The Leica M3 is viewed by many as the ultimate original rangefinder camera.
The Leica M3 camera appeared in 1954, when it was one of the most technically advanced viewfinder cameras on the market, with a single lens that could automatically switch between various shooting ranges. When production stopped in 1966, the M3 became a highly sought collectible. Leica's M-range cameras are some of the highest quality cameras in the market.
Build
The Leica M3 was manufactured by Ernst Leitz GMBH Wetzlar in Germany. Its dimensions are 138 mm wide, 77 mm tall and 33.5 mm deep. It weighs 580 grams.
Focusing System and Shutter
The M3 uses a coupled rangefinder system. It has a magnification factor of .92x, a base length of 69.25mm and an effective base length of 63.71. The shutter has a horizontal cloth focal plane of 1 sec - 1/1000 sec + B and Y (1/50sec.)
Usability
The M9 uses 135 type film or 35mm standard film. The lens mount is a Leica M bayonet, compatible with all Leica lenses. There is no metering system or on-board flash. External flash can be connected using the cold shoe connector with a sync cable connector. No battery is used, resulting in an unlimited number of maximum shots per charge.
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