Nikon S3M chrome
The Nikon S3M is a half-frame variant of the rangefinder S3, produced in very small numbers in the late 1950s. It was Nikon's only half-frame rangefinder body and was sold alongside the standard 35mm S-series line, making surviving examples scarce on the collector market today.
At UK auction the S3M chrome has a thin but high-value record: hammer prices in the SALES HISTORY range from £30,000 to £39,000, with a median around £32,000. These are wholesale saleroom results rather than dealer retail, and prices in 2026 remain highly condition-sensitive — matching-number bodies with the dedicated half-frame finder and original case sell for noticeably more than incomplete examples.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2024
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 15,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00801) Title: Nikon S3M Half-Frame chrome
Description:
The rarest, most unique and collectable of all Nikon cameras, 18x24mm half-frame exposures (film counter to 72), from the first batch (production started with number 6600001), only 195 cameras were made! The body is in mint condition and working order, with body cap and AR-1 soft shutter release. Estimate: EUR 30,000 - EUR 34,000 |
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| Jun 2023 | EUR 30,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 42 (Lot AI_20220121_1128_41407) Title: Nikon S3M Half-Frame chrome + Motor S72
Description:
the rarest, most unique and collectable of all Nikon cameras, 18x24mm half-frame exposures (film counter to 72), from the first of the two batches (production started with number 6600001), only 195 cameras were made! The body is in almost mint condition and working order, calibrated in meter, with black Nikkor-S.C 1.4/5cm no.385648 with very good optics, only showing few and light cleaning marks on the front element (hood + front cap), with rare half-frame universal finder no.357701 (feet), very rare motor S72 no.95139, battery holder and power cable Estimate: EUR 60,000 - EUR 70,000 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 34,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30653) Title: Nikon S3-M chrome
Description:
18x24mm, for 72 exposures, the most rare of all Nikon rangefinder cameras in fully original condition, motor-coupled base plate, with S-72 motor drive no.94804 (counter to 72 exposures, filter, cap, grey battery case), Nikkor-S.C 1.4/5cm no.393748, in total only approx. 50 cameras were manufactured in chrome finish Estimate: EUR 50,000 - EUR 60,000 |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 39,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_17112) Title: Nikon S3-M chrome
Description:
18x24mm, for 72 exposures, the most rare of all Nikon rangefinder cameras in near mint original condition, motor-coupled base plate, Nikkor-H 2/5cm no.767864, everready case, in total only approx. 50 cameras were manufactured in chrome finish Estimate: EUR 45,000 - EUR 50,000 |
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| May 2006 | EUR 32,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 9 (Lot AI_9_26783) Title: Nikon S3-M Chrome
Description:
18x24mm, for 72 exposures, the most rare of all Nikon rangefinder cameras in very fine original condition, in total only approx. 50 cameras were manufactured in chrome finish Estimate: EUR 45,000 - EUR 50,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Nikon S3M chrome worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices sit between roughly £30,000 and £39,000, with a median near £32,000 for chrome examples in collectable condition.
How much does a Nikon S3M sell for at auction?
It sells for five-figure sums: the three recorded UK hammer results are £30,000, £32,000 and £39,000, reflecting how few examples reach the market.
Why is the S3M's value so much higher than a standard S3?
The S3M was produced in very limited numbers as a half-frame variant, so scarcity and collector demand push its price well above that of the more common full-frame S3.
What should I check before paying S3M money for a body?
Confirm the serial number is a genuine S3M, that the half-frame mask and counter function, and that the shutter and rangefinder are clean — these factors drive the gap between the lower and upper end of the price range.