LEICA IG
The Leica Ig was produced from 1957 to 1963, with the majority of production occurring between 1957 and 1960360.
Technical Specifications
The Leica Ig was primarily designed as a scientific and laboratory camera, lacking features such as a rangefinder, viewfinder, and self-timer16. In terms of performance, the Leica Ig incorporated the full spectrum of shutter speeds found in the Leica 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 Leica IIIg configuration16.
Code Names
Leica Ig body only was code-named OCEGO365.
Leica Ig body only with external SBOOI534 viewfinder for 50mm lenses was code-named OGILO365.
Leica Ig with 5cm f/2.8 Elmar and external reflecting SBOOI viewfinder for 50mm lenses was code-named OADGO365.
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
The Leica Ig was initially offered for 176.70 USD16.
Leica Ig Special (also known as "Siemens Special")
The Leica Ig Special was distinct from standard production Leica Ig cameras in several ways: it lacked accessory shoes, a flash synchronization socket, strap lugs, and a slow-speed dial360. The camera maintained 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 created space for a specialized mounting plate360. Additionally, the winding knob, which differred 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). One camera, number 924529, whose serial number fell outside of the known range, was illustrated on page 34 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book602.
Leica Ig Prototype 750000
This "humpback" prototype number 750000 was illustrated on page 4 of Viewfinder 14(1) from 1981. This camera, dated circa 1953, was sold for 540000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026585. It was described as "An extraordinary and historically important prototype of the Leica Ig, produced circa 1953 and distinguished by its highly unusual “humpback” platform integrated into the top plate to accommodate a flash shoe. This unique experimental camera features a completely distinctive top plate design, combining stylistic and construction elements of the Leica Ic, If and Ig models into a single transitional configuration. The pronounced raised flash platform — unlike the standard flat-top production Ig — gives the camera its characteristic appearance. The camera is engraved with the special, round serial number 750000, clearly marking it as a milestone or presentation piece within Leitz’s internal development sequence. The importance of this prototype is well documented in the specialist literature: it is illustrated and discussed in James L. Lager, Leica: An Illustrated History, Volume I – Cameras, p. 132, and extensively covered in Lars Netopil, Prototype Leica, pp. 257–261...A museum-worthy and possibly unique Leica prototype, representing a fascinating stage in the evolution of the screw-mount Leica line during the early 1950s — and an exceptional opportunity to acquire a documented and published milestone in Leica’s development history."585. It was confirmed on August 18, 2026, to be purchased by Yodobashi Fujisawa Camera Museum in Tokyo, Japan.
Leica Ig Post Camera
One special variant of the Leica Ig camera was the model with serial number 925455, known as the Leica Ig Post Camera360. This camera differed from a standard production Leica Ig in that it lacked a slow-speed dial, and the synchronization spot had 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 featured a fixed focus and preset aperture to minimize user error360. This camera was utilized to photograph rows of charge meters in telephone exchanges360.
Leica Ig 24x24 Prototype
The Leica Ig with serial number 924904 was a 24x24 prototype that was sold for 132000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013401. The lot was described as "unique camera for 24x24mm exposures, without serial number engraving on top plate, body shell engraved no.924904, prototype 5cm SBOOI finder with 24x24mm frame"401.
Leica Ig 24x27 Prototype
The Leica Ig with serial number 925070 was a 24x27 prototype dated 1958 that was sold for 15000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. The lot was described as "Hitherto unknown experimental model of a Ig camera for 48 exposures in 24x27 mm image format. Special construction of the film transport with a 6-toothed transport roller. Frame counter with scale up to 75. Special bottomplate with coupling for an external motor winding device, as well as with dovetail guide rail to assemble the camera and the appropriate holder. This camera was probably designed for a special technical application. We are not aware of any other specimen of this version."424.
Military
Some of the known military cameras include:
- The Leica Ig "German Bundeswehr" with serial number 924554 was dated 1958. The camera was sold for 5000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024423. The lot was described as "Rare Ig "Repro" without long exposure speeds and without flash synchronization. Version for the German Bundeswehr, modified for use with the Siemens electron microscope. Low profile winding knob with pin coupling. The camera was apparently used in a military research facility. Golden sticker with federal eagle and "BWB 1294" on the back of the topplate."423.
- The Leica Ig "German Bundeswehr" with serial number 924699 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. The camera featured a black "ErpSt. 71d. Bw. Nr. 79025490" sticker on the bottom plate and a B"MVtdg 30" on the back of the top plate.594.
- 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. This camera was offered again on June 5, 2024 at the OstLicht Auctions.
Closing Remarks
The first batch was numbered from 887001 to 888000 (1957), and the last batch from 987591 to 987000 (1963)360. The Leica Ig replaced the Leica If16. Production of Leica Ig stopped shortly before the introduction of the Leica M116.