One of the very first Leica M3 film cameras ever made, from the initial batch, with a serial number 700 243, complete with the original Summarit 5cm f/1.5 lens and leather case.
This camera shows all of the early features of Leica M3 cameras, except the front corner on the top plate was partially filed down at the factory before chrome-plating, but you can still see some remnants of it. Those features include:
- No L-seal on the lens mount ring
- Four exposed screws on the top plaft
- Chamfer on the front of the top plate near the rangefinder adjustment screw
- Half-moon peg in the flash shoe
- Early shape of the film advance lever with sharper curves
- Single film track rail
- Early back film door with a glass plate and locking pin
The camera is in fully working condition after a recent CLA in 2025 while retaining all the original internal parts (technician notes can be provided). The only part that is not original is a patch of vulcanite on the rear film door (the rest of the vulcanite is original). Cosmetically it shows few light scuffs on the finish but no noticeable scratches or dents, please see pictures.
The Summarit lens came originally with the camera and is in good working condition with no scratches on the glass, only very faint haze or internal coating deterioration noticeable inside (no visible effect on images). Aperture and focusing work properly. The front nameplate ring on the lens shows spots of paint loss, as can be seen.
The leather case is fully intact with some usual light scuffs on the finish.