Leica M3D Edition

It was the request of LIFE photographers Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan to couple the Leica M3 with a rapid winder. In 1955, Leitz complied with this request and developed special versions of the camera with Leicavit for the two prominent clients. These cameras, which lack the automatically resetting frame counter and the self-timer, were engraved with "M3E" for Eisenstaedt and "M3D" for Duncan. They represent the basis of the classic Leica MP, which from 1956 was delivered to press photographers worldwide in small quantities. David Douglas Duncan originally received four specimens of the Leica M3D in black paint finish, M3D-1 to M3D-4. In 2014, Leica produced a small new edition of 16 units based on today's Leica M-A, M3D-5 to M3D-20. These were produced exclusively for Lars Netopil Classic Cameras. Leica M3D-17 with Summicron 50 mm f/2 Nr. 4321017, Leicavit Nr. 02341. Virtually like new, unused condition with all papers in the original packaging. The scope of delivery of the edition also includes a numbered b/w gelatine silver print in the format 18 x 27 cm, "Picasso with the Snow Owl Mask", signed by David Douglas Duncan. Included: Original brochure, brochure "Making of the Leica M3D" with photographs by Michael Agel.