Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/11/23

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Military Contaces
From: Marc James Small <msmall@roanoke.infi.net>
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 23:35:32 -0500

At 07:30 PM 11/23/1999 -0800, Stephen wrote:
>
>The number is definitely not a constant, I've seen 3 digit numbers, 4 digit
>numbers, and even a six digit number.
>
>I keep thinking if the code can be explained, perhaps cameras can be
traced to
>particular unit or ship.
>
>yep, I am confused by it.

Well, Stephen, it is a shame you didn't save the numbers so we could
compare them!

The German historians are adamant that these are just contract numbers, so
maybe there were a series of contracts.  Say, the one from 10/40 for 250
Contaces (that's GOTTA be how you spell the plural of Contax!), and was
given the contract number "MF 1234".  Six months later, the Air Force
wanted 100 Super Ikonta B's, and that became "MF 6999".  In 1944, the Navy
ordered 50 Ikoflices, and that became "MF 10210".  Interspersed with these
are contracts for firearms, suspenders, fire engines, pencils, and fire
water, all of which had MF numbers fitting into a chronological sequence.

Or so the fellows who have studied this believe.  See Kuc's AUF DEN SPUREN
DER CONTAX, Band I, for instance, as I believe he discusses it in there.

Marc

msmall@roanoke.infi.net  FAX:  +540/343-7315
Cha robh bas fir gun ghras fir!