This handsome chrome Leica III has appeared in several of my articles in Amateur Photographer over the last few years, notably 'Prewar and Wartime Leica' (9th February 2002), '120 years of AP' (30th October 2004) and 'Leica 80th anniverary' (25th June 2005).  It has been my Leica for the past eight years, during which time it has photographed my younger daughter's wedding and various other family occasions.  It runs beautifully and has never faltered.  I am selling it, and the lenses I have used with it, to finance another purchase - see my other items for sale.

The body is cosmetically very nice, but not in any sense mint.  The only brassing is on the strap eyelets.  There are one or two very tiny marks to the chrome on the top of the camera, and, as usual, rather more, but still very light and insignificant, on the baseplate. The body covering is the correct colour and is not faded or cracked. The body has a non-original shutter release guard of cup shape - I think these were replacements sold by Wallace Heaton in the 1950s.

Optically, the body is unusually good, with a bright clear rangefinder image and a clear viewfinder.  The eyesight correction mechanism operates as it should.  Mechanically it runs as it should, with no shutter squeaks, credible and consistent slow speeds and a well-fitting baseplate.

This is a sterling auction placed by Ivor Matanle - if you do a search on 'Ivor Matanle' you will find all the items I have for sale on eBay at present and also any examples of my books that other vendors have for sale.

Postage and packing at £6 for Royal Mail 1st Class recorded delivery (uninsured) or £10 for Special Delivery (insured next day delivery) will be added to the final bid price if the bidder is in the United Kingdom.  Note that, if a buyer declines to pay for insurance, I will not be held responsible for anything lost or damaged in the mail.

A winning bidder based outside the UK must email with details of his/her location so that I can establish how much is needed for postage before payment is made. Payment must be in pounds sterling, either through Paypal, or by a sterling cheque drawn on a UK bank, or by sterling money order or postal order. I reserve the right to clear cheques before mailing goods. I expect contact with the buyer within three days of the close of the auction. If payment is not made within ten days I reserve the right to cancel the sale and re-list the item.

I offer no warranty or guarantee but will refund the purchase price (but not the postage) if the equipment proves to have a fault that I had not identified or described. I try hard to describe goods completely and fairly, and my feedback will demonstrate that most people think I behave fairly.

Good luck with your bidding.