LEICA M3

On April 3, 1954, the revolutionary and entirely new Leica M3 was launched to the world simultaneously at Photokina in Cologne and in North America¹⁷⁹. It was the first model in the new M series, distinguishing itself from previous models by featuring bayonet-locking mounts instead of screw mounts³⁶⁰. This innovative 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 focal lengths³⁶⁰. Speaking of design, Leica M3 was designed principally by Wilhelm Stein²²¹ and Heinrich Janke, while Hugo Wehrenfennig helped with the design of the bayonet mount³⁵⁷. The origins of the Leica M3, known as the "Messsucher Kamera," trace back to the experimental¹²⁸ Leica IV, produced between 1935 and 1936¹⁷⁹. There were two competing prototypes: the Leica H and the Leica IV. Ultimately, the Leica H was not chosen for production¹⁷⁹. Wilhelm Stein and his design team likely began actual design work on the Leica M3 shortly after the war. Stein integrated the concepts and design solutions from the Leica IV¹⁷⁹. 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 decision to proceed with the Leica IV is believed to have been made around 1952. Patent number 2664796, dated January 17, 1951, and assigned to "W. Stein et al," is titled "Curtain Shutter Camera with Flash Synchronizing Device," and likely originates from February 1950. In addition, a July 1949 patent also lists W. Stein as the inventor and addresses a continuous time-setting method for exposure times in focal plane shutters¹⁷⁹. The introduction of the M-camera was delayed several times due to limited production capacity. During this early postwar period, the demand for the III type cameras remained high, continuing even after the M-camera was released. 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 world. Stein's efforts to transfer his ideas into production must have been frustrating, as Leitz had to contend with the significant demand for both cameras and their microscope line¹⁷⁹.

All shutter speeds on the Leica M3 are displayed on a single dial, unlike the two dials found on screw-mounted Leicas³⁶⁰. On the speed dial, a small notch connects 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. Film advance and shutter cocking are accomplished using a lever, replacing the older winding knob³⁶⁰. The Leica M3 also features a hinged back for easier loading, which can be easily removed³⁶⁰. An automatic frame counter resets itself when the bottom lid of the camera is opened³⁶⁰. The camera includes separate flash sockets for both bulb and electronic flash³⁶⁰.

Most users prefer the later version of the camera, which includes all the improvements and has serial numbers higher than 1000000. Collectors, on the other hand, seek the first thousand cameras with serial numbers between 700000 and 701000, as well as the rare black paint models³⁶⁰.

Finishes

The Leica M3 typically has a satin chrome finish, although some small batches were produced with a black paint finish³⁶⁰ of which approximately 3100 were produced²²¹ in 1962 and from 1964 till 1966³⁵⁷.

Weight and Height

The camera has a height of 77mm, a length of 138mm, and a width of 36mm. Its viewfinder magnification is 0.91x, and the rangefinder base length measures 68.5mm. The total weight of the camera is 595g¹⁹¹.

Codenames, Prices

Leica M3 camera with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar-M lens was designated by code IMARO and catalog number 10155 and was sold for 348 USD¹⁷⁹.

Leica M3 with 50mm f/2 Summicron-M lens was designated by code ISUMO and catalog number 10161 and was sold for 447 USD¹⁷⁹.

Leica M3 with 50mm f/1.5 Summarit-M lens was designated by code ISAIO and catalog number 10165 and was sold for 468 USD¹⁷⁹.

Variants

Leica M3 underwent some changes after introduction²⁶. The following variants are known to exist²⁶:

