LEICA M3 body black paint 865229 special order 1957 probably 60ies

LEICA M3 body black paint 865229 special order 1957

The absolute classic in rangefinder cameras, the Leica M series.

Timeless design, utmost reliability, perfect mechanical and optical performance and highest standards in workmanship and materials used.

Here at offer from this series:

The superclassic M Leica made in Wetzlar, the M3, with the finder with frames 50/90/135mm.

No. 865229, from 1957.

Precise rangefinder, film counter under loupe, ultrasilent shutter and release, extremely reliable, incomparable feeling and tactile fascination.

This is a very special M3.
It was fully modernized at Leitz Wetzlar (probably in the 60ies) to last version M3 (singlestroke lever, 2 buttons in rewind knob, ASA scale to 1300, no central screw inside bottom and so on).

At the same time it was painted black original at Leica, the paint is original Leica black paint.

Since the camera is in like new outer cosmetic condition, we do not want to scratch around on it. And assume, that it was originally a chrome camera when delivered first in 1957. Since the serial number is not inside the known M3 black paint number circles (athough also other original black paint M3's outside the number circles were lately found and auctioned off).

So we orientate our price for the camera on "the less good option", that it was originally delivered as chrome camera.

Please OBSERVE this when ordering.

Seemingly, the camera was not used anymore after the modernization and painting black at Leica, but just kept as showcase item.