Leica M3 'For Those Who Want The Best'

For those who want the best.

Launched in 1954, the Leica M3 heralded the introduction of the M System, a family of rangefinders that would come to define street photography — and photojournalism more broadly — for decades. (In fact, it still does!) Available in both double- and single-stroke versions, the petite, plated-chrome 35mm camera is widely regarded as not only one of the best-made rangefinders of all time, but also one of the most beautiful. No wonder vintage versions still sell for thousands!

Proudly advertising the "world's most famous 35mm camera," this sleek ad from the 1950s touts the then-new M3's bonafides in straightforward language that nevertheless betrays confidence in Leica's standing: "World renowned photographers use the LEICA because they know that they can rely upon it to produce the quality results that are so important to their work." Here, here!

This ad is custom framed in a 10 7/8” x 17 1/4” solid wood frame with a black veneer finish. It features a custom-measured, hand-cut 4-ply matte in grey, complimenting all the ad tones. Every material used is acid-free and the glass is anti-reflective and offers UV-protection to keep this precious ad preserved no matter where you decide to hang it up. Speaking of which, hanging your newly purchased ad is a seamless task, as this particular frame comes with an additional hanging wire and felt pads for wall protection.

Whether you're a Leica shooter or not, it's impossible to overstate the importance that the M3 had had on the photography and journalism industries at large. Celebrate the beauty of this handheld wonder by hanging this incredible ad in your office or library!

About our collaboration with Ad Patina

We're thrilled to be collaborating once again with our longtime friend Nick at Ad Patina to bring you a selection of the most-popular and hard to find original vintage magazine advertisements curated specifically for Analog:Shift!

Scouring the world for forgotten marketing treasures, Ad Patina's raison de être very much mimics our own - to hunt down these wonderful bits of history, preserve and restore them as needed, and share them with an enthusiastic community.

These documents of horological and advertising history have entered the collecting conversation as the ultimate accompanying accessory to go along with hobbies and passions. They have found themselves framed in homes and offices around the world.

Every one of these wonderful pieces is a genuine, vintage advertisement that has been professionally framed to ensure years of enjoyment to come - no reprints or reproductions here!

Much like a traditional piece of art - a painting or photograph - an original advertisement can be appreciated for its design as well as for its power to evoke nostalgia. Something vintage enthusiasts know all about!

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.