Leica M3 Transitional version price guide

yya · Mar 28, 2025

I'm just curious, how much more expensive is a transitional version of the Leica M3 (with both double-stroke and single-stroke features, starting from serial number 926xxx) compared to a regular M3, assuming they are in the same condition?

4season · Mar 28, 2025

I don't know that there's any consensus as to value, but in the past, I've realized a modest premium by being able to identify my particular M3 variation in a way that stood out from other listings. At the time, I had copies of Jim Lager's Leica guides, and I probably used his terminology, e.g. "Leica M3 Second Type" (which mine was). But there's always going to be an element of luck involved too.

Saganich · Mar 28, 2025

If considering M3's meant to be used daily and not ones that are deemed 'special' in any way, I would consider 1957 as transitional starting around 854xxx. I've never put my hands on a better M3 than early '57's. I personally would value user pre 1957 M3 a little less than post 1957, but this can be modified by cosmetics, ownership and maintenance history. The above one million M3's seem to fetch slightly higher prices, although I I'm not sure why exactly.

GregY · Mar 28, 2025

Leica M2 & M3 ....there are lots on the market ....and largely in the same price range. Occasionally you'll see one "serial # over 1,000,000" presumably because they're later versions, but at this point they're all old (but seriously well-made) cameras. I wouldn't pay any premium .... & of course original black paint versions are very expensive.

yya · Mar 28, 2025

Saganich said:
If considering M3's meant to be used daily and not ones that are deemed 'special' in any way, I would consider 1957 as transitional starting around 854xxx. I've never put my hands on a better M3 than early '57's. I personally would value user pre 1957 M3 a little less than post 1957, but this can be modified by cosmetics, ownership and maintenance history. The above one million M3's seem to fetch slightly higher prices, although I I'm not sure why exactly.

thanks for your reply！

yya · Mar 28, 2025

GregY said:
Leica M2 & M3 ....there are lots on the market ....and largely in the same price range. Occasionally you'll see one "serial # over 1,000,000" presumably because they're later versions, but at this point they're all old (but seriously well-made) cameras. I wouldn't pay any premium .... & of course original black paint versions are very expensive.

Thanks for your reply！

250swb · Mar 29, 2025

Filter out the chancers, dealers, and dreamers with cameras in poor condition and eBay is a good source of pricing information especially if you look at completed deals.

Leica M3 Transitional version price guide

yya

4season

Saganich

GregY

yya

yya

250swb

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