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79 Leica IV to M series Collection of Prototypes %u20ac150.0001936-53 %u20ac 300.000 %u2013 340.000Already in the mid-1930s, Leitz engineers developed the first prototype camera, which incorporated some of the functions that would later appear in the iconic Leica%u00a0M3. These early-stage prototypes, internally designated as %u2018Leica IV,%u2019 were part of an extensive development process. Numerous prototypes were produced over the years, with many technical innovations and features being tested and refined. This experimental phase continued until 1954, when the final version of the Leica%u00a0M3 was introduced, marking a significant milestone in camera design. The offered collection represents a set of ten prototype camera chassis, from an experimental Leica III%u00a0to the late prototype of the Leica%u00a0M3, all the chassis shows many unique features, unseen in the production cameras: 1. Leica III chassis with one knob on the top of the camera for both slow speeds and instant speeds 2. Leica IV chassis, aluminium, with 1/5s and 1/10s speeds 3. Leica IV chassis, brass, with 1/4s and 1/8s speeds 4. Leica M chassis, brass, external film counter, special winding lever, special speeds knob 5. Leica M chassis, brass, special winding lever, special speeds knob and base plate, sharkskin covering 6. Leica M chassis, brass, special winding lever,special speeds knob, external counter, reverserewind direction, sharkskin covering 7. Leica M chassis, aluminium, special winding lever, back door and base plate, external counter 8. Leica M chassis, aluminium, special winding lever, external counter, reverse rewind direction 9. Leica M chassis, aluminium, special winding lever, reverse rewind direction, prototype rangefinder(similar to the Contax), shutter curtains reinforced with vertical metal slats10. Leica M chassis, aluminium, special winding lever,shutter curtains reinforced with vertical metal slats. These prototype chassis represent a pivotal chapter in the evolution of modern camera design, embodying the technical experimentation that ultimately led to the creation of the revolutionary Leica%u00a0M3. Each unique feature and innovation seen in these prototypes highlights the ingenuity and precision of Leitz engineers during this critical period. As historical artifacts, they offer a rare insight into the developmental process that shaped one of the most influential cameras in photographic history.%u201d