![]() Another explanation is that the “3” stands for the three frame lines in the M3 viewfinder window. But why M3 rather than M1 for this number one, first-of-its-kind, breakthrough design? One plausible explanation is that the last top-of-the-line screw-mount Leica prior to the introduction of the M3 was the Leica IIIf (pronounced “Three F”) so the initial M was dubbed the M3 to reflect the continuity of the Leica rangefinder line. The “M” assuredly stands for “ mess-sucher” the elegantly concise German word for “combined rangefinder-viewfinder,” a new (for Leica) feature lacking on all previous II- and III-series screw-mount Leicas. ![]() Why Leitz named its iconic, new, totally redesigned rangefinder 35 the “Leica M3” when it debuted back in 1954 remains something of a mystery. A minimalist masterpiece aimed at scientists, techies, and the military.
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