LEICA IIIG

Leica IIIg was the last in a long line of screw-mount models built around the classic Leica body shell¹⁰¹. The camera was introduced in March 1, 1957⁴⁶⁰, 3 years after bayonet-mounted Leica M3³⁶⁰, and was in production until 1960¹⁰¹.

The first official Leica IIIg number 825001 was actually a Leica IIg which was in the museum at Solms, Germany at one point⁵³⁴.

IIIg Prototypes

Around 1952, under the direction of Leitz designer Adam Wagner⁴²³, Leitz was developing an improved screw-mount camera, a prototype of Leica IIIg, alongside the Leica M3 test series⁴¹⁹. This new camera featured a large bright-line finder integrated into the rangefinder system⁴¹⁹. The camera looked very similar to the Leica IIIg from the outside, but was a completely different model on the inside⁴¹⁹. Only 4 prototypes of Leica IIIg were known⁴¹⁹. Among them:

Camera number 650000⁴¹⁹ was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
Camera number 650001⁴¹⁹
Camera number 650002 was sold for 300000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024⁴²³. The lot was described as "Leica IIIg prototype, with numerous deviations to the later series camera. As an extremely striking feature, the internal, automatically resetting frame counter (counter window with a magnifying glass in the topplate top) is to be mentioned - a detail that has been present on the Leica M3 since 1954, but on the IIIg was not realized in the series. The topplate with a different shape around the cover screw of the rangefinder-adjustment front opening. The entrance openings of viewfinder- and illumination-windows equipped with shiny chrome-plated frames. The camera-side mounting ring for the lenses larger in diameter - there was enough space to accommodate an M bayonet (some IIIg prototypes were equipped with a bayonet)..."⁴²³.
Camera number 650003 was sold for 57500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2004⁴¹⁹. The camera had an internal frame counter and had a different top plate and viewfinder compared to the production model⁴¹⁹. This camera was illustrated on page 136 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. In August of 2026, the camera was in a prominent Hong Kongese collection.

Other Experimental Cameras

Camera number 674411, dated 1953, was considered "experimental" and was illustrated on page 135 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Camera number Nr.008 engraved "18x24" was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. This camera lacked self-timer and had Midland engravings⁵⁹⁴.
Camera number Nr.000002 engraved with a combined rangefinder and frameline illuminating window was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection in July of 2026.
an unnumbered camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018, where it was described as "forerunner of the Leica IIIg, with built-in large brilliant viewfinder, on the basis of model IIIf"⁵⁹⁶.
an unnumbered camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018, where it was described as having bayonet mount and being a prototype⁵⁹⁶.

Technical Specifications

This camera had automatic parallax correction and a larger viewfinder with built-in 50mm and 90mm framelines³⁵⁷. In fact, Leica IIIg was the only screw-mounted Leica to have both of these frame lines incorporated within its viewfinder³⁶⁰.

The flash synchronization mechanism of the Leica IIIg was more advanced than that of the Leica IIIf³⁶⁰. A black arrow on the speed dial indicated the position for 1/50th of a second, which was used for electronic flash, while a red arrow represented the setting for bulb flash³⁶⁰. 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. The shutter speed dial of Leica IIIg provided 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 progressed geometrically, doubling each time, which made calculating exposures easier³⁶⁰. The shutter cycle time of the Leica IIIg matched that of the Leica M3 camera³⁶⁰.

There was an automatic lock that prevented the shutter from being released unless it was fully wound, meaning the film had to be transported one complete frame⁴⁶⁰.

All accessories designed for the Leica IIIf will also fit the Leica IIIg, except for the optical near-focusing device, sliding copier, and earlier types of ever-ready cases⁴⁶⁰.

Leica IIIg featured a unique cutout at the 9 o'clock position of the lens mounting flange, intended to secure close-up accessories that never achieved commercial success⁵⁴⁰. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated "birthday" of the close-up device for Leica IIIg (from 1m down to 50cm) ("Nahaufnahmegerät für III g von 1m bis 50 cm") as February 6, 1956 and noted Buschbeck as designer⁵⁷³. The photograph of such close-up device from the Leica Museum was illustrated on page 73 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰ and page 165 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book⁵⁷³.

