Summilux 50 Type 1 serialnumber

[firebird]

According to what I have found on net the Summilux Type 1 would have serialnumbers ranging between 1,645,300 - 1,844,000

I have one with serialnumber 1,644,610

Does anyone know the serialnumber history of the 'lux and have an explenation for this ?

[Flyfisher Tom]

here is a site for the serial number and production dates :

http://www.forloren.dk/lbf/leica_lens_serial.htm

unfortunately, it does not break it down into specific lenses

[rover]

I still like the KB Camera Pages, but your serial number does seem to be an early one.

I would guess that these lists all come from a similar source and may not necessarily be 100% accurate.

[firebird]

Thanks for your reply !
According to your list Tom my lens should origin from 1958
According to other sources the Summilux 50 was launched 1959

Does anyone know more about the early history of this lens?

[Maurice]

That's a coincidence! I have number 1.644.150...I also don't know nothing about this lense-except that it's from 1958/1959...

[Flyfisher Tom]

I wonder if your lenses are prototypes then? Might be rare samples.

[peter_n]

The serial nrs. should be in the Hove Leica book. I'll look it up when I get home tonight.

[Maurice]

I don't think they're prototypes-perhaps pre-production models?

[peter_n]

OK I completely forgot to look this up last night, sorry about that chaps. The bible (AKA Leica Pocket Book 7th ed. by Hove Books) :D has the following on p. 137:


Summilux Type I: Manufactured 1959 - 1961
Product codes: SOOME and 11114 (chrome), 11113 (black, bayonet), SOWGE and 11014 (chrome, screw mount)
Serial nrs: 1640601 - 1844000
Total production: ~13,000 bayonet, ~550 screw mount


So there you have it. firebird your serial nr. 1644610 and Maurice yours of 1644150 both look like they were probably manufactured in 1959.

[firebird]

Thanks Peter for your excellent answer.
This also confirms the "rumors" that their exist screw mount versions of this lens.

...again...thank you !!

[venchka]

Thanks Peter for your excellent answer.
This also confirms the "rumors" that their exist screw mount versions of this lens.

...again...thank you !!

Yes, and even rumors of a LTM collapsable 50mm Summicron.