Leica M3 DS + Summicron 3,5CM f3.5 (+ goggles) Rangefinder camera

The Leica M3, introduced in 1954, is not just a camera; it is the founder of the M line and is universally regarded as one of the finest mechanical cameras ever made. Its launch revolutionized 35mm photography by offering unprecedented build quality, an incredibly wide and bright viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation (the longest base of a rangefinder ever fitted on an M, for surgical precision focusing), and the new Leica M bayonet mount system.

The 'Double Stroke' (DS) or 'Double Course' model is characteristic of the early years of production (up to mid-1958). It requires two short movements of the winding lever to advance the film and cock the shutter. This mechanism is appreciated by purists for its smoothness and mechanical precision, and it is a true collector's marker. The serial number 844703 confirms a production year of 1956, placing this body at the heart of this legendary period.

The Leitz Summaron 35mm f/3.5 with 'goggles' (or goggles / visoflex) is an ideal companion for the M3. The M3 was originally designed with viewfinder frames for 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm. These 'goggles' are an essential optical accessory that clips onto the lens and reduces the focal length displayed in the viewfinder, allowing the photographer to precisely frame at 35mm using the M3's 50mm frame. It is renowned for its classic rendering, contrasty without being harsh, and its subtle bokeh, perfect for Street Photography in the style of Cartier-Bresson.

Leica M3 body
S/N 844703 (1956)
Produced in 1956.
Model Double Stroke (Double Course)
Sight: luminous, clear, and dust-free telemetric.
- Preselection frames: 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm: All are present and fully functional.
Focus: manual via coupled rangefinder.
Shutter: Fabric focal curtain, with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000s + B setting.
Retardeur: Present and functional.
Loading System: fast charging characteristic of the M3.
Case condition: very good overall condition, with some signs of wear on the sole.

Leitz Summaron 35mm f/3.5 lens
S/N 1554692
- With 'Glasses' M3
Focal length: 35mm, ideal for street photography.
Aperture: f/3.5 to f/22 – The entire range of apertures is functional.
Focus: Smooth focus ring.
Clear lentils, without stripes or mushrooms.
Absence of fog inside the lens.
Diaphragm: a closing and precise opening ring.
The glasses lenses are clear, without fog.

Mount: Leica M.
- Optical System: Includes the 'goggles' specific to the M3 for precise framing of the 35mm using the M3 viewfinder's 50mm frame.
- 35mm framing accuracy: The 50mm frame is properly filled by the 35mm view.
Compatibility: The entire set works perfectly. The objective can be used on other Leica M bodies without the glasses (the 35mm frame will then need to be estimated).

Overall condition: exceptional for its age, combining precise mechanics and very clean optics.