A prototype very similar to the ADVOO close-focusing device inits design was dated as April 12, 1958 in Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book⁵⁷³. This device ("Nahaufnahmegerät für III g mit Vorsatzlinse von 1m bis 44 cm") allowed close-up work between 1 meter and 44 centimetres⁵⁷³. Buschbeck was credited as the designer of this device⁵⁷³.

Cameras from approximately 955000 lacked engraving of serial number inside the camera, which was visible with baseplate removed (see page 19, Volume 32, Number 2, 1999).

Compared to Other Models

Additionally, the Leica IIIg featured a new type of film speed indicator integrated into the rear vulcanite panel³⁶⁰. This indicator was similar to the one used on the Leica M3³⁶⁰.

The Leica IIIg incorporated both sets of ball bearings²³⁰.

Variants

There were 4 variants of Leica IIIg:

Variant 1 (early⁵⁷⁹) had:

polished, plated finish to its shutter speed dial⁵⁷⁹
fully knurled winding knobs⁵⁷⁹
accessory shoe with 5 fastening screws⁵⁷⁹

Variant 2 (midterm⁵⁷⁹) had:

matte, plated finish to its shutter speed dial⁵⁷⁹
fully knurled winding knobs⁵⁷⁹
accessory shoe with 5 fastening screws⁵⁷⁹

Variant 3 (late⁵⁷⁹) had:

textured plated finish to its shutter speed dial⁵⁷⁹, similar to the Leica Ig³⁶⁰
partially knurled winding knobs⁵⁷⁹ with the base "machined to match rewind knob"⁵⁴⁰
accessory shoe with 5 fastening screws⁵⁷⁹

Variant 4 (very late and final⁵⁷⁹) had:

textured plated finish to its shutter speed dial⁵⁷⁹, similar to the Leica Ig³⁶⁰
partially knurled winding knobs⁵⁷⁹ with the base "machined to match rewind knob"⁵⁴⁰
accessory shoe with 4 fastening screws⁵⁷⁹

Accessories

One of the most fascinating accessories available for the Leica IIIg was the ADVOO close-focusing device¹⁰¹. 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 Leica IIIg was the Leicavit Rapid Winder¹⁰¹. In 1960, Leicavit rapid winder cost $30.00¹⁰¹. Some Leicavit rapid winders were engraved "Leicavit Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario"⁵⁴⁰.

Code Names

Leica IIIg body only was code-named GOOEF³⁶⁵.

Leica IIIg with 5cm f/2.8 Elmar lens was code-named GOOEL³⁶⁵.

Leica IIIg with 5cm f/2 Summicron lens was code-named GOOMI³⁶⁵.

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

Leica IIIg Leitz-Eigentum Cameras

The camera number 828838 dated 1956 was offered but remained unsold at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025⁴²⁹. The lot was described as "Rare formerly factory-internal camera. Topplate engraved on the back with "Leitz-Eigentum (Property of Leitz)". In the assembly records, the serial number is recorded as "Leitz-Eigentum". With Elmar 5 cm f/2.8 Nr. 1453828."⁴²⁹.

Leica IIIg Cameras Made or Assembled by Ernst Leitz Canada (The “Midland Ontario” Model)

Some Leica IIIg cameras were assembled at the Leitz plant in Ontario³⁶⁰. Of the more than 40000 Leica IIIg cameras⁴²⁴, only 1780 cameras came from the Ontario factory³⁶⁰. Among them:

Leica IIIg cameras numbered 845001-845380 were assembled or manufactured in Midland, Ontario in 1956¹⁴⁰. These cameras had "Midland" engraving¹⁴⁰. These cameras had chrome finish¹⁴⁰. Among them:

The camera number 845375 was sold for 96000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024.

Leica IIIg cameras numbered 861601-862000 were assembled or manufactured in Midland, Ontario in 1956¹⁴⁰. These cameras had "Midland" engraving¹⁴⁰. These cameras had chrome finish¹⁴⁰. According to one author, Leica IIIg cameras of this batch seldom included a Midland top plate and virtually all were marked Wetzlar for market purposes¹⁶⁸.

