1960 Leica M3 Single Stroke Chrome 35mm Rangefinder Body Tested Excellent

Description

The Leica M3 is the iconic 35mm mechanical rangefinder camera manufactured in Wetzlar, Germany by Ernst Leitz GmbH. Celebrated for introducing the Leica M bayonet mount, quick-loading spool system, and high-magnification 0.91x viewfinder with projected parallax-corrected frame lines for 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses. Serial number 1010803 confirms manufacture in 1960. Features the desirable single-stroke film advance lever, self-timer lever, frame line selector lever, dual PC flash sync sockets, and non-rotating shutter speed dial. Fully mechanical operation independent of batteries. Complete with original take-up spool and removable chrome baseplate.

Condition

Overall Condition: Excellent

Cosmetically in very clean, well-preserved condition with minimal surface wear and faint rub marks on the top and bottom chrome plates. Vulcanite body covering is intact and tight across the chassis. Viewfinder and rangefinder mechanism are exceptionally bright and clear with strong double-image patch contrast. Fully tested and operational: shutter curtain is in excellent shape, mechanical focal plane shutter fires accurately from 1/1000s down to 1s plus Bulb, single-stroke advance operates smoothly, self-timer functions properly, and baseplate lock engages firmly. Serial number 1010803. Manufactured in 1960. Fully tested and working.

Included

• Leica M3 Single-Stroke 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body (Silver Chrome, Serial No. 1010803)
• Original Removable Chrome Baseplate
• Internal Film Take-Up Spool

Key Features

• Manufactured in Wetzlar, Germany in 1960 (Serial No. 1010803)
• High-magnification 0.91x optical viewfinder offering unmatched focusing accuracy for 50mm lenses
• Desirable single-stroke film advance lever mechanism
• Precision Leica M bayonet mount accepting classic M lenses and adapted LTM optics
• Mechanical focal plane shutter covering speeds from 1/1000s to 1s plus B
• Front frame line selector preview lever and mechanical self-timer lever
• Pure mechanical reliability with zero dependency on battery power

Collector's Notes

Late-production single-stroke Leica M3 bodies manufactured in the 1960s represent the absolute peak of Leitz Wetzlar craftsmanship. Serial 1010803 sits comfortably in the coveted 1-million-plus serial range, highly sought after by collectors for its refined internals, smooth single-stroke advance action, and pristine 0.91x viewfinder optics. A magnificent user or centerpiece piece for any vintage Leica collection.

Keywords

Leica M3 Single Stroke, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar 1960, Vintage Leica Rangefinder, Leica M3 Chrome, Leica 1010803, Tested Leica M3, 35mm Film Rangefinder