25 Leica If.jpg

LEICA IF

Leica If, designed by Adam Wagner and his team in 1952364, was initially offered at Photokina in 195216 to replace Leica Ic360 and produced until 195318.


Finishes

The camera was only available in a chrome finish16.


Technical Specifications

The Leica If was a simplified version of the Leica IIf, lacking a rangefinder, viewfinder, and slow-speed mechanism360. However, it shared the same flash synchronization capabilities as the Leica IIf and Leica IIIf360. Since the flash socket could not be positioned near the eyepiece, it was located where the slow-speed dial aperture cover would have been360.

A detachable reflecting viewfinder attached to an accessory clip on the top of the camera358. There was no built-in rangefinder; however, an attachable rangefinder could have been fitted into an additional accessory clip on the top of the camera358.

Leica If was produced in two versions: the Black Dial and Red Dial, which correspond to black and red synchronization dials, respectively360:

  • The Leica If Black Dial was 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 (number to be confirmed by the author of this website), 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 were known to have delayed-action mechanisms, the specific serial number pattern for these had yet to be established360. According to one author, the elusive Leica If Black Dial was "very difficult" to obtain119.
  • The Leica If Red Dial featured 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 could be converted into either a Leica IIf or a Leica IIIf360. Some Leica If cameras had been modified to include a slow shutter speed conversion360. While this modification was technically feasible, it often resulted 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 modified in this manner were likely intended for photomicrographic use360.

One Leica If (number 807604) was illustrated on the page 102 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book and described as "The only known example of a Leica IF RD fitted with a delayed-action mechanism"360 .        


Engravings

Leica If Red Dial cameras were engraved with DRP (Deutsches Reichspatent)365.


Code Names

Leica If body only was code-named OEFGO365. Note that this code was also used for Leica Ic534.

Leica If body only with external SBOOI534 viewfinder for 50mm lenses was code-named OEGIO365. Note that this code was also used for Leica Ic534.

Leica If with 50mm (5cm) f/3.5 Elmar and external SBOOI viewfinder for 50mm lenses was code-named OEINO534. Note that this code was also used for Leica Ic534.



Making Double Exposures

Issues 2 of the Leica Fotografie journal from 1964 reported that making double exposures with this camera was possible480. The following method was described: "Press the release button down and turn the winding knob counterclockwise until it catches. This tensions the shutter without winding on the film."480


Price

Leica If was initially offered for 151.30 USD16.


Leica If "SP-C*"

A very interesting camera engraved with "SP-C*" was listed for sale on eBay in July of 2026. According to the seller, "...cameras and camera parts that were stored in boxes in storage for over forty five years – all came form a former camera repair shop in Vancouver, BC, Canada...It appears to be special version of If with unusual lens mount. It is recessed thread about 25mm in diameter. No serial number but marked SP-C*". The author of this website did not recognize this model. 


Leica If "Monté en Sarre"

Some known examples included:

  • Leica If number 674756 had "Monté en Sarre" engraved under "Ernst Leitz" and above its serial number on the top plate383. The camera was very rare and was assembled in the French-occupied zone of Germany, Saarland, in circa 1953383. The camera was sold for 10800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022383.
  • Leica If number 674758 had "Monté en Sarre" engraved under "Ernst Leitz" and above its serial number on the top plate386. The camera was very rare and was assembled in the French-occupied zone of Germany, Saarland, in circa 1953386. The camera was sold for 3840 Euros including buyer's premium at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020386.


