Leica M3
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The Leica M3 is one of the most influential 35mm cameras ever made and a major turning point in Leica's history. Introduced in 1954, it launched the M system and presented a refined rangefinder concept that combined speed, precision, and a cleaner shooting workflow. Its importance is not only historical but practical: the M3 brought the Leica M mount, a highly regarded optical rangefinder experience, and the kind of mechanical build quality that made it a long-term working tool rather than a short-lived product. For many photographers, it represented the ideal balance between compactness and serious photographic control. In use, the M3 is a fully manual camera that encourages careful composition and timing. It does not offer the automation and convenience that later SLRs and modern digital bodies provide, but that limitation is exactly what makes it compelling for photographers who value tactile control and a direct connection to the process. The M3 was a clear success and became a benchmark for rangefinder design. Its reputation has lasted for decades because it was not just a beautiful object: it was a camera that delivered dependable performance, shaped professional and enthusiast workflows, and set the tone for the Leica M lineage that followed.
- First Leica with the M-mount
- 35mm film rangefinder camera
- Focal-plane shutter
- Manual focus and manual exposure
- Introduced in 1954
Specifications
- Brand
- Leica
- Line or model
- M3
- Sensor type
- Photographic film Sensor technology (for example, CMOS, CCD).
- Body type
- Rangefinder
- Body classification
- Rangefinder
- Body dimensions
- 580 g · 138 × 77 × 33.5 mm Physical body dimensions (width × height × depth), usually in mm.
- Viewfinder
- Optical rangefinder viewfinder Viewfinder type (optical or electronic) for composition.
- Lens Mount
- Leica M Lens mount type supported by the camera. If L-Mount Alliance appears, it means the camera uses Leica L mount shared across alliance brands.
