The Leica M3 introduced the M-bayonet mount in 1954 and is widely regarded as one of the finest mechanical rangefinders ever produced. 0.91x viewfinder, bright-line frames for 50/90/135 mm, mechanical shutter 1 s to 1/1000 s, no built-in meter. Build quality remains a benchmark seventy years later.
A working double-stroke M3 (early production) trades for EUR 1500-2500; the single-stroke (post 1958) commands a small premium.
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Confirm the rangefinder patch is bright and aligned - mis-calibration is common on un-serviced bodies and a CLA costs EUR 300-500. Check shutter speeds are accurate; the slow speeds are most likely to drift.
Inspect the body brass for re-paints (originals show brass through worn black paint differently than re-plates).