Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jim Bielecki wrote:- "But what does the "316" in the June 1939 batch run mean? As another example, my 1954 M-3 has a serial number of 704088. I take it that the "4,088" figure is the actual production number, but what does the "70" mean? Likewise for my 50mm Summicron with a number of 1234208. All those numbe= rs must mean something." Leica serial numbers started at 100 in 1923 with 30 prototypes. The later prototypes were (obviously!) the same as the first production cameras made from 1925 and which started with camera 131. Batches of came= ra serial numbers were allocated but not all were always used. Special numbe= rs beginning with 000 or 5 were used for camera and lens prototypes so your = Ms is approximately the 704000th Leica and the 4208th production M3. Early lenses were not marked with their serial number. I have no idea if they start at 1 or not. The numbers are published in numerous Leica books. For example Numbers 700000 to 710000 were reserved for the first Ms. Your Summicron is also 1954 according to the records lens numbers 1124001 to 1236000 were allocated to 1954. My favourite Book about Leica is "Leica the first 70 Years" by Gianni Rogliatti. Frank =