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 submarines172. The Soviet authorities vehemently denied these incidents, prompting the Swedes to document the intrusions as thoroughly as possible172. To aid in this effort, the Swedish Navy specified a surveillance system that included a 35mm camera with a lens approximately 250mm in focal length172. They placed an order for 50 units with Molander & Son, a well-known photo wholesaler in Stockholm172. 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 manufacturer172. Reported serial numbers indicate purchases from specific batches: 575001-580000, 673001-675000, and 682001-684000172. 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 50172. "MS-HK2" stood for "marin spaning (marine reconnaissance) hand camera type 2"540. It was important to note that there was no correlation between the camera body numbers and the N:R serial numbers172. Some known cameras of this series included:

  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 576243 existed out there424. The author of this website is yet to confirm the MS-HK2 N:R number of this camera.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 576380 dated 1952 existed out there540. The author of this website is yet to confirm the MS-HK2 N:R number of this camera.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682760 existed out there425. The author of this website is yet to confirm the MS-HK2 N:R number of this camera.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 578285 / MS-HK2 N:R 1 dated 1952 sold for 9500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. The lot was described as "The very first outfit of this rare version of a Leica If camera, equipped with Hugo Meyer Tele-Megor 250 mm f/5.5 lens Nr. 1001757 and modified Leitz SFTOO viewfinder for 250 mm. ...Engraved "MS-HK2 Nr. 1" as well as with the swedish „Three Crowns“ logo on the topplate rear side, on the bottomplate! ...Two service guarantee cards from Brandt (Stockholm), for Leica If "MS-HK2" cameras Nr. 576243 and 682793 from 1970 and 1971, copy of the instructions. Provenance: Allen Collection."424. The camera was illustrated on page 26 of Viewfinder, Volume 26, No 1, 1993.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 577308 / MS-HK2 N:R 3 dated 1953 was sold for 9600 including buyer's premium at the 33rd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2018390. The lot was described as "original and extremely rare military outfit, one of only approx. 50 made and delivered to Sweden, body no.577308 engraved on rear of top plate with 3 crowns and 'MS-HK2 NR 3', matching Meyer Tele Megor 5.5/250mm no.1001755 engraved with 3 crowns + 'MS-HK2 N:R 39', original hood with built-in yellow filter, special SFTOO finder modified with mask for 250mm, cable release, body cap, two spools, strap, all in original outfit case"390. Before, it was auctioned off on October 28, 2017 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 576373 / MS-HK2 N:R 6 dated 1952 sold for 9500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 2nd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 10, 2020427. The lot was described as "...equipped with Hugo Meyer Tele-Megor 250 mm f/5.5 lens Nr. 1001774 and modified Leitz SFTOO viewfinder for 250 mm. Prepared for the Swedish Coastguard by Molander & Son, Stockholm. Engraved "MS-HK2 Nr. 6" as well as with the swedish „Three Crowns“ logo on the topplate rear side as well as on the lens tube..."427.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 578081 / MS-HK2 N:R 8 dated 1953 sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022382. The lot had the following description: "...engraved on the rear of the top plate with 3 crowns and 'MS-HK2 NR 8', with matching special Meyer Tele Megor 5.5/250mm no.1001767 engraved with 3 crowns + 'MS-HK2 N:R 8', original hood with built-in yellow filter, SFTOO finder with special mask for 250mm..."382.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number ?????? / MS-HK2 N:R 9 was illustrated on page 100 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The photograph was credited to "Allen photo"540. The author of this website is yet to confirm the serial number of this camera.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 577310 / MS-HK2 N:R 10 was auctioned off on December 6, 2014 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 576248 / MS-HK2 N:R 16 dated 1952 was illustrated on page 99 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. Photograph was credited to "Wall Street Camera, NY"540. 
