Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/05/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Don Dory writes in part: > Greg, > Your lens lies beyond the serial number range for the thorium > glass lenses. Don, I've seen the Serial Numbers for the Lak9 Summicrons extend to 104XXXX. I believe you may be confusing the Summicron serial numbers with the Crown glass that Leica obtained from a British glass supplier. Most of these lens were Summicrons in Summitar clothing. The 104XXXX lenses were made in 1952. 1953 was the first year that Leica advertised 'rare earth' Summicrons. Best way to confirm whether a particular lens is hot or not is with a Geiger Counter. Something I don't happen to keep handy. However, if your yellow glass Summicron imparts a warmer cast when shooting slide film it is most likely a rear earth lens. Otherwise it is most likely the result of decaying balsa glue. I'll ask number 1 daughter to check if her high school physics lab has a Geiger Counter. Regards, Greg