Leica M3 with Early 8-Element 35 mm Summicron f/2 and Original Goggles And meter. 1961 year of manufacture
Some cameras aren’t just tools—they’re milestones in photographic history. This Leica M3, paired with the legendary first-generation 8-element 35 mm Summicron f/2 and its original “goggles,” is one of those rare combinations that defined an era.
When Leica introduced the M3 in 1954, it re-invented the rangefinder: a bright, life-size viewfinder, a silky film advance, and an elegance that made it the standard for professionals. The M3’s finder is optimized for 50 mm lenses, but for photographers who needed a wider view, Leica created the ingenious optical attachment—nicknamed the “goggles”—to bring the 35 mm Summicron into perfect harmony with the M3.
The lens itself is a piece of legend. The early 8-element Summicron is renowned for its luminous rendering: sharp yet gentle, with smooth tonal transitions and that elusive vintage Leica glow. Street photographers of the 1950s and 60s prized it for its balance of clarity and character, and it remains one of the most collectible classic Leica lenses today.
This particular kit has the qualities collectors and shooters look for:
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The M3 body has a fresh repaint with CLA. All speeds are accurate and the rangefinder is clear no free of haze or imperfections.
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The lens has “clear glass, clean blades, smooth focusing” ]
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The original goggles—often lost over the years—are included and in excellent shape
Holding this camera, you can feel why it still inspires such devotion. It’s more than an instrument; it’s a link to the tradition of Cartier-Bresson and the golden age of 35 mm reportage.
If you’re looking for a Leica that carries both history and the ability to make beautiful images today, this M3 and 35 mm Summicron with goggles deserves your attention. It’s ready for a new home and another chapter in its story.