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 577307/ MS-HK2 N:R 17 dated 1952 was auctioned off on December 3, 2006 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 577304/ MS-HK2 N:R 18 dated 1952 was auctioned off on June 16, 2012 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682799 / MS-HK2 N:R 20 was sold for 2640 Great British Pounds at Christie's auction on June 9, 1994. This was auctioned at the Bohnam's "The Fine Leica Centenary Sale" on November 29, 2014 at Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery in Hong Kong531.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682758 / MS-HK2 N:R 21 was sold for 6600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011404. The lot was described as "100% original and extremely rare military outfit, one of only approx. 50 made and delivered to Sweden, body engraved on rear of top-plate with 3 crowns and MS-HK2 N:R 21, matching Meyer Tele Megor 5.5/250mm no.1001804 engraved with 3 crowns + MS-HK2 N:R 21, original hood with built-in yellow filter, SFTOO 20cm finder, cable release, body cap, two spools, all in original outfit case, marked: Molander & Son STOCKHOLM Nr. '3 Crowns' MS-HK2 NR 11 - one of the most rare military outfits !"404.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682661 / MS-HK2 N:R 22 dated 1955 existed out there540.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682793 / MS-HK2 N:R 25 dated 1955 sold for 31000 Swedish krona at the LP Photo Auction on May 12, 2002. The lot was described as "Circa 1955. Chrome, Wetzlar, red dial, with Leitz red scale Elmar 3.5/50 mm No. 1321693 (B, 1955) and VIOOH universal viewfinder (C-D). The first Swedish military Leica, special model with 1/1000 sec manufactured in about 50 copies for the Swedish Navy, normally delivered with Meyer Tele-Megor 240 mm, but this camera has the only known copy of a 3.5/50 mm Elmar with the navy's crown stamp instead of the three crowns of the army! The very first Swedish military Leica, modified to 1/1000 sec spe". Interestingly, MS-HK2 N:R 25 also belonged to The Leica Ig "Swedish Military" with serial number 925176 was dated 1955400. The camera was sold for 31200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. The lot was described as "the only known Ig outfit for the Swedish Army (delivered on September 25th, 1959 to Brandt, Stockholm), with matching Meyer Tele Megor 5.5/250mm no.1001748 engraved with 3 crowns and MS-HK2 N:R 25, original hood with built-in yellow filter, modified SFTOO 20cm finder and two spools, all in original outfit case..."400.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number XXXXXX / MS-HK2 N:R 25* was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. 
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682731 / MS-HK2 N:R 27 was auctioned off on March 5, 2016 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682720 / MS-HK2 N:R 31 dated 1955 sold for 22800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021385. The lot had the following description: "original and extremely rare military outfit, one of only approx. 50 made and delivered to Sweden, body no.682720 engraved on the rear of the top plate with 3 crowns and 'MS-HK2 NR 31' (delivered to Brandt, Sweden in 1955, including a control tag), special Meyer Tele Megor 5.5/250mm no.1001756 engraved with 3 crowns + 'MS-HK2 N:R 19', ..."385.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682759 / MS-HK2 N:R 35 dated 1955 sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016394. The lot was described as "...engraved on rear of top plate with 3 crowns and 'MS-HK 2 NR 35' with original gold inspections card, matching Meyer Tele Megor 5.5/250mm no.1001780 engraved with 3 crowns + 'MS-HK 2 N:R 35', original hood with built-in yellow filter, all caps, special SFTOO finder for 250mm..."394.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682719 / MS-HK2 N:R 37 was auctioned off on February 3, 2024 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682794 / MS-HK2 N:R 42 was listed on eBay by @vintage-cameras-by-boris. It was described as "Original And Extremely Rare Military Outfit, One Of Only Approx. 50 Made And Delivered To Sweden, Body No.682794 Engraved On The Rear Of The Top Plate With 3 Crowns And 'Ms-Hk2 Nr 42' (Delivered To Brandt, Sweden In 1955, Including A Control Tag), Special Tailor Tele-Xenar 4.5/24 cm lens No. 1463154 ( RARE with Schneider most of the kit was delivered with Meyer Tele Megor 5.5/250) Engraved With 3 Crowns + 'Ms-Hk2 N:R 42', Original operating instructions in Swedish...original Hood With Built-In Yellow Filter, SFTOO original Finder, Two Spools, Strap, All In Original Outfit Case (Special Badge With N:R 42) ...".
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682757 / MS-HK2 N:R 43 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682791 / MS-HK2 N:R 46 was auctioned off on October 17, 2015 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Leica If "Swedish Military" number 682715 / MS-HK2 N:R 47  dated 1955 sold for 16000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as "...equipped with SCHNEIDER Tele-Xenar 24 cm f/4.5 No. 1463148 and modified Leitz SFTOO viewfinder for 24 cm...Camera top plate rear side as well the lens tube engraved with the three Swedish Crowns and "MS-HK2 Nr. 47"... Included:... control tag for camera Nr. 682760. Provenance: Allen Collection..."425. This camera is illustrated on page 100 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The photograph was credited to "Allen photo"540. The camera was illustrated on page 26 of Viewfinder, Volume 26, No 1, 1993.

