eBay

VINTAGE LEICA M3 DOUBLE STROKE rangefinder film camera with Leitz 50mm Summicron lens, MC Meter, UV filter, Case, Inst book, Leica book and other  literature. Beautiful outfit and especially beautiful camera.  Serial number is 804,007 which puts it at 1955 production. Lens is same production year and serial # 1255304. Early version (although almost overlaps single stroke) Two strokes of the advance lever to forward film and cock shutter. Very smooth operation and my favorite of all the Leica rangefinders.

 

First important point is the condition of this camera. Almost mint with a couple of things I will mention. I have owned many Leicas, but never one this clean. The top plate and all chrome is spotless with one tiny bright mark in the rear of the plate which is hard to find.. I have looked hard to find others and surprisingly cannot. There is a chrome marr on the release button and one on the surround collar there also.  The speed dial button has some light surface skuff marks . The strap eyelets are mint-never a strap on it. Finder glass is all perfect and clear.  Pop up finder frames within finder work correctly and are clear. Self timer works correctly. Flash shoe has NO usual marks. Two other flaws I see are the bottom plate that has numerous marks on it somehow and there is one flawed spot of vulcanite on the opening edge of the bottom plate. All these are in pictures attached.  All speeds are nice and crisp-slow speeds sound nice.. This camera was professionally  CLA’d /overhauled by Sherry Krauter  a few years ago and it still working perfectly in all regards. She does beautiful work.

 

The two stage MC meter is very responsive and working although I cannot guarantee readings.  This type of meter uses a cell, so no battery ever.  It has more signs of use/bright marks.  I will not mount it on the camera for fear of scratching the beautiful top plate.

 

ANOTHER mention is the serial number. If you ever read “Goldfinger” by Ian Flemming, James Bond along with his usual Rolex used an M3 with an MC meter like this camera. If you see the serial  # it is interesting to see the 007 ending number. Double stroke Double 07. One 007 serial # for every 1000 cameras I suppose. Just for fun, but still quite a coincidence.

   

Camera does come with a working MC meter, Leitz UV filter, good original leather case, Old Leica book and inst booklet (both a bit tattered), Also a fun ad from an old magazine I had and one more piece of M3 literature, and an nice 50mm collapsible lens that is also almost mint cosmetic condition. I have shot with this lens and it performed beautifully.. That said I always look through glass with a small light to confirm condition and only then can see (with a loope) there is light haze inside and just perhaps tiny spots of something else-can’t tell.  Inner blades are nice with firm click stops and focus is smooth. Also a tiny hairline mark on the rear lens towards the edge. Looking with a loop--All mentioned so there are not surprises to the next owner. I do not think I ever had this lens cleaned although it is beautiful and still fine to shoot. Inside camera is like new. Shutter curtains look perfect.  Book “Das Leica Buch” is in German. Lots of pics of Leicas, equipment and Leica photos. First printed in 1955 and this book is 1965.

 

No reserve with low beginning bid. Sorry-NO BUY NOW option on this auction please. I will run the auction to the end for all bids to be counted. Flat rate to ship of $15.  Shipping only in the USA please. I will include Insurance AND confirmation. I will ship well packed by USPS Priority Mail fully insured to auction ending price.  I will also include proof of delivery for security. As EBAY suggests I will offer refund for 3 days after item is received if item is not as described in the auction. Please review auction for details and fell free to contact me with questions. This is a vintage collector film camera. Winning bidder should contact me within 48 HOURS please of the close of the auction. Payment is expected within 7 days.  Pay by PayPal please with no bank transfers accepted.


On Apr-11-12 at 11:04:08 PDT, seller added the following information:

I found two NOS looking rear flash shoe plugs for this camera also. I also put up an auction of other vintage Leica accessories.