{"product_id":"leica-m3-buddha-ears-double-stroke-rangefinder","title":"Leica M3 Double Stroke Buddha Ear 35mm Film Camera 1957","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  body {\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n    color: #222;\n    max-width: 800px;\n    margin: 20px auto;\n    padding: 0 20px;\n  }\n  h1 {\n    font-size: 1.5rem;\n    border-bottom: 2px solid #333;\n    padding-bottom: 4px;\n    margin-top: 24px;\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\n  }\n  h2 {\n    font-size: 1.2rem;\n    margin-top: 18px;\n    margin-bottom: 8px;\n  }\n  p {\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\n  }\n  ul {\n    margin-top: 4px;\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\n    padding-left: 20px;\n  }\n  li {\n    margin-bottom: 4px;\n  }\n  hr {\n    border: none;\n    border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\n    margin: 24px 0;\n  }\n  .valuation-list {\n    list-style-type: square;\n  }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn original Leica M3 35mm rangefinder film camera body featuring the early double-stroke film advance mechanism and distinctive strap lugs (commonly referred to as \"Buddha ears\"), serial number 915642, manufactured in 1957. Renowned as the pinnacle of mechanical rangefinder engineering, combining a brilliant 0.91x viewfinder with automatic parallax-correcting frame lines for 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall Condition: Good\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCosmetically in good pre-owned vintage condition showing signs of previous use, including minor paint loss and brassing near the baseplate corners and strap lugs, along with moderate wear on the included leather ever-ready case. The mechanical shutter speeds and film advance mechanisms operate smoothly, and the interior film chamber and viewfinder remain clean and functional. Note the window on the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIncluded\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeica M3 Double Stroke Camera Body (Serial: 915642)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage Leather Ever-Ready Case\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly double-stroke film advance mechanism requiring two strokes of the lever per frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic \"Buddha ear\" strap lug design unique to early production M3 bodies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-magnification 0.91x viewfinder with luminous brightline frames for standard focal lengths\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtremely precise mechanical cloth focal-plane shutter operating without dependence on batteries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBayonet Leica M mount compatible with legendary rangefinder optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCollector's Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDouble-stroke Leica M3 cameras from the 1957 production block are highly coveted by collectors for their butter-smooth mechanical feel and early heritage features like the distinctive strap lugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKeywords\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeica M3, Double Stroke Leica, Buddha Ear Leica M3, Vintage Rangefinder Camera, 35mm Film Camera, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Serial 915642\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEstimated Valuation (Based on eBay Sold Prices)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"valuation-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFair \/ Moderate User Wear:\u003c\/strong\u003e £900 – £1,300\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood \/ Clean Working Condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e £1,400 – £1,900\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollector Grade Mint Condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e £2,000 – £2,800+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Leica","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56567392502102,"sku":null,"price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0875\/5213\/1414\/files\/IMGP6244.jpg?v=1794302205","url":"https:\/\/colinscameras.co.uk\/products\/leica-m3-buddha-ears-double-stroke-rangefinder","provider":"Colins Cameras","version":"1.0","type":"link"}