LEICA IF
Leica If (code-named OEFGO) was initially offered at Photokina in 195216 to replace Leica Ic360 and produced until 1953, with serial numbers ranging from 562001 through 67500018.
Finishes
The camera was only available in a chrome finish, as were all cameras of this class produced after World War II16.
Technical Specifications
The Leica If is a simplified version of the Leica IIf, lacking a rangefinder, viewfinder, and slow-speed mechanism360. However, it shares the same flash synchronization capabilities as the Leica IIf and IIIf360. Like these models, it was produced in two versions: the Black Dial and Red Dial, which correspond to black and red synchronization dials, respectively360. Since the flash socket cannot be positioned near the eyepiece, it is located where the slow-speed dial aperture cover would have been360.
A detachable reflecting viewfinder attaches to an accessory clip on the top of the camera. There is no built-in rangefinder; however, an attachable rangefinder can be fitted into an additional accessory clip on the top of the camera. The camera features built-in flash synchronization, with a contact point located on the front358.
The Leica If Black Dial is equipped with shutter speeds of 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and a Bulb mode (B)360. This camera was introduced in 1952, with the first batch having serial numbers 562293 to 562294, and it was discontinued within the same year, with the last batch ranging from 563101 to 564200360. In total, 1888 cameras were produced360. While a few Leica If Black Dial cameras are known to have delayed-action mechanisms, the specific serial number pattern for these has yet to be established360.
The Leica If Red Dial features shutter speeds of 1/25, 1/50, 1/75, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and B360. It was introduced in 1952 (first batch, 564201-565000) and discontinued in 1957 (last batch, 850981-851000), with a total production count of 15,786 units360.
The Leica If camera can be converted into either a Leica II or a Leica IIIf360. Some Leica If cameras have been modified to include a slow shutter speed conversion360. While this modification is technically feasible, it often results in the flash synchronization plug being placed in unconventional locations, such as on the top plate or on the front of the camera body360. Cameras adapted in this manner were likely intended for photomicrographic use360.
Leica If was equipped with a 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens. Leica If was code-named OEINO with catalog number 1001016.
Price
Leica If was initially offered for 151.30 USD16.
Collector's Corner
Perhaps the most difficult to obtain is the elusive Leica If Black Dial119.
Military
In 1953, the Cold War was at a peak, and the officially neutral Swedish government grew concerned about frequent violations of their territorial waters by Soviet submarines. The Soviet authorities vehemently denied these incidents, prompting the Swedes to document the intrusions as thoroughly as possible. To aid in this effort, the Swedish Navy specified a surveiIIance system that included a 35mm camera with a lens approximately 250mm in focal length. They placed an order for 50 units with Molander & Son, a well-known photo wholesaler in Stockholm. Molander sourced Leica If Red Dial cameras in Germany from various individual dealers, which resulted in the serial numbers not being closely grouped together, as they were not purchased directly from the manufacturer. Reported serial numbers indicate purchases from specific batches: 575001-580000, 673001-675000, and 682001-684000. Molander then engraved the cameras on the rear of the top plate and the baseplate with the Swedish three crowns, along with the designation "MS-HK 2 N:R," followed by serial numbers ranging from 1 to 50. It’s important to note that there is no correlation between the camera body numbers and the N:R serial numbers172.