allowed for the independent setting of shutter speeds, regardless of the shutter wind and traverse⁴⁵⁸. By introducing a speed-setting cam into the shutter mechanism—the most significant aspect of a crucial Leitz patent—it became possible to create a linear timing system⁴⁵⁸. As a result, the intervals between all timing settings on the shutter speed dial matched precisely with the intervals on the exposure meter⁴⁵⁸. This advancement made it necessary to accommodate all speed settings, ranging from 1/1000 seconds to 1 second, on a single shutter speed dial⁴⁵⁸.

The Leicameter M and Leicameter MC were designed by the Metrawatt Ltd. to work directly with the Leica M3 based on a specific principle⁴⁵⁸. The Leicameter MC model distinguished itself from its predecessor by featuring an electrical switching system that allowed users to easily switch between sensitivity ranges, eliminating the need for a baffle or hood over the honeycomb⁴⁵⁸. 

Additionally, the Leicameter MC included an interior magnet that significantly reduced its weight, making it smaller and more portable⁴⁵⁸. Its operation was straightforward: the user rotated a knurled meter-setting ring to align the aperture stop on the meter with the stop set on the lens⁴⁵⁸. This action automatically transferred the correct shutter speed for that aperture stop to the camera's timing mechanism, thanks to its connection with the camera's shutter speed dial⁴⁵⁸. You could first set the shutter speed and then adjust the aperture based on the meter reading⁴⁵⁸. 

The Leica M3 was the first camera to utilize this system, which enabled a level of operational speed never before achieved⁴⁵⁸. It also ensured that all the frames on a roll of film had a similar density range, even when exposures were taken under significantly different lighting conditions⁴⁵⁸.

It might be worthwhile to briefly review some of the other suggestions made regarding the coupling of exposure meters, along with the possible solutions considered⁴⁵⁸. Many of these proposals focused on connecting the lens diaphragm to the photoelectric cell through a system of neutral density filters⁴⁵⁸. These filters would cover the honeycomb structure, reducing the intensity of light that reaches it to match the lens aperture selected⁴⁵⁸. The meter was also intended to be linked to the speed setting dial, and the correct reading would be obtained by adjusting the meter pointer to a predetermined position on the scale⁴⁵⁸. 

However, it was clear that this system posed significant challenges, particularly for cameras with interchangeable lenses⁴⁵⁸. One alternative considered was the use of electrical resistors, but this idea was ultimately discarded because the resistors were too small to be durable⁴⁵⁸. Additionally, these approaches did not allow for the meter's full range of sensitivity, which was an area where the design of the coupled Leicameter has a distinct advantage⁴⁵⁸.

Speed Dial

The camera featured a single speed dial with click-stop shutter speed settings ranging from 1 second to 1/1000 second, along with a "B" setting for bulb exposure⁴⁵³. This dial remained stationary during exposure, allowing users to select the speed either before or after the shutter was cocked⁴⁵³. There was no longer a need to lift the dial to set the shutter speed⁴⁵³. All shutter speeds on the Leica M3 were displayed on a single dial, unlike the two dials found on some screw-mounted Leica cameras³⁶⁰.

Delayed Action Release

The camera featured a built-in delayed action release that could be set for delays of 5 to 10 seconds, depending on the position selected for the setting lever located on the front of the camera body⁴⁵³. This gentle release was especially useful for achieving normal exposures from a stand, where steadiness was crucial⁴⁵³.

Flash Synchro-Contact Points

The Leica M3 featured two synchro contact points: one for flash bulbs and another for electronic flash⁴⁵³. This allowed for perfect synchronization with all makes and types of bulbs⁴⁵³. It was important to note that the synchro contact numbers used in older Leica models no longer applied to this new camera, and therefore, no specific settings for contact numbers were required⁴⁵³.

The left socket was marked with a stylized lightning bolt icon, while the right socket had a bulb symbol⁴⁵⁹. The left socket was designed for speed lamps and short-duration flash bulbs, including electronic flashes and flash bulbs of classes X and F⁴⁵⁹. In contrast, the right socket was intended for broad peak bulbs of types M and FP⁴⁵⁹.

Hinged Back

The Leica M3 also featured a hinged back for easier loading, which could be easily removed³⁶⁰. A panel at the back of the camera could be opened for easier inspection of the film position and transport during loading⁴⁵³. There was no need to shape the leading end of the film anymore⁴⁵³. Users could employ standard daylight-loading cartridges as well as special Leica M3 Leica cassettes for loading⁴⁵³. These M3 cassettes were also compatible with previous models⁴⁵³.

Film Pressure Plate

Special measures were implemented, including a glass pressure plate (on earlier cameras (author's note)) with a specially prepared surface and a film channel, to ensure a perfect film surface and smooth transport⁴⁵³.

Focal Plane Shutter

Regarding the shutter, it was important to note that early Leica cameras operated by using a shutter speed dial to set the width of a slit that traversed the film gate⁵⁶¹. If one thought about it, even lightweight shutter curtains had inertia and could accelerate during their movement⁵⁶¹. This became noticeable at higher speeds, resulting in the closing end of the film gate receiving significantly less exposure.⁵⁶¹ 

Ludwig Leitz proposed a solution: allowing two shutter curtains to travel independently⁵⁶¹. Various mechanical components in the shutter were designed to ensure that exposure remained even⁵⁶¹. This innovation also made it possible to have a single speed dial with clear, consistent markings⁵⁶¹. Patents for this design were filed in 1934 and 1935⁵⁶¹. 

To ensure the accuracy of the slow-speed delay mechanism (as there had been reliability issues in the past), Hugo Wehrenfennig developed a new setup that would automatically engage only when long exposure speeds were selected⁵⁶¹. This ultimately led to the development of the Leica M3’s shutter⁵⁶¹.

