LEICA IC
Leica Ic (code-named OEGIO360) was offered as a celebration of 100th anniversary of the Leitz Firm16. It was produced from 1949-1952 and originally introduced as a replacement to Leica Standard Model E364. Leica Ic was primarily intended for scientific and technical photography, where neither a viewfinder or a rangefinder were required364. With the help of an SLR attachment, the Leica Ic could be used without restrictions for close-up and long-distance photography364.
Technical Specifications
Leica Ic was derived from the Leica IIIc and had the internal improvements made for IIIc16. Leica Ic was the first Leica to feature two spring-loaded360 accessory shoes100. It was mainly marketed for scientific purposes360.
It featured shutter speeds of 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/200, 1/500th and "bulb" of a second and no rangefinder360.
Leica Ic could be converted into the Leica IIc or the Leica IIIc16.
Flaking of the chrome plating was an issue for Leica Ic360.
Adam Wagner and his design team took on the task of equipping the pre-war Leica Ic, IIc, and IIIc cameras with flash synchronization and further developing them in 1947364.
5000 Leica Ic cameras were made from serial number 440001 through serial number 460000188.
Leica Ic was eventually replaced by Leica If in 1952360.
Collector's Corner
Many Leica enthusiasts and collectors have observed that within a specific range of serial numbers, the body covering of postwar cameras feels distinctly different from the other vulcanite coverings that Leitz used before that time. This material has a grain that seems to be oriented vertically and has a somewhat rough texture. Its resemblance to a certain type of leather has led it to be referred to as "sharkskin". It appears that cameras produced shortly after the war often featured this type of covering. Some selected Leica Ic cameras had this type of covering affixed171 instead of standard smooth vulcanite360.
Deliveries
In 1949, there were 5000 Leica Ic cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 455001 through 460000364. In 1950, there were 4000 Leica Ic cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 520001 through 524000364. In 1951, there were 2292 Leica Ic cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 560001 through 562292364. 1952 was the last year of deliveries, with 718 Leica Ic cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 562295 through 563100364.
Closing Remarks
The Leica Ic ceased production in 1952 with total of 12010 cameras made364.