LEICA IIG
Leica IIg was an experimental camera that never reached serial production21 and was never marketed24.
Research
In 1980, discussions with a senior foreman at Wetzlar revealed that only a small number of Leica IIg cameras, fewer than 15, were produced in 1957154. A batch of 1000 cameras with serial numbers ranging between 825001 and 825999 had initially been allocated, but the work order was cancelled almost immediately154. The serial numbers were then reassigned to the Leica IIIg models, while the small number of Leica IIg cameras that had already been assembled were sold to Leitz employees or dealers at a special discount154. The serial numbers for this limited batch remained unknown and might not even run consecutively from 825001154. The reason for the abrupt cancellation of the Leica IIg work order remained a mystery154. With no self-timer or slow speeds, the Leica IIg could have easily appealed to a market segment seeking a less expensive rangefinder-equipped Leica, a niche previously served by the Leica IIf154.
A thorough search of the factory shipping records at Wetzlar did not reveal any special code for the Leica IIg cameras, as all cameras in the 825001-825999 serial number range carried Leica IIIg codes154. It was possible that other Leica IIg cameras existed outside this range due to upgrades converting Leica Ig bodies154. However, such occurrences were likely uncommon given the relative rarity of the Leica Ig model itself154. Converted cameras would feature the serial number of the Leica Ig on the new top plate, as well as on the end of the body casting near the film cassette154.
Another source indicated that a conversion service was established at Wetzlar for an American Leica dealer who believed there was a market for such cameras360. If this second claim was accurate, it could explain why the aforementioned batch was created to meet a special order360.
Known Cameras
The camera number 825001 was retained at the factory and at some point resided on the Leica Tree in the Wetzlar Museum154. It was illustrated on the page 54 of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book. It was illustrated on page 165 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. According to James L. Lager, the camera was dated 1956 and was first delivered to Werbe-Abteilung (advertising deparment) on July 27, 1956 as a Leica IIIg and 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens (GOOCE) and then delivered to New York on February 25, 1957 as a Leica IIIg (GOOEF)540. Takashi Nakamura claimed to see this camera at a Japanese camera store in the late 1980s-early 1990s571.
According to James L. Lager, the camera number 825004 was dated 1956 and was delivered to New York on March 20, 1957 as a Leica IIIg (GOOEF)540.
The camera number 825015 dated 1956, was sold for 72000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020387. The lot had the following description: "very unusual IIIg without slow speeds, delivered as GOOMI (IIIg + 2/5cm Summicron) to New York on March 8th, 1957. Only very few of these IIg cameras without slow speeds are known to exist. All in a similar serial number range, which suggests a small production batch..."387. It was illustrated on page 165 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540.
The camera number 825917 was once owned by a U.S. collector and was illustrated on page 11 of Viewfinder Volume 24, No 3, 1991. In September of 1989, it was purchased by Takashi Nakamura of Japan at a camera store in Ginza571. In 1994, it was illustrated on page 58 of Camera Review No. 28 (Leica-Book '94), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in the article written by the camera's owner at the time - Takashi Nakamura571.
The camera number 845680 dated 1957 was illustrated on page 166 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The photograph was credited to "Jaros photo"540.
The camera number 847687 dated 1957 was illustrated on page 166 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540.