LEITZ "NICKEL" 50mm f1.5 XENON.

[L39UK]

Does this lens exist in original Leitz production?
In most Leica literature the Leitz 50mmf1.5 Xenon is listed as produced in CHROME ONLY but I have heard that some were produced in NICKEL finish presumably in limited numbers or by special order from Leitz for owners of earlier Black and Nickel cameras.
Does anyone on the forum have an original NICKEL XENON and if so could they give details of serial number or year of manufacture or photo's of the lens.
Many thanks,
Regards,
William

[LeicaTom]

William,

I have one of the last batch for 1936, a #289xxx lens (mid to late 1936) and it`s chrome, I`ve never seen a Nickel Xenon before or heard of one being made, could be possible the very first one`s were, but I`d have to look at it in person to tell.

It was a very expensive lens back in the 1930`s and it`s sales were`nt as good as Leitz expected, so production of all years was very limited and now it`s a desired lens, no matter what year it is, sorry I can`t help you about the nickel finish.

Tom

[L39UK]

Hello Tom,
Pleased to hear that you got your cameras back from Youxin and hope that he did a good job.I know you like this lens Tom and remember your posting after using it on one of your model assignments.
Since posting this thread I remember who it was that raised my interest in the Leitz Nickel 50mm f1.5 Xenon.I am sure it was forum member Dan Colucci (Meleica) and I think he has a website with listings of the price guide to Leica screw lenses.
In the article that I read he said that he had acquired a Leitz " Nickel" Xenon and that is about all I can remember but I cannot trace the article in question but I do know it was many months ago.
So if you are reading this Dan can you give us any details about your lens.
Many thanks
Regards,
William

[Vince Lupo]

I have a Xenon 288252 (3 ring) and it's chrome as well.

[L39UK]

Hello,
Dan has just kindly replied to my request for further information about his Leitz "Nickel" Xenon on my other thread
"Leica II camera users (interesting website)" and he has kindly provided a link to the photo of his lens.(see link below)
http://www.antiquecameras.net/leicaxenon.html

Many thanks Dan.

[L39UK]

Hi,Just found a similar Nickel "XENON" was sold at Westlicht Auction on 20th May 2006. Auction 9 .LOT 58.
See:-
http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=54388&acat=54388&offset=1&_ssl=off

Regards,
William

[LeicaTom]

Hi,Just found a similar Nickel "XENON" was sold at Westlicht Auction on 20th May 2006. Auction 9 .LOT 58.
See:-
http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=54388&acat=54388&offset=1&_ssl=off

Regards,
William

I think you have found something here :)

Hmmm a custom made lens for owners of Black cameras who had that extra money to spend.....

As I`ve heard Leitz would build a Photographer anything if the money was right and that`s from the very start in 1926, so seeing these just adds to the niceities and rarities that have come out of Wetzlar.

Tom

[raid]

I have to pass here; I don't own a Xenon chrome or Nickel.