Leica Ig prototype no.750000 *
Starting Price
€200,000
Total bids: 0
€400,000 – 500,000
Shipping Information
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.