Leica IIIg cameras numbered 871201-872000 were assembled or manufactured in Midland, Ontario in 1956¹⁴⁰. These cameras had "Midland" engraving¹⁴⁰. These cameras had chrome finish¹⁴⁰. According to one author, Leica IIIg cameras of this batch seldom included a Midland top plate and virtually all were marked Wetzlar for market purposes¹⁶⁸. Among these:

The camera number 871555, dated 1957, was illustrated on page 75 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph was credited to "Kaufman photo"⁵⁴⁰.

Leica IIIg cameras numbered 934001-934200 were assembled or manufactured in Midland, Ontario in 1956¹⁴⁰. These cameras had "Midland" engraving¹⁴⁰. These cameras had chrome finish¹⁴⁰. Among these:

The camera number 934080 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
The camera number 934082 dated 1958 was sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023⁴²⁴. The lot was described as "...Vertical engraving of the serial number on the shutter crate, laterally in the cassette compartment. Unusually small engraving of the serial number...Provenance: Allen Collection..."⁴²⁴.
The camera number 934093 was sold for 19200 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014³⁹⁹. The photograph of this camera, dated 1959, appeared on page 74 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. Later, it was auctioned off on June 5, 2024 at OstLicht Auctions.
The camera number 934095 was illustrated on page 183 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book.
The camera number 934100 was sold for 31200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023.
The camera number 934150 dated 1958 was sold for 14400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 16th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 5, 2009⁴⁰⁸.

Leica IIIg cameras numbered 987901-988988 were assembled or manufactured in Midland, Ontario in 1956¹⁴⁰. These cameras had black lacquered finish¹⁴⁰.

It seemed that only a small percentage of the Leica IIIg cameras were marked with "Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario"³⁶⁰.

James L. Lager's research revealed that Leica IIIg cameras engraved with "Leitz Wetzlar" but assembled in Canada featured internally engraved chassis numbers that were aligned "up and down," parallel to the film plane⁵⁴⁰. In contrast, the bodies assembled in Wetzlar had their chassis numbers running "across," perpendicular to the film plane⁵⁴⁰. Excellent illustrations of these engravings are provided on pages 74 and 75 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.

Non-Military Leica IIIg Cameras With Black-Lacquered Finish

Some Leica IIIg cameras didn't have military associations and were made in black finish³⁸⁵. Among them:

Camera number 870409 dated 1957 was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 8th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 27, 2005⁴¹⁶. The lot was described as "As a special order this camera was painted black by Leitz company in 1964, no military engravings. We surmise that this camera was specially treated for Henri Cartier-Bresson. Cartier-Bresson is shown holding a black paint IIIg on page 385 of the book 'Wer sind Sie, H.C.B?' ...The invoice for this conversion from E.Leitz France is dated March 3rd,1965, though the address is covered up. It is the only known civilian IIIg in black. In very nice original condition and perfect technical order."⁴¹⁶.
Camera number 909908 was sold for 408000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021³⁸⁵. The lot had the following description: "the camera is mentioned in Laney 'Leica Collector's Guide' as the only black IIIg beside the examples ordered by the Swedish Army. According to some sources, the camera has been made by a Leitz technician as a final test before the Swedish Army version has been issued."³⁸⁵. Before that, it was auctioned on April 11, 2019 at the Dominic Winter Auctions.

Military

Military Leica IIIg Cameras with Chrome Finish

Some of the examples for such cameras included:

The camera number 877432 is associated with the British Royal Air Force³⁸⁴. It was sold for 31200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 39th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 20, 2021³⁸⁴. The lot description read: "...with the RAF logo and military reference '14 A/C A332' engraved next to the flash sync., first delivered to Leitz London on 7.11.1957...'"³⁸⁴.
The camera number 878122 is associated with the U.S. Navy³⁸⁷. The camera was sold for 4560 Euros including buyer's premium at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020 ³⁸⁷. The lot had the following description: "...engraved on the rear of the top plate with 'PROP. OF U.S. NAVY-173 No 131367'...the camera has been delivered to New York on 30.10.1957..." ³⁸⁷. Either the same camera, or a camera with the same engraving was illustrated on page 104 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
The camera number 934321 with green leatherette was manufacted on May 19, 1959, and was entered is entered in the control book of the Leitz Foto-Montage II with the addition "olivgrün (olive green)⁴²⁵. It is considered one of the rarest Leica military cameras⁴²⁵.
The camera number 934514 with green leatherette and dated 1959 is considered a "Bundeswehr" camera. It was sold for 450000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022⁴²⁵. The lot was described as "One of the rarest Leica military cameras, with an olive green vulcanite covering and a golden decal with the federal eagle and "BMVtdg 30" on the back of the topplate...This camera is entered in the control book of the Leitz Foto-Montage II with the addition "olivgrün (olive green)". This is a version of the IIIg, of which only two such entries have been documented, namely for the camera offered here and for the Leica IIIg with serial number 934321, both manufactured on May 19th 1959... Provenance: Allen Collection."⁴²⁵. This camera was illustrated on page 104 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. "BMVtdg" stands for "Bundesministerium für Verteidigung" (Defense Ministry⁵⁴⁰.

