LEICA IG
The Leica Ig (code-named OCEGO360) was produced from 1957 to 1963, with the majority of production occurring between 1957 and 1960360. The first batch was numbered from 887,001 to 888,000 (1957), and the last batch from 987,591 to 987,000 (1963)360. The Ig replaced the If16.
Technical Specifications
The Leica Ig was primarily designed as a scientific and laboratory camera, lacking essential features such as a rangefinder, viewfinder, and self-timer. In terms of performance, the Leica Ig incorporated the full spectrum of shutter speeds found in the IIIg model16. The accessory shoes are fitted to the top plate with four screws360. It also featured built-in automatic flash synchronization compatible with both flashbulbs and strobe units. Additionally, the camera offered the possibility of conversion to the IIIg configuration16.
The Leica Ig was paired with the newly engineered 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lens16.
Price
The Leica Ig was initially offered for 176.70 USD16.
Collector's Corner
Some Leica Ig variants were produced by Leitz, with the Siemens Special and Post Camera being the most significant360:
Leica Ig Special (also known as "Siemens Special")
The Leica Ig Special is distinct from standard production Leica Ig cameras due to several modifications: it lacks accessory shoes, a flash synchronization socket, strap lugs, and most importantly, a slow-speed dial360. The camera maintains the standard 24×36 mm format and was utilized by Siemens, a Berlin-based electrical company, for data recording purposes360. The absence of the slow-speed dial creates space for a specialized mounting plate360. Additionally, the winding knob, which differs from that of normal production models, was likely designed for coupling with a mechanical film advance system360. Siemens received two batches of only 6866 of these cameras in 1959, with serial numbers ranging from 924590 to 924623 (delivered on January 6, 195966) and from 925021 to 925054360 (delivered on April 22, 195966).
Leica Ig Post Camera
One special variant of the Leica Ig camera is the model with serial number 925455, known as the Leica Ig Post Camera360. This camera differs from a standard production Leica Ig in that it lacks a slow-speed dial, and the synchronization spot has been blanked off360. It was specifically designed to be used with a Post lens—either a 28mm f/5.6 Summaron or a 35mm f/3.5 Summaron—which features a fixed focus and preset aperture to minimize user error360. This camera was utilized to photograph rows of charge meters in telephone exchanges360.
Closing Remarks
Production of Leica Ig stopped shortly before the introduction of the Leica M116.