Variation #1a comes with a rewind knob featuring a red slot²⁶. This marking is helpful for indicating the movement of the film within the camera³⁶⁰.
Variation #1b comes with a rewind knob featuring a red dot²⁶. This marking is helpful for indicating the movement of the film within the camera³⁶⁰.
Variation #1c comes with a rewind knob featuring red dots²⁶. This marking is helpful for indicating the movement of the film within the camera³⁶⁰.
Variation #2a comes with the top chrome cover plate secured by four exposed screws (two in the front and two in the back)²⁶
Variation #2b comes with the top chrome cover plate secured without exposed screws²⁶
Variation #3a comes 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 are early Leica M3 models³⁶⁰.
Variation #3b comes 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 are later versions of Leica M3 starting from serial number 915251³⁶⁰. The speeds in this later series were better spaced and included an additional speed³⁶⁰.
Variation #4a comes with a double stroke advance lever (Serial numbers from 700001 to 919250)²⁶. One author claims that single stroke appeared from 915251 onwards³⁶⁰.
Variation #4b comes with a single stroke advance lever (Serial numbers from 919251²⁶ to 1158995). One author claims that single stroke appeared from 915251 onwards³⁶⁰.
Variation #5a comes with a frame selector (Serial numbers from 785801²⁶ to 1158995) making it easier to select the appropriate lens³⁶⁰.
Variation #5b comes without a frame selector (Serial numbers from 700000 to 785000)²⁶
Variation #6a comes with triangular strap eyelets²⁶
Variation #6b comes with round strap eyelets²⁶
Variation #7a comes with a protective cover around the lens flange²⁶
Variation #7b comes without a protective cover around the lens flange²⁶
Variation #8a comes with two friction ball catches for the rear hinged door (one on each side acting as a snap lock)²⁶
Variation #8b comes without a friction lock for the rear hinged door²⁶
Variation #9 comes with a black-lacquered finish²⁶
Variation #10a comes with a glass film-pressure plate (serial numbers from 700000 to 854000)²⁶ .
Variation #10b comes with a metal film-pressure plate (serial numbers from 854001²⁶ to 1158995). One author claims that metal film-pressure plates started appearing from serial number 844001 onward³⁶⁰.
Variation #11a comes with a depth-of-field tab added to the viewfinder²⁶
Variation #11b comes without a depth-of-field tab added to the viewfinder²⁶

Prototypes of the Leica M3

The Leica M3 camera, introduced in 1954, was preceded by the production of approximately sixty-five prototype specimens, of which only six or seven remain³⁶⁰. These prototypes differ significantly from the production model, as well as from each other in several respects, as outlined below:

The bayonet mount is integrated into the top plate and lacks screws or a seal cavity³⁶⁰.
The film back features a film punch, which is useful for marking important frames³⁶⁰.
The film rewind lever rotates counterclockwise, as seen in prototype M3 0065³⁶⁰.
The wind-on lever has a more pronounced curve and varies among the prototypes³⁶⁰. At least one prototype is equipped with a wind-on knob instead of a lever³⁶⁰.
The shutter release knob has a knurled texture and can be locked in the "B" position for time exposures (prototype no. 0065 is an example)³⁶⁰. While the release button is pressed, an interlocking device prevents 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 is open³⁶⁰.
Prototypes such as 0024 and 0065 have non-resetting frame counters³⁶⁰. However, prototype 0063 has a built-in frame counter that is 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 exhibit a slight curvature³⁶⁰.
The top portion of the delayed-action lever is thinner than that of the production model³⁶⁰. Some prototypes have unique characteristics not found in all specimens examined³⁶⁰. For instance, 0065 features a lever for X or M flash synchronization³⁶⁰.
The chrome finish on the prototypes is duller compared to the production model³⁶⁰.

Additionally, it has been brought to the author's attention that at least two Leica M3 prototype models share the same serial number, an anomaly for which no explanation is available³⁶⁰. Some of these prototypes were later acquired by factory employees at nominal prices and were subsequently upgraded to meet the prevailing specifications of the production Leica M3³⁶⁰. This accounts for discrepancies, such as the non-prototype lever found on no. 0024³⁶⁰.

The Prototype Electric Motor for the Leica M3

The success of the Leica camera in the 1930s can be attributed to several factors: its small size, robust construction, and fast action³⁶⁰. This potential for rapid shooting was recognized by Leitz as early as 1931 with the introduction of the Rapido rapid film advance device for the Leica I, which is discussed in more detail in Chapter Two, section 13³⁶⁰. Notably, this accessory was created for a Leica model that did not even include a rangefinder³⁶⁰. The Rapido was just the first of many rapid-wind accessories, eventually leading to the development of the sophisticated electric motor designed for the Leica 250, which was the first electric motor made for any Leica camera³⁶⁰.

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; the one illustrated in this discussion is a prototype³⁶⁰. Its exterior design is based on the clockwork Leica-Motor (the Mooly) created for screw-mounted Leicas³⁶⁰.