Military Leica IIIg Cameras With 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 to 988025, totaling 125 units³⁶⁰. These Leica IIIg cameras did not have any specific mechanical modifications, unlike the black Leica 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 was 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.

Some known military cameras were listed below:

Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987902 was illustrated on page 78 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book in 1985⁵⁹⁵.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987903 was auctioned off on November 23, 2012 at the Bohnams 3.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987906 was sold for 22000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023⁴²⁴. The lot was described as "...delivered to Brandt Stockholm on May 25th 1960 with shipment number 80866...Two minimal indentations on the top plate..."⁴²⁴. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴²⁴. Before that, it was sold for 51300 Euros at Limhamns Auktionsbyrå Auction on May 7, 2022.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987914 was offered but remained unsold at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 13, 2015³⁹⁶. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁹⁶. This camera was auctioned at the Bohnams' "The Fine Leica Centenary Sale" on November 29, 2014 at Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery in Hong Kong⁵³¹.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987915 was illustrated in Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987922 was auctioned off on December 6, 2014 and October 17, 2015 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987929 was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013⁴⁰⁰. The lot was described as "...completely restored by Leitz in the 70s with original parts..."⁴⁰⁰. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴⁰⁰. Interestingly, another black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987929 was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026⁵⁹⁷. According to the lot description, "Some external parts do not correspond to the original configuration as seen on cameras supplied to the Swedish military. For example, the mounting screws for the selftimer and rewind unlock levers are silver chrome-plated, as is the cover screw for the adjustment opening at the front of the topplate. There is another black paint finished Leica IIIg with the same serial number known to exist, which has been fully restored."⁵⁹⁷.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987930 was sold for 36000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020³⁸⁶. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁸⁶.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987933 was illustrated on pages 178 and 179 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987937 was illustrated on the page 86of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987938 was sold for 66000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020³⁸⁷. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁸⁷.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987941 was sold for 72000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022³⁸². This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁸².
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987942 was illustrated on page 99 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. This camera was once owned by Rolf Fricke and its story was described in Viewfinder, Volume 43, Issue 2 of 2010. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶. It was part of Leica Archives in 2018.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987946 was sold for 44400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011⁴⁰⁴. The lot was described as "...with 3 crowns engraved on back of top-plate, base-plate with black locking catch (usually only found on black IIIf military cameras)..."⁴⁰⁴. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴⁰⁴.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987947 was sold for 44400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011⁴⁰⁴. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴⁰⁴.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987949 was auctioned off on December 8, 2012 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987950 was auctioned off on December 6, 2014 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987953 was sold for 40800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 28th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 21, 2015³⁹⁵. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁹⁵.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987956 was illustrated on page 99 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987959 was auctioned off on July 17, 2001 and November 20, 2001 at the Christie's.
lack paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987964 was donated to the Japan Camera Museum (JCII / 日本カメラ博物館) sometime before March 25, 2004 from Yasuo Nakajima's collection⁵⁹⁰. The camera was illustrated on page 88 of Camera Review No. 71 (Leica-Book '04)⁵⁹⁰.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987965 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987968 was sold for 31200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 28, 2011⁴⁰⁵. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴⁰⁵.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987974 was sold for 54000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021³⁸⁵. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁸⁵. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁸⁵. Before that, it was auctioned off on October 28, 2017 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987975 was auctioned off on November 21, 2025 at the OstLicht Auctions.