Leica M3 Gold

35mm MF film rangefinder camera • Discontinued • Collectible

  • Announced:
  • · 1957
  • Production type:
  • · Small-batch production: 1 (one) unit
  • Availability:
  • ● Sold out
  • Country of design:
  • · FRG (Federal Republic of Germany)
  • System:
  • · Leica M (1954)

Specification

Format:
35mm full frame
Film type:
135 cartridge-loaded film
Leica M [27.8mm]
Shutter:
Type:
Focal-plane
Model:
Mechanical
Speeds:
1 - 1/1000 + B
Exposure:
Exposure metering:
None
Exposure modes:
Manual
Rangefinder and Viewfinder:
Rangefinder:
Built-in, combined with viewfinder
Viewfinder:
Built-in, combined with rangefinder
Finder magnification:
0.91x
Actual rangefinder base:
68.5mm
Effective rangefinder base:
62.34mm
Bright-line frames:
50mm, 90mm, 135mm
Parallax compensation:
Yes
Physical characteristics:
Weight:
<No data>
Dimensions:
138x77x33.5mm

From the Classic Camera magazine (May 2001)

The only gold-plated and lizard coated Leitz M3 is the one bearing serial number 873000. It follows that any others that might exist are just imitations or counterfeits. Leitz, after having produced this one-of-a-kind piece, decided to award it to the Leica retailer with the highest sales record. In 1957, the camera was given to Mr. Tiranty, the Leitz distributor for France and friend of the Leitz family. On his death, this gold-plated M3 was passed on to his heirs who in 1983 asked Mr. Blache, the auction commissioner in Versailles, to put it up for sale. The auction took place at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 1983 at the Hotel Rameau.

This gold-plated M3 (no. 873000), lined in fine, dark grey lizard skin, is a normal "double stroke" with interchangeable lenses and bayonet mount. It has a Summicron 50mm f/2.0 no. 1474800, naturally gold-colored including the cap. It is equipped with a gold-plated Leicameter MC exposure meter no. 84683 and has a rangefinder that coincides with the image, mechanical self-timer, M and X flash socket and standard aperture scale.

From the editor

A single gold-plated LEICA M3 camera released in 1957.

The set consisted of:

  • Gold-plated LEICA M3 body Serial No. 873000 (1957 batch);
  • Gold-plated RIGID SUMMICRON 50/2 lens Serial No. 1474800 (1957 batch) with a focusing ring covered with leather that matched that on the camera body. All visible parts of the lens barrel were made of solid brass;
  • Gold-plated lens cap;
  • Gold-plated Leica-METER MC Serial No. 84683.

Other Leica M3 special editions (3)


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