Manual focus M-mount 35mm rangefinder released by Leica in 1954 and produced until 1966. This was the first camera to feature the M-mount and improved over the previous thread mount Leica cameras in a number of ways. This includes a combined rangefinder/viewfinder, a quick-advance film lever, and a faster bayonet lens mount. It was the most successful of all M cameras and features a 0.92x magnification viewfinder with 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm frame lines that switch automatically when the appropriate lens is mounted. The M3 underwent many changes during its production, both externally and internally. Some of the more significant changes were the addition of a frameline preview lever, the change from non-linear shutter speeds to international linear ones, and the switch from a dual-stroke advance lever to a single-stroke lever in 1958. Metal body available in silver (IGEMO/10150).

• Shutter: Horizontal cloth focal plane, 1s - 1/1000s + B
• Size: 137 x 76 x 36 mm
• Weight: 590g