For Sale: Leica M3 with 50 mm f/2 Summicron Dual-Range, Original Goggles, and Leica M4 Meter 1956 year of manufacture
Some cameras transcend being mere tools; they become part of photographic history. This Leica M3, paired with the renowned Summicron 50 mm f/2 Dual-Range lens, its original “goggles,” and a period-correct Leica M4 meter, is one of those iconic combinations that defined a generation of 35 mm photography.
The Leica M3, introduced in 1954, set a new benchmark for precision, with its bright 0.91× viewfinder, buttery-smooth advance, and accurate rangefinder. Its solid brass construction and timeless design still make it a joy to handle today.
The Summicron 50 mm f/2 Dual-Range, introduced shortly after the M3, was Leica’s answer to photographers who needed to focus closer than the usual 1 m limit. With the included close-up “goggles” attached, the lens can focus as near as 0.48 m while maintaining perfect rangefinder accuracy—an engineering feat that made it legendary.
The DR Summicron is celebrated for its superb optical character: classic Leica sharpness, gentle contrast, and rich tonal rendering.
Completing the set is a Leica M4 meter —the accessory exposure meter that slides into the M3’s accessory shoe and couples directly to the shutter-speed dial. The M4 meter blends seamlessly with the M3’s design and adds practical, on-camera light-metering for those who prefer a period-correct solution.
This kit includes:
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Leica M3 body: “well-preserved, smooth shutter, bright viewfinder with strong RF patch” ]
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Summicron 50 mm f/2 Dual-Range lens: “clear glass, clean blades, smooth focusing” ]
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Original DR Summicron “goggles”: excellent condition—often missing today
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Leica M4 meter: functional and in good cosmetic shape, a perfect companion for the M3 Calibrated
Holding this camera, you feel the craftsmanship of a classic era: the precise click of the shutter, the smooth focus of the Summicron, and the clever engineering of the goggles and coupled meter. Together, they tell the story of Leica’s dedication to practical innovation and elegant design.
For the collector or shooter who appreciates history and wants a complete, working Leica kit with period accessories, this M3 with Summicron DR, goggles, and M4 meter is ready for its next chapter.