Leica Summitar 5cm F2 serial number

[faithseed]

I have a copy of Leica Summitar 5cm F2, the serial is 530395* (noted it ends with a star symbol). What does it mean and anyone can date it? The serial database doesn't have this one. Thanks

 

[John Will]

It usually means a duplicate number. How or why a number can be duplicated is subject to much discussion. https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/113625-serial-number-with-an-asterix/

 

[faithseed]

Thanks.

looking at https://www.cameraquest.com/ltmnum.htm, the serial in question might be a IIIf (1950/51), kinda interesting

 

[John Will]

If you look up lens serial number 530395 (no asterix), it is identified as a Hektor-Rapid 25mm F1.4 produced in 1939. It would therefore seem to confirm that your lens was somehow allocated the same number and then given the asterix to avoid a duplication. Camera with serial number 530395 is a IIIf from 1950-51 as you stated. Leical Cameras and lenses have separate serial number lists.

 

[faithseed]

Thanks. That makes a lot of sense! Does that mean my Summitar is around 1939 also (as the Hektor-Rapid)?

 

[John Will]

Quite likely. I assume the lens is uncoated as, I think, coating only commenced from 1946. However, as with all things Leica there are many exceptions and it is not unknown for serial numbers to be used out of sequence by several years.

If you are really interested you could ask Leica archives ( info@leica-camera.com ) for any information about the lens as they keep extensive records going back to the early years.

 

[faithseed]

Thanks for the pointer, it is really helpful. It is indeed uncoated. here is it on my IIf. has some internal haze, but minimal scratches on the front and body, i am pretty happy with it.

 

[John Will]

I would certainly send an email to Leica archives with your camera and lens serial numbers and ask for any historical information they have. I did this for a Leica IIIc I just brought and they advised that it was produced in 1949 and delivered to an address in Germany in September 1949 but had no further information. Sometimes they can advise if and when the camera/lens had been returned for rapair or service. They will reply within 1-2 weeks.

As for haze in the Summitar, that is very common and is easily cleaned particually as the lens is uncoated. Early coated Summitars are noted for having very soft coatings and are easily scratched. My 1953 coated Summitar looks like someone cleaned it with sandpaper, but is still usable.

 

[beemermark]

The Summitar was a nice lens, you should be happy with. Slight haze don't mean nothing.