The focal plane shutter featured the same reliable design used in Leica cameras⁴⁵³. Its release was soft, nearly silent, and completely free from vibration⁴⁵³. This shutter was engineered to maintain accuracy in both tropical heat and extreme cold⁴⁵³.

Release Button

The release button featured a large top surface designed to comfortably fit a fingertip⁴⁵³. It was positioned to allow for easy depression without risking camera shake⁴⁵³. In the center, there was a female thread that accommodated standard screw-in type wire releases⁴⁵³.

Finishes

The Leica M3 typically has a satin chrome finish, although some small batches were produced with a black paint finish and olive finishes (discussed further below on this page). 

The official black paint Leica M3 camera batches were as follows⁵⁵³:

• batch of 100 cameras from serial number 959401 through 959500 dated June 3, 1959⁵⁵³.
• batch of 250 cameras from serial number 993501 through 993750 dated March 21, 1960⁵⁵³.
• batch of 200 cameras from serial number 1038801 through 1039000 dated August 18, 1961⁵⁵³.
• batch of 150 cameras from serial number 1059850 through 1059999 dated October 24, 1962⁵⁵³.
• batch of 300 cameras from serial number 1078501 through 1078800 dated August 5, 1963⁵⁵³.
• batch of 150 cameras from serial number 1097701 through 1097850 dated April 8, 1964⁵⁵³. 
• batch of 150 cameras from serial number 1134001 through 1134150 dated November 12, 1965⁵⁵³.
• batch of 10 cameras from serial number 1157591 through 1157600 dated December 2, 1966⁵⁵³.
• batch of 10 cameras from serial number 1158501 through 1158510 dated January 26, 1967⁵⁵³.

Some black paint Leica M3 cameras had serial numbers that fell outside of the official batches. Among them:

• batch of 6 cameras from serial number 746571 through 746576⁴²². These cameras had silver chrome-plated release buttons for the lens bayonet, as well as a silver chrome-plated counter dial and indices⁴²². Of these:
  • 746572 was auctioned off at the OstLicht Auctions on June 5, 2024 
• Camera number 779019, dated 1955, was described as having a black lens lock button and early strap lugs⁴¹¹.
• Camera number 780127 was illustrated on page 37 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book⁶⁰².
• Camera number 781330, dated 1956, was described as having top plate with four mounting screws, single dot rewind, and shutter speed sequence with 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 second⁴²². The camera had a silver chrome-plated release button for the lens bayonet, as well as a silver chrome-plated counter dial and index⁴²². The camera, produced on December 8, 1955, was delivered internally to the Leica Technik department (now known as Leica Academy) on January 6, 1956⁴²². It was utilized in the Leica Technik department for an extended period and underwent several modifications in the Leitz repair department during that time⁴²². The winding gear was changed from a double stroke to a single stroke⁴²². The camera had features relevant to this period, like a long winding lever, a black lacquered rear door with a 1300 ASA marker disc, and a black lacquered baseplate⁴²². In 1971, the camera was acquired by Theo Kisselbach, who was then the head of the Leica Technik department, through a sale to factory employees⁴²².
• Camera number 911382, had a black counter and long strap lugs and was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. 
• Camera number 915252, dated 1958, was described as a double-stroke camera featuring a black film counter, which had all the early characteristics of these unofficial pre-series black cameras³⁹³. It was delivered on March 15, 1958, to Tiranty in Paris³⁹³. Only about 90 of these pre-series cameras were produced, and even fewer were known to exist³⁹³.
• Camera number 916014, dated 1958, was described as having a black counter and coming from a very small batch of black paint cameras delivered to Sweden in 1958⁴⁰⁵. 
• Camera number 916739, dated 1958, was described as having a black counter and coming from a very small batch of black paint cameras delivered to Sweden in 1958⁴¹². 
• Camera number 917479, dated 1958, was described as a double-stroke camera featuring a black film counter⁴²⁶. Only about 90 of these pre-series cameras were produced, and even fewer were known to exist³⁹³. The camera was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026⁵⁹⁷.
• Camera number 918465, dated 1958, was described as having a black counter and long strap lugs³⁸¹. It was delivered on June 3, 1958 to Brandt, Sweden³⁸¹.
• Camera number 918549 had a black counter and long strap lugs and was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. 
• Camera number 918570 had a black counter and long strap lugs and was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. 
• Camera number 918668, dated 1958, was described as a double-stroke camera featuring a black film counter⁴⁰³. The camera was hand-engraved "500405-6270" and came from a very small batch of black paint cameras delivered to Sweden in 1958⁴⁰³.
• Camera number 918690, dated 1958, was delivered to Brandt, Sweden on May 22, 1958⁵³³.
• Camera number 919119, dated 1958, was one of only a few demonstration cameras produced for the Leitz marketing department, intended for advertising and camera shows³⁷⁸. This information was uncovered during research in the Leica archives, which revealed unusual notes in the control book: "schwarz" and "a. Ph. Verk. gel. 31.10.58" (translated as "delivered to photo sales department on October 31, 1958")³⁷⁸. Additionally, an entry in the delivery book confirmed the camera's special designation, stating that it was delivered on December 12, 1958, to "Peter, Werbeabteilung" (Marketing Department)³⁷⁸.
• Camera number 919251, dated 1958, was described as having a single stroke winding mechanism, long winding lever, rangefinder with optical depth-of-field indicator and rear door with protective points positioned with large distance⁴²⁴. The camera represented a very early conversion and had a body shell with round strap lugs⁴²⁴.
• Camera number 993851 was dated 1960³⁸⁴.
• Camera number 1059090 was dated 1962³⁸³.

