Leica M3 Double Stroke Preview Lever 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body, Chrome

Leica M3 Double Stroke Preview Lever 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body (Chrome)

The Leica M3 is an iconic 35mm rangefinder camera, renowned for its exceptional build quality and classic design. Here’s a detailed overview of its features:

Leica M3 Double Stroke Preview Lever 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body, Chrome Key Features:**

1. **Type:**
– **Rangefinder Camera:** Utilizes a manual focusing system with a rangefinder for precise focusing.

2. **Film Format:**
– **35mm:** Compatible with standard 35mm film, widely available and user-friendly.

3. **Viewfinder:**
– **Bright Optical Viewfinder:** Offers a clear view for composing shots with excellent brightness and contrast.
– **Frame Lines:** Features frame lines for multiple focal lengths (including 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm), helping with composition.

4. **Shutter:**
– **Mechanical Shutter:** Offers speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 of a second, plus bulb mode for long exposures.
– **Silent Operation:** The mechanical design allows for quiet shooting, ideal for discreet photography.

5. **Double Stroke Film Advance:**
– **Film Advance Lever:** The double stroke mechanism requires two motions to advance the film, providing a tactile and deliberate feel.

6. **Preview Lever:**
– **Depth of Field Preview:** Allows you to check the depth of field before taking a shot, enhancing compositional control.

7. **Construction:**
– **Durable Metal Body:** Built from high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and reliability.
– **Chrome Finish:** Classic and elegant design that appeals to enthusiasts.

8. **Lens Compatibility:**
– **M-Mount Lenses:** Compatible with a wide range of Leica M-mount lenses, known for their exceptional optical quality.

9. **Size and Weight:**
– **Compact Design:** Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel and street photography.
– **Approximate Weight:** 600 grams (21.2 ounces) without a lens.

#### **Ideal Use Cases:**

– **Street Photography:** The discreet design and manual focus capabilities are perfect for candid shots.
– **Portraiture:** Excellent for capturing high-quality portraits with the right lenses.
– **Artistic Photography:** Offers creative control with a range of high-quality lenses.