Leica IIIg. Leitz product code GOOEF. Serial number in the 880,000 range. Made in 1957. Introduced three years after the Leica M3, the IIIg was the final model in the Barnack Leica series. The late 1950s saw one fascinating Leica model after another, including the Leica MP, black-paint M3, military olive models, and the M2. The IIIg is truly a camera that symbolizes the golden age of postwar Leitz.
Incidentally, the serial number of this camera is 881777. The last three digits are 777. This serial number falls between the first and second production batches of the legendary Leica MP.
The design and manufacturing quality are superb, reflecting the uncompromising approach typical of Leitz during this period. Simply holding it, winding the film, releasing the shutter, and admiring the camera is enough to make it a pleasure to own.
Technology developed for the M3 was also incorporated into the IIIg. Its viewfinder features parallax-corrected bright frames for 50mm and 90mm lenses. It is the only Barnack Leica equipped with bright frames, and the view through the finder is excellent. In terms of usability, it stands apart from all earlier Barnack Leica models.
There are some small impact marks, almost like scraped areas, on the top of the front viewfinder window and on the self-timer lever. There is also one very tiny ding each on the corner of the top cover and the bottom plate.
That said, the body shows relatively little wear overall, and the chrome plating retains a beautiful shine. The original vulcanite is intact all around, with no chips or missing areas.
The camera was fully overhauled in August 2026. The film advance, shutter, self-timer, and other mechanisms now operate smoothly and reliably.
The viewfinder is clear and bright, with good contrast in the rangefinder patch.
Freshly serviced and in clean, practical condition, this is a very nice body for regular use. An original body cap is included.
