Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/05
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jim, These are serial numbers, and only serial numbers. There is no hidden meaning behind the numbers. Unlike the way Nikon used to number the F series cameras with the first two digits denoting the year of manufacture. For example, lens serial number 1,500,000 means that this is the one million, five hundred thousandth lens produced. Same as for the cameras. Leica assigns serial number blocks to production batches, which are eventually used up. Each year, a certain number of serial numbers are allocated for that years lens production. We know from the Leitz production records that M3 production started at #700,000 and IIIf production began at #500,000, which were natural breaks for serial numbers. Leica serial numbers did not start at the #1 for either cameras or lenses. The first production Leica I began at #131 in 1925, with #100-130 being allocated to the so called "null series" pre-production trial models. The early lenses were the fixed lenses of the Leica I and these did not have individual serial numbers. When interchangeable lenses were introduced with the Model C, the lenses were matched to the individual body and were engraved with the last three numbers of the body they were matched to. In theory, you could have had four lenses with the same serial number. Regular lens serial numbers did not begin until #100,000, although some lenses exist in the 90,000+ range but are extremely rare. Some early lenses had their serial numbers scratched in the metal or written in pencil on the inside of the mount or barrel. Sometimes, you may come across a serial number with an asterisk (*) after the serial number. This indicates a replacement to an original lost or damaged beyond repair original camera or lens. These are extremely rare and highly collectible. So now you know all about Leica serial numbers! Bill Rosauer