Previously, I have discussed why the Leica M3 is a special camera.

I have also discussed why the transitional double stroke 1957 Leica M3, in particular, represents the pinnacle of M3 rangefinders (spoiler: because it combines the best qualities of both the early and late production M3s).

Today I want to discuss an even more special M3.  It’s special, at least to me, because of its connection to Canada.

But first, a little background information…

Out of the roughly 225,000 Leica M3 rangefinders ever produced during its entire 12 year production run (from 1954-1966), only approximately 7,000 double and single stroke M3s were made at the Ernst Leitz Canada (ELC) factory in Midland, Ontario* (yes, once upon a time Leica made cameras and lenses in Canada).

*These are sometimes referred to as the “big” M3s because of the distinctive “M3” engraving on the top plate (which was larger than the one found on cameras produced in Germany).

Within the small subset of theses Canadian M3s there is an even smaller subset of the previously mentioned transitional, double stroke 1957 M3s.  There are 680 to be exact, and they were produced in two batches (380 and 300) that year:

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All told, these represent just 0.3% of all M3s ever made!  And after many years of searching, I have finally found a beautiful copy with a serial number falling within the latter batch:

 

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This M3 was recently serviced by a shop in Japan.  So what we have here is a German designed camera that was produced in Canada nearly 70 years ago and then serviced in Japan in 2026 before finding its way back home.  It is truly a worldly specimen, combining not just the best of early and late M3s, but also the best of the different cultures that have had a hand in its creation and maintenance.

I have no idea how many people have owned it during all these years or how many photos it has taken, but it’s clearly been well taken care of.  I too plan on taking care of it, and of using it for its intended purpose of photographing all that appears within the frame lines of its wonderfully uncluttered viewfinder.

—Peter.

 

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