  According to a note from the late Tom Abrahamsson, in 1956, Leica produced a limited number of black paint Leica M3 cameras, totalling 51 units, under special order was made for Brandt Optik in Sweden. The Swedish Press Photographers Union had its own purchasing organization, and since the press favored the Leica M3 model, they requested it in black paint. Leica fulfilled this request and shipped the cameras to Sweden, as well as to various Swedish photographers around the world. Most of these cameras were part of the 901xxx series, with some found in the 910xxx series.                

Weight and Height

The camera had a height of 77mm, a length of 138mm, and a width of 36mm¹⁹¹. Its viewfinder magnification was 0.91x, and the rangefinder base length measured 68.5mm. The total weight of the camera was 595g¹⁹¹.

Code Names and Prices

IGEMO/10150 - Leica M3 body only⁵³⁴.

IGEMO/10650 - Leica M3 body only with 3/8" tripod bush⁵³⁴.

10151 - black paint Leica M3 body only⁵³⁴. These cameras were made since 1959 but were not cataloged until 1964⁵³⁴.

IMARO/10155 - Leica M3 with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar⁵³⁴. Initially offered for 348 USD¹⁷⁹.

IMARO/10655 - Leica M3 with 3/8" tripod bush and 50mm f/3.5 Elmar⁵³⁴.

IMOLO/10157 - Leica M3 with 50mm f/2.8 Elmar, since 1958⁵³⁴.

IMOLO/10657 - Leica M3 with 3/8" tripod bush and 50mm f/2.8 Elmar, since 1958⁵³⁴.

ISUMO-S⁴⁷⁵ - Leica M3 with collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron, before 1956⁴⁷⁵ .

ISUMO - Leica M3 with collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron, since 1956⁵³⁴.

ISUON/10180 - Leica M3 with Rigid 50mm f/2 Summicron, since 1959⁵³⁴.

ISUON/10680 - Leica M3 with 3/8" tripod bush and Rigid 50mm f/2 Summicron, since 1959⁵³⁴.

ISUMO-N- Leica M3 with Dual Range 50mm f/2 Summicron, before 1959⁵³⁴.

ISMON/10185 - Leica M3 with Dual Range 50mm f/2 Summicron, since 1959⁵³⁴.

ISMON/10685 - Leica M3 with 3/8" tripod bush and Dual Range 50mm f/2 Summicron, since 1959⁵³⁴.

ISAIO - Leica M3 with 50mm f/1.5 Summarit, between 1954 and 1958⁵³⁴. Initially offered for 468 USD¹⁷⁹.

IMOOT/10167 - Leica M3 with 50mm f/1.4 Summilux, since 1959⁵³⁴.

IMOOT/10667 - Leica M3 with 3/8" tripod bush and 50mm f/1.4 Summilux, since 1959⁵³⁴.

The Leica Rapid Loading Spool

After the introduction of the Leica M4, in 1968 Leitz announced a new rapid-loading spool designed to bring the Leica M3 up to "modern standards" of film loading speed⁴⁸⁵. This new spool came with an accompanying spacer that attached to the back of the Leica camera⁴⁸⁵. When the baseplate was closed, the spacer helped orient the film into the correct position⁴⁸⁵.

Making Double Exposures

Issues 4 and 5 of the Leica Fotografie journal from 1954 reported that making double exposures with Leica M3 was possible. The following method was described: The rewind knob was raised, and the film reversing lever was set to "R"⁴⁵⁴. It was important to check that the film had no "slack" on the spool when the lever-wind was operated with the retard lever held in the "R" position⁴⁵⁵. If there was any slack in the film, it could be taken up when the shutter was wound, resulting in a slight shift of the frame from its original position⁴⁵⁵. This procedure was also helpful for preventing a "blind" exposure that could occur if the lens cap was accidentally left on⁴⁵⁵. Then, the middle finger of the right hand was used to hold the lever in place and prevent it from returning to the upright position while the right thumb operated the lever-wind as usual⁴⁵⁴. This re-cocked the shutter without transporting the film⁴⁵⁴.

Introduction of the Frame Selector

As of April 1956, Leica M3 could be modified to include the field frame line selection for 9cm and 13.5cm lenses⁴⁵⁶. It's worth noting that the frame selector was not part of the camera in 1954⁴⁷⁸.

Variants

Leica M3 underwent some changes after introduction²⁶. The following variations were known to exist²⁶:

