Leitz Leica M3 Black Paint Cameras and Lenses - Jo Geier - Mint & Rare

December 14, 2023 Jo Geier

In this video I am going to present you three black paint Leica M3 cameras and three lenses:

- Leitz Summilux 35mm f/1.4 „Steel Rim“ in black paint finish
- Leitz Summilux 35mm f/1.4 „Steel Rim“ in chrome finish
- Leitz Summicron 50mm f/2

The Leica M3 was introduced by Leitz in 1954 with serial number 700001 and was in production until 1967 until serial number 1206999.The majority was produced in Wetzlar, Germany, but a few chrome cameras, produced in Midland, Canada, exist.

The total production was around 220.000 units. 1.400 to 1.500 of these cameras have been made in black paint finish, which mostly were sold to professional photographers.

The first official batch of black paint Leica M3 cameras is from serial number 959401 to 959500. Today we know of around 20 existing black paint Leica M3 cameras with serial numbers in the 746xxx, 916xxx, 917xxx, 918xxx, 919xxx & 951xxx serial number range which have been made to special order, which pre-dates the first official batch from 1959. Some key differences to the first official 959xxx batch are the shorter film winding lever, the all-black frame counter dial and the big strap lugs (so-called „Buddy Ears“ or „Dog Ears“). The next official batch of black lacquered Leica M3 cameras is from serial number 993501 to 993750. These cameras do already have the smaller (round) strap lugs.

A few special versions have been made and I will try to show these in future videos.