"L " sealed - means what?

[johnastovall]

I see the term, ""L" sealed" on some M bodies being offered for sale.

Just what does this mean?

[Rona|d]

The "L" seal is located on the upper screw of the M lens mount and indicates that the camera is in original condition like it left the factory or the original Leica service.

[johnastovall]

Thank you, now that explains it.

[doubice]

John,

Just to add to Ronald's note - the last 'L-sealed' bodies were the Wetzlar produced M4 and M5. The M1, MD, MDa, M2, M2R, M3, M4, the original MP and M5 had the 'L' seal when they left the factory.

As far as I remember, the M4-2 and M4P did not have the seals anymore. All new MP, M6 and M7 versions have definitely done away with the seal.

The benefit of the seal is questionable - it may be beneficial to collectors who want a 'virginal' camera that will probably never get used. But, a 30 to 50 year old camera which has never been opened will most probably need servicing if you want to use it. And - there goes the seal that you would have paid extra for on that used M body......

It would be interesting to find out if cameras serviced at Solms can still be 'L-sealed' when the original seal had to be removed by their service department.

Best,

Jan

[budrichard]

I think there are two types of L seals, one which is I believe is raised indicating the original factory seal and one that was impressed indicting that the camera had been taken apart and reassembled after work by Leica. The seal configuration may the other way around. There are also various seals used by various independant camera technicians over the years.-Dick

[jc_braconi]

Originally Posted by budrichard

There are also various seals used by various independant camera technicians over the years.-Dick

Leitz too :
Midland's have a C sealed
and when the cameras was CLAed in Leitz Wetzlar the L seal is recessed.