• Variation #1a came with a rewind knob featuring a red slot²⁶. This marking was helpful for indicating the movement of the film within the camera³⁶⁰.
• Variation #1b came with a rewind knob featuring a red dot²⁶. This marking was helpful for indicating the movement of the film within the camera³⁶⁰.
• Variation #1c came with a rewind knob featuring red dots²⁶. This marking was helpful for indicating the movement of the film within the camera³⁶⁰.
• Variation #2a came with the top chrome cover plate secured by four exposed screws (two in the front and two in the back)²⁶
• Variation #2b came with the top chrome cover plate secured without exposed screws²⁶ starting with serial number 782001⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #3a came with shutter speeds of B, 1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and 1/1000³⁶⁰. These were early Leica M3 models³⁶⁰.
• Variation #3b came with shutter speeds of B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000³⁶⁰. These were later versions of Leica M3 starting from serial number 915251³⁶⁰. The speeds in this later series were better spaced and included an additional speed³⁶⁰. In addition, the surface finish of the shutter dial was changed from glossy chrome plating to matte chrome plating, making it easier to read in the places with dim lightning⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #4a came with a double stroke advance lever (Serial numbers from 700001 to 919250)²⁶. 
• Variation #4b came with a single stroke advance lever (Serial numbers from 919251²⁶ to 1158995). These cameras also featured new shutter brake mechanism, similar to that of Leica M2⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #5a came without a frame selector (Serial numbers from 700000 to 785000)²⁶
• Variation #5b came with a frame selector (Serial numbers from 785801²⁶ to 1158995) making it easier to select the appropriate lens³⁶⁰.
• Variation #6a came with triangular strap eyelets²⁶ , also referred to as ear-shaped / budda ear / dog ear, located at the centerline of the body⁵⁷¹. However, with the introduction of the Leica M2, the design of the strap eyelet changed to standardize the product line⁵⁷¹. 
• Variation #6b came with round strap eyelets²⁶. Starting with serial number 963001, the design of the eyelets reverted to the traditional semi-circular/round shape, and the mounting position was moved forward from the centerline⁵⁷¹. This adjustment improved balance when the camera was suspended by a strap⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #7a came with a 270 degree protective ring around the lens lock release⁵⁷¹
• Variation #7b came with a 180 degree protective ring around the lens lock release⁵⁷¹. This change was necessary as with the advent of large-aperture lenses, the protective ring started interfering with handling⁵⁷¹. 
• Variation #7c came with no protective ring around the lens lock release⁵⁷¹. This change took place around serial number mid-115XXXX⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #8a came with two friction ball catches for the rear hinged door (one on each side acting as a snap lock)²⁶
• Variation #8b came without a friction lock for the rear hinged door²⁶
• Variation #9 came with a black-lacquered (black painted) finish²⁶
• Variation #10a (serial numbers from 700000 to 854000)²⁶ had back cover made of light die-cast metal, with small steel balls that were pushed out by springs at both ends of the bottom edge⁵⁷¹. These balls latched onto small holes in the body to secure the back cover⁵⁷¹. The pressure plate was made from black glass, providing excellent flatness⁵⁷¹. However, rapid rewinding in dry environments could cause electrostatic discharge, leading to film exposure in a lightning-like pattern⁵⁷¹. While the glass surface's excellent flatness was beneficial, it had a downside: leaving the camera unattended with film loaded in humid conditions could result in the film sticking to the glass⁵⁷¹. 
• Variation #10b came with the back cover was made from sheet metal, as well a metal film-pressure plate that addressed the issue of sticking film⁵⁷¹. This upgrade was implemented in 1956, starting with serial number 854001 through 1158995²⁶.
• Variation #11a came with a depth-of-field tab added to the viewfinder²⁶
• Variation #11b came without a depth-of-field tab added to the viewfinder²⁶
• Variations #12a and #12b: In the early models, from serial number 700000 to 703000, the lens mount flange was attached to the body using four screws⁵⁷¹. However, from serial number 703001 onward, an additional screw was introduced at the 12 o'clock position⁵⁷¹. This new screw was sealed with a black, waxy compound and features an L-shaped stamp⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #13a - early Leica M3 cameras had ASA values ranging from 6 to 200 on the film indicator dial⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #13b - mid-period Leica M3 cameras had ASA values ranging from 4 to 1000 on the film indicator dial⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #13c - late Leica M3 cameras had ASA values ranging from 4 to 1300 on the film indicator dial, reflecting increasing sensitivity of commercially available films⁵⁷¹.
• Variation #14a - early Leica M3 cameras had a solid black down-pointing triangle indicator inside the frame counter⁵⁷¹
• Variation #14b - late Leica M3 cameras had a V shaped triangle (no black fill) indicator inside the frame counter⁵⁷¹
• Variation #15a - early Leica M3 cameras had a relatively (~2mm) large rewind lever⁵⁷¹
• Variation #15b - late Leica M3 cameras had a relatively (~2mm) small rewind lever similar to that of Leica M2⁵⁷¹. This change was made circa mid-1959 when Leica M2 switched from button to lever⁵⁷¹. 

Midland Leica M3

A small series of Leica M3 cameras was assembled by Ernst Leitz Canada in Midland, Ontario, using component parts manufactured in Wetzlar³¹. These cameras were primarily intended for sale in Canada, the USA, and markets in the Far East³¹. The cameras with Midland engraving had serial numbers between 746451 and 746590¹⁴⁰. According to one author, only 8 Leica M3 cameras made in Midland had "Ernst Leitz Canada" markings; virtually all others were marked with "Wetzlar" for market reasons¹⁶⁸. According to a different source, 8 cameras engraved with "Ernst Leitz Canada" markings belonged to the batch of 840573-840580, that was shipped on December 14, 1956, and likely represented a special order for a single customer¹⁹³.

Leica M3 cameras made in Canada:

• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 746451-746550 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between May 13, 1955 - November 29, 1955¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 759701-759910 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between November 29, 1955 - February 23, 1956¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 805001-805100 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between March 27, 1956 - April 24, 1956¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 816901-817000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between May 22, 1956 - July 23, 1956¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 829851-830000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between July 30, 1956 - October 22, 1956¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 837501-837620 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between November 16, 1956 - November 23, 1956¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 839621-839700 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between December 6, 1956 - January 11, 1957¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 840501-840572 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between January 11, 1957 - January 28, 1957¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 840573-840580 were engraved "Midland" and were produced on December 14, 1956¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 840581-840820 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between January 17, 1957 - May 29, 1957¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 844781-844840 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between June 11, 1957 - June 11, 1957¹⁹³. 
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 866621-867000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between June 27, 1957 - October 25, 1957¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 886701-887000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between November 4, 1957 - December 11, 1957¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 894001-894530 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between January 10, 1958 - May 7, 1958¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 903001-903200 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between April 14, 1958 - December 2, 1958¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 camera with serial numbers 916698 was engraved "Midland"⁵⁹⁶.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 924401-924500 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between January 23, 1959 - February 27, 1959¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 951901-952000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between March 25, 1959 - April 22, 1959¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 954601-954900 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between May 1, 1959 - May 28, 1959¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 954901-955000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between June 2, 1959 - June 30, 1959¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 961501-961700 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between July 22, 1959 - August 27, 1959¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 968351-968500 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between August 27, 1959 - October 8, 1959¹⁹³
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 974701-975000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between October 8, 1959 - December 11, 1959¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 984001-984200 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between December 11, 1959 - January 27, 1960¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 987001-987200 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between March 7, 1960 - June 16, 1960¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 998001-998300 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between June 16, 1960 - October 13, 1960¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1003701-1004000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between September 14, 1960 - January 15, 1961¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1014001-1014300 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between November 22, 1960 - January 25, 1961¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1022701-1023000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between January 30, 1961 - July 14, 1961¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1036051-1036350 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between August 24, 1961 - July 10, 1962¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1047801-1048000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between September 24, 1962 - June 27, 1963¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1065001-1065099 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between June 27, 1963 - December 18, 1963¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1065101-1065200 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between March 18, 1964 - July 20, 1964¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers 1097851-1098000 were engraved "Wetzlar" and were produced between August 13, 1964 - January 13, 1965¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 camera with serial numbers 1140905 was engraved "Midland". It was auctioned off at the OstLicht Auctions on June 5, 2024.

