Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/04/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dave, A good reference guide to the Leitz code words is the "Leica Collectors Guide" by Dennis Laney. There are also many other reference works which list the code words. Their use dates back to the days when the Leitz agencies around the world would order product from Wetzlar using these 5-letter code words. These orders were placed by telegram, and to economize on unneccesary multi word descriptors, the code words were devised. In the 30's, the supplemental word CHROM (for chrome) or KUP (for nickel) sometimes were added after the usual codeword to describe a particular finish. This system was used up until about 1960 when the current 5 digit code number system was phased in. The system worked well, but did make for some funny Leitz words such as the infamous NOOKY and the unpronounceable XOONS. Bill Rosauer