Richard NYC
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Leica M3 Camera
In stores from 1954 to 1967. Some say it was the best film camera ever produced…quite popular…about 200,000 sold.
Lenses were tack sharp. I have three: 50mm Dual Focus Summicron (focus down to about 10 inches); 35 mm wide angle, 135mm Telephoto.
Has a split range viewfinder…turn the lens focus ring until the two halves of the viewfinder image come together. The finder field of view changes automatically depending on the lens being used.
The film is held flat with a Glass or Metal plate. To avoid the uneven lighting from an Iris shutter, the M3 uses two silk screens that pass sideways along the film ensuring equal exposure.
Could be fitted with a Light Meter powered by Selenium. After about 40 years, the Selenium died and the meter was no longer working. Replaced it with a Battery operated twin. The meter is coupled to the exposure ring of the camera…as the light meter knob is turned to meet the light pointer, the camera exposure setting is automatically reset.
This one was bought in 1961 at the Wiesbaden airbase Post Exchange. Typical price now is 4 times the 1961 price. The M3 metal body makes it a bit heavy. Film teaches you to get it right the first time as repeated exposures are not convenient.
Uses 35mm film which was primarily used for shooting commercial movies.
Still working today. I shoot black and white…develop in a plastic can then scan to create digital images. If you look closely, you’ll see signs of use…in its over 60 year life, its been working all over the world.
Below is a typical Ektachrome Slide image taken with the M3, scanned and digitized . I thought the Gent's face was very intense. India about 25 years ago.
Richard M, NYC
Leica M3 Camera
Great camera, but I'd probably argue that the Hasselblad 500C system is a better camera.
