Leica M3 ELC SS (Big M Three) [Rare]

Leica M3 ELC SS (Big M Three) [Rare]

Thank you for looking.

No. 974940 Born October 2, 1959
ELC (Ernst Leitz Canada)

Made in Germany or made in Canada?
This has long been a topic of discussion among M3 enthusiasts.
Of the 215,944 M3 chrome-finished units produced, only 7,090 were ELC-made, a mere 3.28%. Encountering this rare opportunity is also a form of destiny.

The exterior shows signs of use. The top plate is clean with no major scratches or dents.
There are chips in the vulcanite on the right side and bottom front of the camera.
The shutter curtains are free of mold.

Operational check: The shutter fires at all speeds, including B. (Accuracy is questionable.)
The film advance (single stroke) and all mechanisms function smoothly.
It was in active use until 10 years ago. It has not been used with film since then.
Please understand that we cannot guarantee its current operation as it has not been used for 10 years.

Optically, the viewfinder is bright, the double image is clear, and the double image aligns correctly.
The viewfinder frame always displays 50mm, and the switching lever correctly displays 90mm and 135mm.

Accessories included:
Genuine body cap
LEICA strap 14312, unused, with box
3 rolls of film (expired, but good for practicing loading film into the M3)

Please consider this item as a used product. Thank you.