 

The Prototype Electric Motor for the Leica M3

Motor

When the Leica M3 was introduced in 1954, it was anticipated that a compatible motor would be released³⁶⁰. However, no commercial motor was produced for the Leica M3; however at least one prototype was known³⁶⁰. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert asserted that the 12 Volt / 1 Ampere electric Leica Motor for Leica M3 with single shooting mode, continuous shooting mode of 4.5 frame per second, and frame counter ("El. Leicamotor für M3, 12V/ 1 Amp. mit Schaltknopf für Einzel- und Serienschaltung und Bildzähler (4,5 Bild pro sek.) Testprobelauf =72 000 x ohne Beanstandung") was in the works between March 29, 1956 and January 8, 1957, and noted Werner Hilgendorf as designer⁵⁷³. This device was illustrated on page 168 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book on the Leica Betriebsk. M3-1147 camera⁵⁷³. 

Georg Mann, an expert on motors at Leitz, reported that one these motors was lent to renowned animal photographer Wissenbach for further testing³⁶⁰. Only three prototypes of the Leica M3 motor were created; one remained a cutaway model³⁶⁰. There were three prominent cameras with an electric motor drive made before production of a small series of 27 Leica MP2 cameras were⁴¹⁷:

• Leica Betriebsk. M3-1147 was in private collection in 2005⁴¹⁷. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 168 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book and pages 178-179 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. This motor was able to operate 72,000 times without failure⁵⁷³. Its exterior design was based on the clockwork Leica-Motor (the MOOLY) created for screw-mounted Leicas³⁶⁰. Due to the short spool axis of the Leica M3, it was impossible to attach even a manual winding mechanism³⁶⁰. This necessitated a new position for the motor shaft, which differed from that of previously produced Leica motors³⁶⁰. In the prototype, the drive connected to the intermediate wheel of the shutter's winding device rather than to the spool axis, which was nonfunctional due to its short length³⁶⁰. This positioning was advantageous as it prevented backlash in the gears and ensured a consistent drive in both directions—toward both the shutter and the film advance mechanism³⁶⁰. This motor drive coupling configuration was also employed in the Leica MP2 motor and the power winder for the Leica M4-2, but is not used in motors designed for the Leica M2 and Leica M4 models, which coupled to the spool axis³⁶⁰. The prototype motor operated using a 12-volt battery³⁶⁰. The motor release switch was located on the front and functions similarly to the switch on the Leica 250 motor, featuring three positions: O (Off), S (Series), and E (Single frame)³⁶⁰. The image frame counter was situated on the baseplate of the motor³⁶⁰. The knurled disc to the left of the counter was used for resetting it and for preselecting the number of frames to be exposed³⁶⁰. 
• Leica Betriebsk. MP-1166 was dismantled and probably destroyed by 2005⁴¹⁷. 
• Leica Betriebsk. MP-1167, dated 1956, was recorded as "MP f. motor" and was given to Werner Hilgendorf, the constructor of the first Wetzlar Leica motor drive, on November 18th, 1957⁴¹⁷. Instead of rewind lever, this camera had a rewind button⁵⁴⁰. The motor drive attached to this camera resembled the spring-wound MOOLY and featured a key for "open/close" on the bottom, similar to a bottom plate⁴¹⁷. The release mechanism was already internal; however, there was no microswitch to prevent the motor from being engaged while the shutter was wound⁴¹⁷. This safety feature was later incorporated into the MP2 motor drive⁴¹⁷. The design was capable of achieving more than four exposures per second⁴¹⁷. It was illustrated on the cover and pages 0 and 1 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 20 from November 2001. The camera was auctioned off at the 7th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 21, 2005⁴¹⁷.

Attachable Magnetic Release

Werner Hilgendorf was credited with designing the attachable magnetic release for the same motor ("Ansetzbarer Magnetauslöser für Leica-Motor 12 Volt"), dated April 1, 1957⁵⁷³. This device attached to the Leica Betriebsk. M3-1147 camera was illustrated on page 168 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book⁵⁷³. 

Prototype Base Plate

An interesting prototype base plate (circa 1956) for Leica M3 was sold for 5520 Euros including buyer's premium at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013⁴⁰¹. The lot was described as "unique prototype base plate with winding knob for the famous M3 with Leica Motor (illustrated in 'Lager Vol. I' p.178-179), with original Leitz Museum inventory stickers M655 and 1326"⁴⁰¹.