The British Royal Navy also utilized Leica If cameras400. Some known examples included:

  • The Leica If "Royal Navy" Periscope camera with serial number 563086 dated 1951 was sold for 6600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. The lot was described as "two very rare If black dial bodies used by the British Navy for periscope use, body no.563087 marked 'A.P.8886' in red letters on back vulcanite covering"400.
  • The Leica If "Royal Navy" Periscope camera with serial number 563087 dated 1951 was sold for 6600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. The lot was described as "two very rare If black dial bodies used by the British Navy for periscope use, body no.563087 marked 'A.P.8886' in red letters on back vulcanite covering"400.
  • The Leica If "Royal Navy" Periscope camera with serial number 563132 dated 1951 was sold for 5000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. The lot was described as "Special version with black dial. Engraved with "AP 0553 / 8886" and an upward-pointing arrow on the back in the vulcanite. Presumably for use with a submarine periscope. There is a screw-off cover on the back of the camera. The opening concealed underneath could be used for a focusable magnifier with ground screen, for viewing the film plane."429.
  • The Leica If "Royal Navy" Periscope camera with serial number 563136 dated 1951 was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026597. The camera was described as "Special version with black dial. Engraved with "AP 8886" on the back in the vulcanite. Presumably for use with a submarine periscope. There is a screw-off cover on the back of the camera. The opening concealed underneath could be used for a focusable magnifier with ground screen, for viewing the film plane. Two small defects in the vulcanite, two Phillips head screws on the front chassis and two in the topplate on the back."597.
  • The Leica If "Royal Navy" Periscope camera with serial number 564328 dated 1951 was sold for 3360 Euros including buyer's premium at the 32nd WestLicht Camera Auction on March 10, 2018391. The lot was described as "very rare If red dial body modified for the British Navy for use with periscopes, body engraved 'A.P.8886' in red letters on back vulcanite covering, special focusing finder no.P1741 for screwing on the modified back, caps for the camera and finder, IR and red filter, original fitted leather case stamped 'Case for AP.8886 Camera'"391.


Leica If "Spy Leica"

This unique camera, without serial number, dated circa 1955, was sold for 240000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025533. The lot was described as "This extraordinary prototype Leica camera, based on the Leica If, was designed for discreet, undercover photography—most likely developed for the West German secret service during the Cold War era. Ingeniously modified, the camera features an imitation Elmar 9cm lens mounted on the front, while the actual functioning lens is cleverly concealed on the top plate, pointing upward. This innovative design allowed the photographer to simulate conventional shooting, while secretly capturing images either straight ahead or to the side, depending on how the camera was held. A precisely engineered internal mirror redirects the image to the film plane, enabling covert operation without attracting attention. This unique camera is extensively illustrated in Lars Netopil’s Prototype Leica (pages 262–265), and is believed to be the only known example of its kind. A rare and historically significant piece for any serious Leica or espionage equipment collector."533. In June of 2026, the camera was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection.


Deliveries

In 1951, there were 2200 Leica If cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 562801 through 565000364. In 1952, there were 6988 Leica If cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 562293 through 580000364. In 1954, there were 2000 Leica If cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 673001 through 675000364. In 1955, there were 4000 Leica If cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 682001 through 762000364. In 1956, there were 3900 Leica If cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 789001 through 822900364. In 1957, there were 82 Leica If cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 780091 through 851000364. 1958 marked the last year for deliveries, with 4 Leica If cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 850971 through 850974364.