Due to the short spool axis of the Leica M3, it is impossible to attach even a manual winding mechanism³⁶⁰. This necessitated a new position for the motor shaft, which differs from that of previously produced Leica motors³⁶⁰. In the prototype, the drive connects to the intermediate wheel of the shutter's winding device rather than to the spool axis, which is nonfunctional due to its short length³⁶⁰. This positioning is advantageous as it prevents backlash in the gears and ensures a consistent drive in both directions—toward both the shutter and the film advance mechanism³⁶⁰. This motor drive coupling configuration is also employed in the MP2 motor and the power winder for the newer M4-2, but is not used in motors designed for the M2 and M4 models, which couple to the spool axis³⁶⁰.

The prototype motor operates using a 12-volt battery³⁶⁰. The motor release switch is 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 is situated on the baseplate of the motor³⁶⁰. The knurled disc to the left of the counter is used for resetting it and for preselecting the number of frames to be exposed³⁶⁰. This motor is estimated to achieve speeds of up to three frames per second³⁶⁰. Georg Mann, an expert on motors at Leitz, reported that this particular motor had been operated 72,000 times without failure before being lent to renowned animal photographer Wissenbach for further testing³⁶⁰. Only three prototypes of the Leica M3 motor were created; one remains a cut working mode³⁶⁰.

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.

Production of the Leica M3 camera at Midland began in November 1955, with the first batch consisting of 100 double-stroke cameras having serial numbers between 746451 and 746551. Leitz Canada continued manufacturing Leica M3 cameras for more than nine years, concluding with the last batch, which had serial numbers between 1097851 and 1098000, finished in January 1965. In total, 5,200 Leica M3 cameras were built at Leitz Canada during this period¹⁹³.

Canadian Leica M3 Production Table¹⁹³

Serial Number	Engraving	Production Date
746451-746550	Wetzlar	05/13/55-11/29/55
759701-759910	Wetzlar	11/29/55-02/23/56
805001-805100	Wetzlar	03/27/56-04/24/56
816901-817000	Wetzlar	05/22/56-07/23/56
829851-830000	Wetzlar	07/30/56-10/22/56
837501-837620	Wetzlar	11/16/56-11/23/56
839621-839700	Wetzlar	12/06/56-01/11/57
840501-840572	Wetzlar	01/11/57-01/28/57
840573-840580	Midland	12/14/56
840581-840820	Wetzlar	01/17/57-05/29/57
844781-844840	Wetzlar	06/11/57-06/11/57
866621-867000	Wetzlar	06/27/57-10/25/57
886701-887000	Wetzlar	11/04/57-12/11/57
894001-894530	Wetzlar	01/10/58-05/07/58
903001-903200	Wetzlar	04/14/58-12/02/58
924401-924500	Wetzlar	01/23/59-02/27/59
951901-952000	Wetzlar	03/25/59-04/22/59
954601-954900	Wetzlar	05/01/59-05/28/59
954901-955000	Wetzlar	06/02/59-06/30/59
961501-961700	Wetzlar	07/22/59-08/27/59
968351-968500	Wetzlar	08/27/59-10/08/59
974701-975000	Wetzlar	10/08/59-12/11/59
984001-984200	Wetzlar	12/11/59-01/27/60
987001-987200	Wetzlar	03/07/60-06/16/60
998001-998300	Wetzlar	06/16/60-10/13/60
1003701-1004000	Wetzlar	09/14/60-01/15/61
1014001-1014300	Wetzlar	11/22/60-01/25/61
1022701-1023000	Wetzlar	01/30/61-07/14/61
1036051-1036350	Wetzlar	08/24/61-07/10/62
1047801-1048000	Wetzlar	09/24/62-06/27/63
1065001-1065099	Wetzlar	06/27/63-12/18/63
1065101-1065200	Wetzlar	03/18/64-07/20/64
1097851-1098000	Wetzlar	08/13/64-01/13/65