Gifts and Special Cameras

• Leica M3 with serial number 700000 was presented to the late Austrian ski instructor and photographer, Prof. Stefan Kruckenhauser, in 1955¹⁴¹. Despite having the first serial number, this camera was not the first serial model of Leica M3⁵⁰⁹. The camera did not have features of early Leica M3⁴⁰². The camera had an interesting provenance. It was bought from Prof. Stefan Kruckenhauser by Michael Von Rosen in 1970 and remained in his private museum until 2001⁴²¹. In that time, the photograph of this camera, credited to "Von Rosen photo"⁵⁴⁰, appeared on page 172 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras" book⁵⁴⁰. In early 2000s, it was displayed at WestLicht Camera Museum⁴²¹. Later, the camera was sold for 95000 Euros including buyer's premium to Surat Osathanugrah of Thailand⁵⁰⁹ at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2003⁴²¹. The lot included all documentation, a copy of the Leitz delivery book, books by Prof. Kruckenhauser, and a letter from Michael von Rosen⁴²¹. After that, it was sold for 3360000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025³⁷⁷.
• The very first Leica M3, number 700001, was finished in September/October 1953⁴⁰². The camera was the first one, as seen in the list of Arthur Dauber from the developing department of Leitz company, the engraving list and the delivery book⁴⁰². It was not sold but kept in the possession of Willi Stein, Chief Designer at Ernst Leitz GmbH³⁵⁷. Willi Stein gave the camera a different body shell with grey leather, later Ottmar Michaely from Wetzlar mounted again the original body with 4 screws to secure the top plate⁴⁰². In 1975⁴⁰², the camera was purchased by Theo Kisselbach, former head of "Leica Technik"⁵⁰⁹. Since 1984, it was in the possession of his son Günter Kisselbach⁴⁰². The camera, was sold for 900000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰². The prototype collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron number 922006, that came with this camera, was described in Vidom 92 p.9 in 20017⁴⁰². 
• Leica M3 with serial number 700027 was delivered to Günther Leitz on February 27, 1954³⁷⁷. The camera was sold for 360000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025³⁷⁷.
• Leica M3 with serial number 700066 was considered to be "grey Leica M3"⁵⁵¹. It was illustrated and discussed on the page 5 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 10 from May 1999⁵⁵¹. Unlike its "sister" cameras, the grey Leica M3 featured metal parts finished in silver chrome, with only the vulcanite, the camera back opening done in grey⁵⁵¹. The grey Leica M3 mirrored the specifications of the very first series production Leica M3 cameras, with the top plate displaying a characteristic "step"/"corner"⁵⁵¹. Grey Leica M3 had an external pre-selector for the viewfinder frame⁵⁵¹. The grey Leica M3 was supplied with a prototype collapsible Summicron 5cm f/2 lens, number 920084, which had two focusing knobs⁵⁵¹. The Leica M3 with grey leather and lens 920084 were illustrated on page 6 of Viewfinder 14(1) in 1981. The grey Leica M3, in its elegant grey finish, was likely created as a test model to gauge market reactions⁵⁵¹. In September of 2026, this camera was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection.
• One Leica M camera, with some features of Leica M3, with serial number 700184 dated 1954/1966, was sold for 550000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022⁴²⁵. This was a previously unknown experimental model of an M camera designed for 52 exposures in a 24x24 mm image format, which did not include a built-in viewfinder or rangefinder⁴²⁵. The top plate featured four holding screws and combined design elements from the later Leica MD and Leica MDa versions⁴²⁵. It was the second version of the Leica M3 shutter crate, with a fully milled square image window that did not use a mask or cover⁴²⁵. The camera included a Leica M3-type frame counter with a magnifying glass, capable of counting up to 60, but lacked an "R" engraving near the rewind unlock lever and did not have a flash connection⁴²⁵. It had round strap lugs and did not come with a self-timer or field selector⁴²⁵.
• Leica M3 with serial number 750000 was presented to Henri Cartier-Bresson in 1955²⁵⁸ as a gift on the occasion of the 1st Photography, Cinematography and Optics Biennale in Paris, France³⁵⁷.
• Leica M3 with serial number 781330 in black paint finish dated 1956 was sold for 500000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025⁴²⁹. This was a very early original black lacquered Leica M3 camera, featuring a top plate with four mounting screws, a single dot rewind, and a shutter speed sequence of 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100 seconds⁴²⁹. Like the first black lacquered Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers ranging from 746571 to 746576, this camera had a silver chrome-plated release button for the lens bayonet, as well as a silver chrome-plated counter dial and index⁴²⁹. Produced on December 8, 1955, the camera was delivered internally to the Leica Technik department at Leitz (now known as Leica Academy) on January 6, 1956⁴²⁹. It was used in the Leica Technik department for an extended period and underwent several modifications in the Leitz repair department during that time⁴²⁹. The winding mechanism was converted from double to single stroke, and the camera featured a long winding lever, a black lacquered rear door with a 1300 ASA marker disc, and a black lacquered baseplate, all indicative of this period⁴²⁹. On December 6, 1971, the camera was acquired by Theo Kisselbach, who was then the head of the Leica Technik department, through a sale to factory employees⁴²⁹. This camera was an absolute rarity in this early version and came with a Leitz Elmar 50 mm f/2.8 lens (serial number 1698688) and an Elmarit 90 mm f/2.8 lens (serial number 1657878)⁴²⁹. It showed beautiful, authentic patina and had a Leitz Wetzlar “£” repair seal⁴²⁹. Provenance: Theo Kisselbach Collection⁴²⁹.
• Leica M3 with serial number 800000 was presented to Dr. Conrad Adenauer in 1956²⁵⁸ on the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1956. "K. Adenauer Januar 1956" was engraved on the back of the top plate³⁵⁷. This camera, together with 5cm f/2 Summicron lens number 1278007 was sold for 7260 GBP on July 8, 1993, at the Christie's auction. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 172 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
• Leica M3 with serial number 830000 was presented²⁵⁸ to the Prime Minister of India Pandit Nehru in 1956⁵³⁴.
• The first one of the two known gold-plated Leica M3 cameras was produced in 1956³⁵⁷. Known as Leica M3 "Gold" and numbered 834000, it was covered in black leather and came in a set with a gold-plated 50mm f/2 Summicron lens with serial number 1379604 and a gold-plated Leica Meter MC with serial number 51310³⁵⁷. One of the cameras was delivered to Ernst Leitz New York on July 28, 1956³⁵⁷. The camera and lens combination was illustrated on page 184 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The camera was listed in Leitz records as "gold plated"⁵⁴⁰.
