Leica IIIg

last of the thread mount Leicas

Leica IIIg the best of the Barnacks Leica IIIg compared to predecessor IIIf

Leica IIIg (foreground) compared to earlier IIIf

All images below Leica IIIg; W Nikkor C 3.5cm f2.5 & Elmar 50mm f2.8, VISAX, Fuji Acros

Historic carriage at Bungendore railway station. Roof detail at Bungendore railway station N.S.W. Railway line, goods station, Bungendore. Historic train, 4807

The IIIg model had a short production run and was actually released after the introduction of the groundbreaking M series with the M3. Because most professional users of the time would prefer the many advantages brought on by the M series, IIIg cameras generally weren't used by professionals and it is still possible to find one in very good condition, however they are highly sought after by collectors and are the most expensive of the general production LTM cameras.

This is a shame, because while the IIIg isn't as easy to use as a contemporary camera, they are enjoyable to use and are the best users of all LTM's due to their late production which was to an exceptional standard.

The IIIg brings a marked improvement in viewfinder size and quality in addition to the 90mm frameline rather than just 50mm, it also includes automatic parallax correction.

Leica IIIg
Framelines: 50, 90 (fixed)
Produced: 1957 to 1963
Parallax: Automatic
Mount: LTM M39
Rarity: R3

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