Gifts

Leica M3 with serial number 700000 was first presented to the late Austrian ski instructor and photographer, Prof. Stefan Kruckenhauser, in 1955. This camera, the very first production Leica M3, now resides in the Leitz Austria collection¹⁴¹. Camera was sold at auction at a later date²⁵⁸.
The very first Leica M3 with the serial number 700001 was not sold but kept in the possession of Willi Stein, Chief Designer at Ernst Leitz GmbH³⁵⁷.
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 800000 was presented to Dr. Conrad Adenauer in 1956²⁵⁸ on the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1956. "K. Adenauer January 1956" was engraved on the back of the top plate read. The gift set came with a Leitz 50mm f/2 Summicron lens with serial number 1278007³⁵⁷.
Leica M3 with serial number 830000 or 830100 was presented to Pandit Nehru in 1956²⁵⁸.
Leica M3 with serial number 875000 was presented to Philippe Tiranty of French Leica Agency in 1957²⁵⁸.
Leica M3 with the serial number 900000 was presented to Edwin "Bud" Wisherd, a National Geographic photographer in 1957²⁵⁸. 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 1958. She was also given Leica M3 with serial number 925000²⁵⁸.
Leica M3 with serial number 980000 was presented to Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1960. This camera had 35-50-90 frame lines from M2²⁵⁸.
Leica M3 with serial number 1000000 was presented to Dr. Ludwig Leitz in 1960²⁵⁸.
Alfred Eisenstaedt received the Leica M3 with serial number 1000001⁵⁰. The camera was gifted to him in 1960 and was gold plated for him by Leitz Rockleigh¹⁴¹ in 1989 to honour his lifelong contribution to photojournalism³⁵⁷.
Leica M3 with serial number of 1111111 was presented to Arthur Rothstein in 1965²⁵⁸.

Special Editions

The first one of the two known gold-plated Leica M3 cameras was produced in 1956. Known as Leica M3 "Gold", 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 51310. One of the cameras was delivered to Ernst Leitz New York on July 28, 1956³⁵⁷.
The second one of the two known gold-plated Leica M3 cameras was produced in 1956. Known as Leica M3 "Gold", 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 cap. This camera was presented to Phillippe Tiranty in 1957 in recognition of the dealer achieving highest sales³⁵⁷
Leica M3 "United Nations" with "United Nations New York, NY 10017" and the United Nations logo in reddish colouring were on the back of the top plate was produced in 1957. This camera had brass shutter speed adjustment wheel³⁵⁷.
Leica M3 "24 × 27 Post" produced in 1958 was the first M camera made for the German Federal Post Office to be utilized in taking meter readings. The cameras came with 35mm f/3.5 Summaron-M lenses that were fixed to the body. Only half of the usual negative size was used for documentation of the meter readings³⁵⁷.
Leica M3 "Post camera" was produced in 1958 and used for reading telephone unit counters by German Federal Post Office. The cameras came with 35mm f/3.5 Summaron-M lenses fixed to the body. The camera didn’t require either viewfinder or distance setting because of the fixed lens³⁵⁷.
Leica M3 "Post camera" without rangefinder was produced in 1960 and utilized by German Federal Post Office for the documentation of meter readings. 10 units were made in 24x36mm format and 55 in 24x27mm format. The cameras came with 35mm f/3.5 Summaron-M lenses fixed to the body³⁵⁷.
One Leica M3 camera, with serial number 1065100, is known to have been used by Ernst Leitz Canada for experimental purposes; it was converted to a half-frame format. This particular Leica M3, serial number 1065100, became the first fully functional 18 x 24 format M camera and does not bear M2 or M3 markings on its top plate. The original film counter mechanism of the Leica M3 was removed and replaced with one from the Leica M2 model. This change was made because the Leica M3 counter stops at 36 exposures and requires resetting when the camera is opened, while the Leica M2 counter continues uninterrupted as long as the film is advanced¹⁹³.

Military

Leica M3 "Bundeswehr" (German Armed Forces) was delivered to the German Armed Forces in 1957-1958. This variant was the first Leica M3 to have olive-coloured finish and olive green leather trim. The Leica M3 "Bundeswehr" cameras were engraved with "Bundeseigentum" (Federal property) on the back of the top plate and were numbered. They came in a set with an 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens and a corresponding lens hood. Another batch of olive green painted cameras were delivered to German Armed Forces in 1964. To add, 5 more olive-green painted cameras were delivered in 1966, with the last examples of olive-green painted delivered in 1968³⁵⁷.

Leica M3 "Royal Dutch Marine" camera was produced in 1966 and equipped with a special bayonet for submarine periscopes. It was delivered to the Royal Dutch Navy in a wooden box engraved "Koninklijke Marine 1966"³⁵⁷.

Closing Remarks

Production of Leica M3 terminated in 1966 at serial number 1158995²²¹.

In total, over a quarter of a million Leica M3 cameras were made²²¹.