Leica Ig prototype no.750000 *
Current Bid
€220,000
Total bids: 3
€400,000 – 500,000
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. It is in beautiful, near-mint condition and comes with a coated Elmar 3.5/5cm no.633255.
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.