[Leica] Leica lens numbering

[Robert Beaudoin <bussbearm@cedep.com>]

Thank you much to all who commented on my last message regarding the
numbering of early leica lenses.  The 50 mm Elmar that accompanies the black
III is the original lens, so I was told by the very first owner.  This lens
also has a 0 engraved on the mount.  It works perfectly.  I asked the
question of the numbering simply because knowing Leitz, they must have used
some sort of code to keep track of the lenses they produced.  I think it is
Marvin who stated that Leitz produced approximately 60,000 unnumbered
lenses.  I have also read that somewhere.  Now, now,
60,000...unnumbered...doesn t it somewhat sound like an oxymoron?  Or are we
to understand that each early leica body was automatically sold with a 50 mm
Elmar? I am not implying that the lens is rare in any way, I d justlike to
understand the early policy Leitz used to number their lenses, and i d like
to know how to find out the year of production of my lens.

Good evening to all,

Robert.