Did Leitz offer "re-colouring" of lenses?

[philipus]

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I have an Elmar 9cm which is in very good shape cosmetically, mechanically and optically. It's nothing special, though (no special marking or such), but it really feels like new. The condition surprises me in light of the fact that the lens is from 1934 (no. 224417).

 

I am wondering if Leitz at some point offered the service of restoring the cosmetic condition of lens barrels or is mine in good condition simply because it may just have been used carefully or sparsely?

 

Thanks in advance for any insight

Philip

 

Ps. Apologies for the huge images and the iPhone quality.

[luigi bertolotti]

They did provide full restoration, cleaning etc... of lenses : after WWII they even made coating on request.

Compliments for your Elmar !!! From the look of the front barrell I'd say it has been repainted (VERY professionaly - see the look of f numbers... I'd say they have not been refilled with white paint, but are simply very clean). Mine is far from such a splendor (not to speak of my "Fat Elmar 90"... but the Fat is coupled but unnumbered which dates it to 1931 or before...)

Edited September 7, 2012 by luigi bertolotti

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[philipus]

Dear Luigi, thank you very much. The lens was sold together with my Leica II in an outfit case (with other accessories). The camera was originally a IA from 1931 and according to Leicashop in Vienna it was upgrade to a II in 1950. Perhaps that's when they also restored the Elmar.

 

In any event, I am very happy with it. It is an amazingly small travel lens.

 

Cheers

Philip

[jc_braconi]

Dear Luigi, thank you very much. The lens was sold together with my Leica II in an outfit case (with other accessories). The camera was originally a IA from 1931 and according to Leicashop in Vienna it was upgrade to a II in 1950. Perhaps that's when they also restored the Elmar.

 

In any event, I am very happy with it. It is an amazingly small travel lens.

 

Cheers

Philip

It would more easy to have the lens in hand to make an expertise but for me it is in its original painting (cellulosic + polish)

I have 2 of them in the same condition

Edited September 8, 2012 by jc_braconi

[SideB]

It looks original to me too. Remember Leica equipmment was very expensive in the 1930s and owners would look after their gear. A 9cm lens may not have got a lot of use either as the camera probably lived with its 5cm Elmar semi-permanently attached especially if the owner carried it in the everr ready case. One clue may be if the lens was coated at any stage it is more likely to have been repainted than if it is in original uncoated condition.

[sabears]

It would more easy to have the lens in hand to make an expertise but for me it is in its original painting (cellulosic + polish)

I have 2 of them in the same condition

 

I agree, also see the "niello" finish of numbers.

Be sure, it's in original condition!

 

Compliments and have fun with it.

 

cheers.

[philipus]

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Thanks very much for the replies. This is getting very interesting. It's certainly not a special lens but it is nice to know that it is original.

 

I don't think it is coated. I know that coatings can have also yellowish/golden colour but the glass doesn't seem to be such, though I will naturally defer to those who know. Below is an image comparing it to my 1950 10-blade Summitar which has a blue/magenta coating.

 

What does niello finish mean? I have also attached close-ups of the various numbers. The black coating (which can also be seen in the iPhone shots) has a certain "unevenness" which is only seen in some angles. Almost seems painted.

 

Cheers

Philip