The Pax M3 is one of the 'Pax' series of compact 35 mm rangefinder cameras made by Yamato Kōki Kōgyō in 1957. As with its predecessors, the style of the camera is somewhat similar to the Leica rangefinders of the same period. The rangefinder/viewfinder superstructure of the earlier models is replaced with a profiled top plate. This is engraved 'Pax M3' together with the serial number. 'Pax' is impressed in the leatherette of the back. There is a small red 'Pax' badge on the front, near the shutter release. It has a Luminor Anastigmat 1:2.8 F=45 mm coated Tessar-type lens and a rim-set leaf shutter. The shutter speeds are 1/10 of a second to 1/300 of a second plus B and is cocked by film advance. It also has a synchronized flash PC socket and switch for F- or X-synch. Other features are a reverse-Galilean viewfinder, thumb single action lever film advance, film-type reminder dial in the hub of the lever, film rewind knob, film release button, 'Cold' accessory shoe on the top plate, cable release socket in shutter release button, rangefinder adjustment screws under screw-in cover by the viewfinder eyepiece, and a removable film compartment cover for ease of film loading. The user could purchase accessories like a hood, UV filter, telephoto lenses and wide-angle supplementary lenses plus viewfinders to go with them.