LEICA IC
Leica Ic was offered as a celebration of 100th anniversary of the Leitz firm16. It was produced from 1949-1952364 and originally introduced as an affordable, basic camera intended to replace the Leica Standard Model E cameras that were lost during World War II442. At its launch, the price was set at 296 Deutsche Marks442. Leica Ic was primarily intended for scientific and technical photography, where neither a viewfinder or a rangefinder were required364.
Technical Specifications
Leica Ic was derived from the Leica IIIc and had the internal improvements made for Leica IIIc16. Leica Ic was the first Leica to feature two spring-loaded360 accessory shoes100.
It featured shutter speeds of 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/200, 1/500th and “bulb“ of a second360.
Leica Ic could be converted into Leica IIc or 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, Leica IIc, and Leica IIIc cameras with flash synchronization and further developing them in 1947364.
Code Names
Leica Ic body only was code-named OEFGO365.
Leica Ic body only with external SBOOI534 viewfinder for 50mm lenses was code-named OEGIO365.
Leica Ic with 50mm (5cm) f/3.5 Elmar and external SBOOI viewfinder for 50mm lenses was code-named OEINO534.
Leica Ic with 5cm f/2 Summitar and external SBOOI viewfinder for 50mm lenses was code-named OEINO534.
Sharkskin
Many Leica fanciers and collectors noticed that in a certain serial number range, the body covering of postwar cameras had a definite, uniquely different feel from that of all the other vulcanite body coverings that Leitz had used up to the point171. This material had a grain which appeared to be vertically oriented and somewhat rough to the touch171. Its likeness to a certain type of leather had made it to be known as “sharkskin“171. It appeared that cameras produced shortly after the war often featured this type of covering360. Some selected Leica Ic cameras had this type of covering affixed171 instead of standard smooth vulcanite360.
Collector's Corner
The Leica Ic 24x24mm Prototype with serial number Betriebsk Nr. 233 dated circa 1952 was sold for 140000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as “As early as 1940, Wilhelm Albert was experimenting with a Leica camera for 52 exposures with an image format of 24x24 mm (the exact format was 24,4x23,3 mm). This was delivered to the criminal police in Berlin for the purposes of identification photography (the so-called Bertillon process). Since then, the topic of a square image format has been taken up again and again by the camera designers at Leitz and implemented in various experimental cameras and auxiliary finders...Unusual prototype of a Leica Ic with a square image format. The frame counter dial is engraved up to 60. The camera does not have a flash connection, but a top plate from the later Leica If was already installed. Engraved “Betriebsk. Nr. 233” on the top of the top plate...“425.
The Leica Ic 24x24mm Prototype with serial number 561030 dated 1951 was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026597. The camera was described as "delivered to the criminal police in Berlin for the purposes of identification photography (the so-called Bertillon process)."597.
The Leica Ic in black paint with serial number 458600 dated circa 1950 was sold for 70000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as “Extremely rare black paint finished Leica Ic, made for the Deutsche Bundespost (German Federal Post). “DB” (for Deutsche Bundespost) punched on the transport knob. To date, only two specimens of this version are known to exist worldwide. With Summaron 3,5 cm f/3.5 No. 882917. In practically like new condition. Provenance: Allen Collection...425. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 67 of James L. Lager's “Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition” book540. This camera had “DB” (for “Deutches Bundespost”) stamped on the advance knob540.
The Leica Ic in black paint with serial number 458604 was one of two cameras (along with 458600) mentioned in the James L. Lager's “Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition” book as having black paint finish540. This camera was illustrated on page 129 of Gianni Rogliatti's “The First 70 Years” book425.
The Leica Ic 18x24mm Prototype with serial number 562051 dated circa 1950 was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. The lot was described as “As early as 1940, Wilhelm Albert was experimenting with a Leica camera for 72 exposures with an image format of 18x24 mm (the exact format was 18,6x24,8 mm). This was delivered to the criminal police in Berlin for the purposes of identification photography. Since then, the topic of the half frame image format has been taken up again and again by the camera designers at Leitz and implemented in various experimental cameras and finally realized with the Leica 72 in two small series. Unusual prototype of a Leica Ic with half frame image format. The frame counter dial is engraved up to 60. Engraved “18x24“ on the top of the topplate. Deviating engraving of the manufacturer's designation. Very beautiful condition."429.
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 and was eventually replaced by Leica If in 1952360.