dials for slow and fast speeds (the fast speed dial on top of the camera rotated during firing). The M3 combined slower and faster speeds and the dial does not rotate during firing. Supposedly, this reduces vibrations in the camera. Early models used a non-geometrical series of shutter speeds. On later models this became the international standard of 1s to 1/1000s. Variants and successors Variants of the M3 were made for specific purposes. The Leica 24x27 was a camera with neither rangefinder nor viewfinder, made for the postal service to photograph electricity meters. The M3 was supplemented by the M2 with a 0.72× viewfinder more suited to wide-angle lenses. The next model was the rangefinder-less M1, intended as an interface with scientific instruments or with a visoflex. With the exception of the larger Leica M5, subsequent Leica M-series cameras have a strong family resemblance to the M3. In 2002, a miniature replica camera, the Digital Classic Camera Leica M3, was made by Minox (by then bought by Leica). References External links Leica M Cameras Price & Information Guide Leica M3 on jck.net Leica M3 by Karen Nakamura Leica M3 - the original M rangefinder on Leica FAQ Leica M3 on pacificrimcamera.com Leica M3 by luis triguez Cameras introduced in 1954 M3 Leica rangefinder cameras de:Leica M#Leica M3 (1954–1966) de:Leica M3