• Leica M3 with serial number 873000 was illustrated on the cover and page 1 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 18 from May 2001⁵⁵². The gold-plated Leica M3 was a unique piece produced by Leitz in 1956³⁵⁷, awarded to the Leica retailer with the highest sales record⁵⁵². It was covered in light grey lizard leather and came in a set with a gold-plated 50mm f/2 Summicron lens with serial number 1474800, gold-plated Leica Meter MC with serial number 84683, and a gold-plated lens cap³⁵⁷. In 1957, this special camera was given to Mr. Tiranty, the Leitz distributor for France and a friend of the Leitz family⁵⁵². After his passing, the gold-plated M3 was inherited by his heirs, who in 1983 asked Mr. Blache, the auction commissioner in Versailles, to put it up for sale⁵⁵². The auction took place at the Hotel Rameau on June 15, 1983, and page 48 of the auction catalogue featured this item⁵⁵². The camera was sold to a collector in the Liguria region of Italy in 1983⁵⁵². 
• Leica M3 with the serial number 900000 was presented to Edwin "Bud" Wisherd, a National Geographic photographer in 1957²⁵⁸ . The camera was illustrated on page 12 of Viewfinder Volume 3, Number 4, September-December 1970. In March of 2025, this camera was available for sale at Leica Store Lisse Foto Henny Hoogeveen for 79999 USD.
• Leica M3 with serial number 919000 was presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1958²⁵⁸ by the President of the German Federal Republic, Dr. Theodore Heuss on the occasion of the State visit⁴⁶⁸. This camera, instead of bearing official serial number, was engraved with The Queen's monogram E II R⁵³⁴. 919000 was the internal number of the camera⁵³⁴. The gift also included several lenses, including the 90mm f/2 Summicron⁴⁶⁸. 
• Queen Elizabeth II was given Leica M3 with serial number 925000²⁵⁸.
• Leica M3 with serial number 984743 was owned by René Burri³⁹⁹. The camera was part of the lot that was sold for 16800 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014³⁹⁹. The lot was described as "M2 black paint no. 1130045 in original condition with rare black paint 8-element Wetzlar Summicron 2/35 mm no. 2099898, M3 chrome no. 984743 with Summicron 2/50 mm no. 1708377. René Burri used these cameras for over 30 years, taking many of his iconic photographs with them. This M3 he also used for shooting Che Guevara..."³⁹⁹.
• Black Paint Leica M3 with serial number 993659 dated 1960 was owned by Henri Cartier Bresson. The camera was sold for 52800 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014³⁹⁹. The lot was described as "Fully original M3 black paint from the second official batch from 1960 (nos. 993501 - 993750) with black paint Summicron 2/5cm no.1587336 (from a batch of 400 black paint lenses nos. 1587201 - 1587600) ...The camera was used and owned by Henri Cartier-Bresson from end of 1960 until about 1968 when he gave it to Inge Morath. The inside of the back door has a numbering of the serial number by HCB’s handwriting including the initials “HB” by pencil with the same numbering on the base plate. The late owner contacted and met Martine Franck in 2008 and she clearly identified HCB’s handwriting. This camera was delivered to a Connecticut Leica dealer in early 1960 when HCB visited Arthur Miller and then used it for shooting the movie Misfits...."³⁹⁹.
• Leica M3 with serial number 1000000 was presented to Dr. Ludwig Leitz in 1960²⁵⁸. Page 13 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book featured an image in which Mr. Uhl, the head of Fotomontage II presented the camera to Dr. Ludwig Leitz, in the presence of Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein, head of Foto-konstruktion⁵⁹⁵. The camera was sold for 840000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013⁴⁰⁰. The lot was described as "...was presented to Dr. Ludwig Leitz by Willi Stein, the 'Father' of the Leica M3...ex. Leitz Museum (with original yellow museum sticker 'M 964' on base plate), ex Surat Collection"⁴⁰⁰. This camera was owned by a collector from Hong Kong in July of 2026. 
• Alfred Eisenstaedt received the 2 Leica M3 cameras with serial number 1000001 during his lifetime. A silver chrome one, engraved with "ALFRED EISENSTAEDT" on the back⁵⁴⁰, was gifted to him in 1960¹⁴¹. Leitz then offered to gold plate the camera, but Alfred Eisenstaedt turned down such an offer because he wanted to work with the camera (see 1/1989 issue of Leica Fotografie). Outer parts (author's note) of the original camera were eventually gold plated for him by Leitz Rockleigh¹⁴¹, placed on a real camera and gifted to him in 1988 on the occasion of his 90th birthday to honour his lifelong contribution to photojournalism³⁵⁷ by Lee W. Hill, vice-president of Ernst Leitz Inc⁴⁹⁹. According to the email sent by Mr. Lars Netopil to the owner of mir.com.my website on April 24, 2009, the camera that was part of the Estate of Alfred Eisenstaedt was acquired by Mr. Lars Netopil. The same email mentioned that "In 1989, Leica Camera Company equipped the camera with new gold plated parts, honoring Eisenstaedts lifelong contribution to photojournalism. The chrome parts of the 1960 presentation camera were not destroyed, but set back together as a dummy model and given back to Eisenstaedt together with the gold camera." Mr. Lars Netopil kindly confirmed the same during his the presentation titled "The Development of the Original Leica MP" at the Leica Society International Conference & Annual Meeting on October 24, 2025. The photograph of both cameras appeared on page 186 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
• One Leica M3 camera, with serial number 1065100, was known to have been used by Ernst Leitz Canada for experimental purposes; it was converted to a half-frame format¹⁹³. This camera became the first fully functional 18 x 24 format M camera and did not bear Leica M2 or Leica M3 markings on its top plate¹⁹³. The original film counter mechanism of the Leica M3 was removed and replaced with one from the Leica M2 model¹⁹³. This change was made because the Leica M3 counter stopped at 36 exposures and required resetting when the camera was opened, while the Leica M2 counter continued uninterrupted as long as the film was advanced¹⁹³.
• Leica M3 number 1100000 was presented to Emil Schulthess in 1965²⁵⁸. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.
• Leica M3 number 1111111 was presented to Arthur Rothstein in 1965²⁵⁸.
• Leica M "Betriebskamera Stein" based on Camera number P-0003* circa 1958 was sold for 60000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025⁵³³. The lot was described as "A unique Leica M camera based on an M2 body, extensively modified, featuring long strap lugs (as seen on the M3 or MP), a special glossy black paint finish, and including a Leicavit MP in the same finish. It comes with a Summaron 2.8/35mm lens engraved with a special serial number 006 and marked 'Betriebsk'. This exact camera and lens are illustrated in Lager I: Cameras, page 139."⁵³³.

