Leica IIIA Model G

The Leica IIIa Model G followed the Leica III Model F, which was the first Leica equiped with a slow speed dial. The Leica IIIa Model G is esentially identical to the Leica III Model F with the exception that the Leica IIIa Model G has a faster top speed of 1 / 1000th of a second. The Leica IIIa was manufactured continuously from 1935 to 1950 with a total of 92 687 cameras being manufactured. Early models are black while later models have a chrome finish.
The Leica IIIa Model G was the first Leica with a top speed of 1 / 1000th of a second
Leica Code: AGNOO
Total Production: 92 687
Weight: 700 g
Baseplate length: 13.7 cm
Speeds: 1 / 1000; 1 /500; 1/200; 1/100; 1/60; 1/40; 1/30; 1/20; 1/8; 1/4; 1/2; 1/1; Z; T
Previous Leica Model: Leica III Model F
Following Leica Model: Leica IIIB
- Leica IIIA Model G (right) and Leica IIIB
- Top speed of 1 / 1000th of a second
- Early chrome model with Elmar lens above and later chrome model with Summitar lens below
The Leica IIIa Model G has serial numbers ranging from 156 201 to 357 186.
It was the first Leica camera that was provided for the Army. These cameras are marked either “Heer” or “Luftwaffen Eigentum”. Army cameras are highly collectible and expensive. Be careful: there are a lot of Army Leica fakes around.
Buying a Leica IIIa Model G
Leica IIIa Model G cameras are, like all other Leicas, collectors items. Try to find one that is both technically and optically in good condition. A good way to be on the safe side is to double check the serial number. Like any other Leica purchase: keep away from golden cameras or any camera with WWII or Olympic symbols as you have a 99,999 percent chance that these are fakes!