Prototype lens

[Muizen]

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I am trying to locate a "Apo Summicron-M 90mm ASPH" and found at a German Leica shop a Leica M 2/90 mm Summicron-M Prototype lens product no: 0002901.

Can anybody explain what a Prototype lens means in the Leica world?

Thanks for helping me!

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[zeitz]

Leica usually produces a run of prototype lenses (and cameras) before going into serial production. Prototypes are Null Series and thus always have "000" serial numbers. The number of 0's can vary. Usually they are all collected back by the factory, but some of them do get on the market. Depending on the success of the prototype, the serial production lenses may or may not be the same. Usually Null Series equipment is bought by collectors.

[Muizen]

Thank you very much for your to the point explanation.

I feel that it is most likely beter not to buy a prototype lens.

[jaapv]

Well, you can buy - and use- them, but expect to pay a hefty price.

[luigi bertolotti]

Thank you very much for your to the point explanation.

I feel that it is most likely beter not to buy a prototype lens.

 

They are strictly for collectors : being items not destined to market, can even be that, in case of need, Leica refuses to maintain them... rightly, given that they weren't "delivered" with any warranty. Add also that one has not to complain if a prototype has something that goes wrong (say, focusing, coating, alignement of glass elements...).

The 90 apo (which I haven't) is a much praised lens by users... better to have a normal item with its std. serial number, and, if used, possibly its "pedigree" (original receipt, ot warranty card, even if expired...).