Military

British

Leica M3 cameras were used by British Department of Defence (Army)⁵³⁴. Some examples were numbered 895225 and 895228 and had No. 2 and No. 7 engraved on their accessory shoes, respectively⁵³⁴.

German

 At least 164 olive-painted Leica M3 "Bundeswehr " cameras were delivered to the West German Armed Forces⁵⁷¹ . This variant was of Leica M3 to had olive-coloured finish and olive green leather trim³⁵⁷ . The Leica M3 "Bundeswehr " cameras were engraved with "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418 " on the top plate³⁸⁰ . Some had "BMVtdg " ("Bundesministerium für Verteidigung (Defense Ministry) ") decal on top cover⁴²⁷ . Others had  "BWB " ("Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung "⁵⁴⁰ ) sticker on top plate under winding lever⁴⁰¹ . The cameras came in a set with an 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens and lens hood³⁵⁷ .  

The deliveries were as follows:

• 100 cameras with serial numbers from 910501 through 910600 in 1957⁵⁷¹
• 21 cameras with serial numbers from 920501 through 920521 in 1958⁵⁷¹
• several cameras were delivered in 1959⁴⁰¹
• several cameras were delivered in 1964³⁸⁰
• 5 cameras with serial numbers from 1158996 through 1159000 in 1966⁵⁷¹
• 38 cameras with serial numbers from 1206962 through 1206999 in 1968⁵⁷¹. This last version of olive painted Leica M3 cameras were produced after the last chrome series of Leica M3 with serial numbers 11648XX in 1967⁴²⁴. 

Some notable exceptions include:

• 910513 came from the first batch of olive Leica M3 cameras delivered in January 1958^380,382.
• 910519 came from the first batch of olive Leica M3 cameras delivered in January 1958^380,382.
• 910537 (double stroke⁵³³) came from the first batch of olive Leica M3 cameras delivered in January 1958^380,382.
• 910552 came from the first batch of olive Leica M3 cameras delivered in January 1958^380,382.
• 916138 (double stroke version, unusually located within the 916XXX serial numbers⁴²⁷) came from the first batch of olive Leica M3 cameras delivered in January 1958^380,382.
• 916203 (double stroke version, unusually located within the 916XXX serial numbers⁴²⁷) came from the first batch of olive Leica M3 cameras delivered in January 1958^380,382.
• 920303 came from the first batch of olive Leica M3 cameras delivered in January 1958^380,382. 
• The Leitz factory records of the camera assembly department list olive M3s from serial number 927671 to 927734³⁹⁹. Among them 927674, 927686, 927696, 927737, 927744, 927754, 927755, 927760 were known and dated 1959⁴⁰¹.
• 927690 was dated 1958³⁹⁹
• 927692 came from a small batch of 28 cameras delivered in 1961³⁷⁹.
• 927708 was delivered in a small batch to the German Military on September 22, 1964³⁸⁰.
• 1100403 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.
• 1100426 was dated 1964⁴⁰².
• 1100429 was dated 1964⁴⁰².
• 1100431 was illustrated on page 88 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book⁶⁰².
• 1100443 was delivered to German military on December 4, 1964³⁸⁰

Italian

• Chrome finished Leica M3 "AERONAUTICA MILITARE" (engraved in red) number 1072785 was delivered to Italian Air Force ("Marcus") on August 7, 1963 was sold for 3600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016³⁹⁴. 

Dutch

• Leica M3 "Royal Dutch Marine" number 1134273 was produced in 1966 and equipped with a special bayonet for submarine periscopes³⁵⁷. The very rare military camera camera was delivered to the Royal Dutch Marine (to "Odin" on January 17, 1966) with a special mount for submarine periscopes, a metal front cap from Leitz, and a wooden box marked "Koninklijke Marine 1966" on the rear⁴¹⁶. The camera was sold for 1440 Euros including buyer's premium at the 8th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 27, 2005⁴¹⁶. 

Conversions

It was possible to convert the Leica M3 from double-stroke to single-stroke, enable compatibility with a Leicavit rapid winder or add the frame preselector to the cameras that lacked it⁵³⁴.

Closing Remarks

The last Leica M3 was made 1967⁴²⁴ and had serial number 1164865⁴³⁹. In total, over a quarter of a million Leica M3 cameras were made²²¹. Some other sources believed that there were 224984 cameras produced⁴³⁹.