Leica M3

M3 was the look, and form of the camera Oscar Barnack was looking for. This is the philosophy of Design, the goes through hearts and hearts to reach its goal. Leica hasn't changed the look of its cameras ever since, just some minor improvements such as the slanted rewind knob in Leica M4. The development of Leica M3 was under supervision of Willi Stein, known as one of "Barnack boys". I covered M3 in great detail in my book: "Leica Design 101". The viewfinder in this camera shows life size view of the image, and this make it very desirable among photographers. As the range of interchangeable lenses for the M-series grew, later models adapted a wider image through the viewfinder to cover, i.e., 28 mm lenses, leaving behind the life size view of M3.

1) Shutter Speed Dial

2) Frame Counter Mechanism, Advance Gear, and Shutter Release Button

3) Flash Shoe, Flash Contacts, and internal connecting cable to flash sync switches 14

 

4) Advance Lever

5) Shutter Mechanism High Speeds / Slow Speeds Control Assembly

6) Slow Speeds Mechanism

 

7) Rangefinder Coupling Roller

8) Viewfinder / Rangefinder Assembly

9) Rewind Mechanism

 

10) Self Timer Mechanism

11) Release shaft, Bulb Lever

12) Film Winding Gears / Take up Spool

 

13) Body Casting / Sprocket Assembly

14) Flash Sync switches

15) Shutter Drum / 2nd Curtain Release Cam Assembly

 

16) 2nd Curtain Roller

17) Bright Frame Selector Keying Lever

18) 1st Curtain Roller

 

19) Shutter Cocking Sector Gear

20) Shutter Roller Tension Spring Lock Nuts

21) Release Plate

 

22) Film light baffle

23) Shutter Break Mechanism

24) Light Seal Cloth

 

25) Back Cover / pressure Plate

26) Base Door Lock

27) Bayonet Mount

Exploded view of Leica M3 parts, and their description from my book: "Leic Design 101".

Not an easy Repair !