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987980 was auctioned off on January 14, 2023 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987981 was sold for 18000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 17th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2010⁴⁰⁷. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴⁰⁷.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987982 was illustrated on page 98 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 987986 was sold for 50838 Euros at Limhamns Auktionsbyrå Auction on May 7, 2022. This camera was produced for the Swedish army.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987987 was sold for 60000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022⁴²⁵. The lot was described as "...delivered to Brandt Stockholm on May 25th 1960 with shipment number 80866...The engraving of the three Swedish Crowns on the topplate rear side was attempted to be made unrecognizable and slightly painted over afterwards, but is still very well visible. ..Provenance: Allen Collection."⁴²⁵. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴²⁵.
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987988 was sold for 456000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026⁵⁸⁵ . According to the auction catalog, the camera was bought from a former Swedish Army lieutenant about 1991⁵⁸⁵ .
Black paint Leica IIIg dated 1960 number 987989 was sold for 48000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰². This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴⁰².
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988000, dated 1960, was illustrated was illustrated on page 131 of 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.)⁵⁹⁸. It was also illustrated on page 39 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector’s Guide (2nd Edition)" book⁵³⁴.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988002 was offered but remained unsold at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2003⁴²¹. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴²¹.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988003 was sold for 43200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024³⁷⁸. The camera was delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, on May 25, 1960 and was the third one ever made³⁷⁸. Before that, it was sold for 40800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023³⁸¹. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁷⁸.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988006 was sold for 15600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 14th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 30, 2008⁴¹⁰. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴¹⁰.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988009 was sold for 57600 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014³⁹⁹. The lot was described as "...delivered ... to the Swedish Leitz agent Brandt in Stockholm on May 25, 1960, listed as shipment number 80866..."³⁹⁹. This camera was produced for the Swedish army³⁹⁹. Later, it was auctioned off on June 4, 2024 at the OstLicht Auctions.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988010 was auctioned off on June 17, 1999 at the Christie's.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988019 was offered but remained unsold at the 14th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 30, 2008⁴¹⁰. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴¹⁰.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988022 was offered but remained unsold at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013⁴⁰¹. The lot was described as "...never restored black IIIg no.988022 for the Swedish army engraved with 3 crowns..."⁴⁰¹. Before that, the camera was sold for 12600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 13th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 7, 2008⁴¹¹. This camera was produced for the Swedish army⁴¹¹.
Olive paint Leica IIIg number 988022* without 3 crowns engraving dated 1960 was offered but remained unsold at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013⁴⁰¹. Before that, the camera was sold for 66600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 13th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 7, 2008⁴¹¹. The lot was described as "this unique olive painted IIIg ...was made as model for the German Army (Bundeswehr). They decided instead to continue developing the M camera series (M3 & M1 & M4). ...has no military engravings or labels. The asterisk indicates a duplicate serial number of the black painted body IIIg no.988022 with 3 crowns for the Swedish Military..."⁴¹¹. The photograph of this camera appeared on pages 75 and 98 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Black paint Leica IIIg number 988023 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.

Closing Remarks

The Leica IIIg was produced from 1957 (first batch: 825001-829750)³⁶⁰ to 1966⁵³⁴ (last batch: 988279-988280), with a total production of 41589 units³⁶⁰. Although manufacturing was continuous from 1957³⁶⁰ to 1966⁵³⁴, the majority of production occurred between 1957 and 1960³⁶⁰. Although production officially ceased in 1960, an additional 19 cameras were built over the next ten years⁵³⁴. The known serial numbers of these cameras were as follows⁵³⁴:

988258 in 1963⁵³⁴
988259 in 1963⁵³⁴
988260 in 1963⁵³⁴
988261 in 1964⁵³⁴
988270 in 1965⁵³⁴
988272 in 1965⁵³⁴
988273 in 1965⁵³⁴
988266 in 1966⁵³⁴
988269 in 1966⁵³⁴
988276 in 1966⁵³⁴
988277 in 1966⁵³⁴
988279 in 1966⁵³⁴
988280 in 1966⁵³⁴

Additionally, it appeared that two more cameras were produced in 1961, one in 1962, two more in 1964, and a final camera in 1970⁵³⁴.