Leica M3 Double Stroke 35mm Rangefinder Film Camera *USED*

Quick Overview

• Double-stroke manual film advance lever mechanism requiring two short throws per frame.
• Combined optical rangefinder and viewfinder with 0.91x high magnification.
• Interchangeable Leica M bayonet lens mount system.
• Projected parallax-compensated framelines for 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses.
• Fully mechanical horizontal cloth focal-plane shutter.
• Manual shutter speeds ranging from 1 second to 1/1000 second plus Bulb.
• Bottom-loading film compartment with removable take-up spool and hinged rear flap.
• Automatically resetting mechanical film frame counter.
• Solid metal body construction featuring die-cast chassis with brass top and bottom plates.
• Fully battery-independent operation with no built-in exposure meter.

Product Description

Experience the peak of mid-century precision engineering with the Leica M3 Double Stroke 35mm Rangefinder Film Camera. Widely considered one of the finest mechanical rangefinders ever crafted, the M3 revolutionized 35mm photography upon its release. Its robust, die-cast metal body and classic brass top plate deliver a reassuring weight and uncompromised durability, making it as much a functional tool of expression as it is an iconic piece of photographic history. Designed to perform seamlessly without relying on batteries, this camera puts total creative exposure directly into the artist's hands.

At the heart of the M3’s operational charm is its signature double-stroke advance mechanism. Rather than advancing the film in a single throw, the twin-stroke design distributes the mechanical tension across two smooth, short sweeps, offering an extraordinarily fluid film wind and reducing stress on internal components. Pairing this with the M3’s legendary 0.91x high-magnification viewfinder—the largest and brightest in the Leica M lineup—focusing becomes exceptionally accurate, even when shooting wide open on fast lenses. Automatic parallax-corrected framelines effortlessly adapt as you focus, ensuring exact composition frame after frame.

Built for speed, simplicity, and street-ready quietness, the Leica M3 features a ultra-quiet horizontal cloth focal-plane shutter capable of speeds from 1 second up to 1/1000s, alongside a bulb mode for long exposures. The legendary M bayonet mount opens up access to generations of high-performance glass, letting you pair vintage character or modern clarity with an unmatched tactile chassis. Whether you are an avid collector, a dedicated analog film enthusiast, or a street photographer looking for the ultimate mechanical companion, the double-stroke Leica M3 delivers a timeless shooting experience that stands in a class of its own.