p.1 #1 · Withdrawn: UNUSUAL Leica, Late M3 DS with 35mm Framelines
Late M3 DS with 35mm Framelines
Withdrawn
Price: $1,100.00 Payment method: PayPal Item condition: 9 Shows signs of use, but very clean Shipping instructions: USPS
I read an article in the late eighties that said that the last of the M3 Double Stroke bodies were the high point for Leica quality. They had made all the necessary improvements since the M3’s introduction (modern shutter speeds, frame lines preview lever, fewer screws in the top plate) but had not yet begun to do any cost-cutting. As a result, I bought this one which is very near the end of the DS production. Used M6’s became affordable soon afterward however, and I was hooked on the built-in light meter. This camera, produced in 1958, has been sitting ever since with irregular exercising of all the shutter speeds. They still sound good to my ear, but it has not been film tested. All the engraving is clear and distinct, except for some loss of filler paint at the end of “Ernst” and on the letter "L" in Leica.The frame lines are clearly visible and the self-timer works. What makes this camera unique is that the frame lines have been replaced so that it now has 35 mm lines as well as 50mm, 90mm and 135mm, thus correcting the only “fault” that most think the M3 has. With little wear on the strap lug holes and none on the base plate, I think this camera spent all or most of its working life in a case which accounts for its really nice condition. I have taken the photos to best show the few “issues” it has: A bit of the vulcanite under the lens opening is missing; there is a scratch/dent at the top of the back door, and there is a “push” in the top plate corner near the viewfinder window. In real life, these are far less visible than when they are highlighted. Both PayPal and CONUS shipping are included. Please ask any questions you may have.
I have dropped the price because I just noted that another piece of the vulcanite has dropped off at five o'clock to the lens opening. So, it seems more brittle than I thought. See last photo just added.
Late M3 DS with 35mm Framelines
