Description
Built from 1976 to 1979, the Leica R3 comes from the cooperation with Minolta and can nowadays be regarded as an interim model between the Leicaflex models developed in Wetzlar and the Leica R4 built from 1980 as a representative of the more modern Leica R series.
A major innovation compared to the Leicaflex models is the automatic shutter speed available in the R3 and also the new center-weighted integral exposure measurement that has been added to the selective exposure measurement.
The camera was mainly built in Portugal (only about 2,000 pieces were produced in Wetzlar) and was available from the launch in silver or black chrome. In total, about 45,750 Leica R3 were built. Among them are some special editions, such as the version known as R3 Safari in olive green paint (about 5,000 pieces) and a gold plated limited edition to commemorate the 100th birthday of Oskar Barnack (1,000 pieces) in 1979.
In addition to the special editions, the silver-chrome version of the R3 is one of the rarest variants.
The Leica R3 Mot Electronic, manufactured exclusively in Portugal from 1978 to 1979, has a volume of 25,500 units.
These were factory fitted with contacts for connecting an Motor Winder.
Offered is one of the relatively rare Leica R3 in a silver chrome version from the year 1978. The camera comes from Portuguese production.
The condition is both technically and cosmetically very good to mint.
Total production: approx. 4.250 units only
Rarity: R6
Rarity forecast: R6
