LEICA IIIG
Leica IIIg (code-named GOOEF360) was the last in a long line of thread-mount models built around the classic Leica body shell101. The camera was introduced after bayonet-mounted Leica M3360 and was in production between 1957 and 1960101.
The Leica IIIg was produced from 1957 (first batch: 825001-829750) to 1967 (last batch: 988279-988280), with a total production of 41589 units360. Although manufacturing was continuous from 1957 to 1967, the majority of production occurred between 1957 and 1960360.
Technical Specifications
This camera had automatic parallax correction and a larger viewfinder with built-in 50 and 90mm framelines357. In fact, it is the only screw-mounted Leica to have both 50mm and 90mm focal lengths incorporated within its viewfinder360.
The flash synchronization mechanism of the Leica IIIg is more advanced than that of the Leica IIIf360. A black arrow on the speed dial indicates the position for 1/50th of a second, which is used for electronic flash, while a red arrow represents the setting for bulb flash360. The shutter speed dial provides the following range: T, 1 second, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, and B360. These shutter speeds progress geometrically, doubling each time, which makes calculating exposures easier360.
The shutter blind travel time has been progressively reduced to allow for higher flash synchronization speeds360. The shutter cycle time of the Leica IIIg matches that of the Leica M3 camera, allowing for the use of 1/50th of a second for electronic flash synchronization360. In contrast, the red dial and black dial cameras of the Leica If, Leica IIf, and Leica IIIf models have synchronization at 1/25th of a second and 1/20th of a second, respectively360.
Additionally, the Leica IIIg features a new type of film speed indicator integrated into the rear vulcanite panel360. This indicator is similar to the one used on the Leica M3360.
Earlier specimens of Leica IIIg feature fully knurled wind-on knobs, whereas later specimens have partially knurled ones360. These later models also include a satin-chrome finish on the shutter speed dial, similar to the Leica Ig360.
The postwar IIIc and IIIf Black Dial cameras featured only the upper kugellager, while the IIIf Red Dial cameras and subsequent IIIg series incorporated both sets of ball bearings230.
One of the most fascinating accessories available for the IIIg was the ADVOO close-focusing device. This device included supplementary front lenses that fit 50 mm Leica lenses with a 42 mm front diameter, as well as an Optical Viewing Unit that adapted the focusing rangefinder for close-up work between 34 inches and 20 inches101.
One useful accessory for the IIIg was the Leicavit Rapid Winder, which accelerated sequence photography. In 1960, Leicavit Rapid Winder cost $30.00101.
Collector's Corner
The extraordinary and unusual Leica IIIg cameras include:
IIIg cameras that came in black-lacquered finish.
In 1960, a batch of Leica IIIg cameras finished in black enamel was produced for the Swedish army6, with serial numbers ranging from 987901 (or 987942101) to 988025 (or 988988101), totaling 125 units360. These IIIg cameras did not have any specific mechanical modifications, unlike the black IIIf models that were adapted for winter use and made for the Swedish army360. All knobs were also finished in black with white numbers and markings6. The three-crown Swedish Army emblem was engraved on the top plate's rear beside the sync connection6. Triple crown insignia is also engraved on a selection of matching lenses: the 5cm f/2.8 Elmar, 3.5cm f/2.8 Summaron, and 9cm f/2.8 Elmarit lenses360.
IIIg cameras made or assembled by Ernst Leitz Canada (The "Midland Ontario" Model):101
Some Leica IIIg cameras were assembled at the Leitz plant in Ontario, but they were not engraved with this information360. These cameras, produced between 1957 and 1959, can only be identified by their serial numbers: 845001-845380 (1957); 861,601-862000 (1957); 871201-872000 (1957); and 934001-934200 (1959)360. A total of only 1,780 cameras came from the Ontario factory360. It seems that only a small percentage of Leica IIIf cameras were marked with "Ontario, Canada."360
More information about some specific batches can be found below:
- Assembled or manufactured in 1956 in Midland Ontario, Canada, these Leica IIIg Chrome cameras had serial numbers ranging from 845001 to 845380. These cameras had Midland engraving140. According to one author, IIIg cameras of this batch seldom include a Midland top plate and virtually all were marked Wetzlar for market purposes168.
- Assembled or manufactured in 1956 in Midland Ontario, Canada, these Leica IIIg Chrome cameras had serial numbers ranging from 861601 to 862000. These cameras had Midland engraving140. According to one author, IIIg cameras of this batch seldom include a Midland top plate and virtually all were marked Wetzlar for market purposes168.
- Assembled or manufactured in 1956 in Midland Ontario, Canada, these Leica IIIg Chrome cameras had serial numbers ranging from 871201 to 872000. These cameras had Midland engraving140. According to one author, IIIg cameras of this batch seldom include a Midland top plate and virtually all were marked Wetzlar for market purposes168.
- Assembled or manufactured in 1956 in Midland Ontario, Canada, these Leica IIIg Chrome cameras had serial numbers ranging from 934001 to 934200. These cameras had Midland engraving140. According to one author, IIIg cameras of this batch seldom include a Midland top plate and virtually all were marked Wetzlar for market purposes168.
- Assembled or manufactured in 1956 in Midland Ontario, Canada, these Leica IIIg black cameras had serial numbers ranging from 987901 to 988988140.