Leica lenses now show date of manufacture

[Winedemonium]

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I purchased a new Leica lens today (2/75). Serial nr.4259***, and the labels bearing that serial number on the box, guarantee card, and test certificate also bear the date 2014/01/23.

 

I checked the last new lens I bought (1.4/50 ASPH), serial nr. 4251***, and there is no date.

 

I was told today that Leica began the practice in 2014 and that the date is the date of manufacture.

 

Of course, this is perhaps not very interesting. But at least now we can wish our lenses "happy birthday!"

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[Winedemonium]

...and today purchased the 2/90 APO - 4295*** (2014/03/06)

[UliWer]

...

Of course, this is perhaps not very interesting. But at least now we can wish our lenses "happy birthday!"

 

I am looking forward to the first thread about "Monday lenses".

[wda]

I am looking forward to the first thread about "Monday lenses".

Surely 'Friday' lenses should be more entertaining.

[Malvolio]

They should also put the precise time of birth. Would want to steer clear of late afternoon Friday lenses.

 

 

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[jaapv]

Do they show a “sell by” date as well? And a “suitable for home freezing” label?

[Winedemonium]

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Do they show a “sell by” date as well? And a “suitable for home freezing” label?

 

Haha. Perhaps in 2015 we can get a discount on some "out of date" 2014 stock. ;-)

 

Still, at least I know that if I am alive and can still see straight when this pair celebrates its 21st birthday they will still be performing beautifully, and that some photographer can celebrate their 50th birthday. What other camera kit sold in 2014 shares that prospect, or is built as well? Some, but not many.

[gyoung]

Another for the collectors, all possible dates for each lens :-)

 

Gerry

 

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[TheGodParticle/Hari]

Do they show a “sell by” date as well? And a “suitable for home freezing” label?

 

 

Maybe also an expiry date or "best before" date?

[james.liam]

Another for the collectors, all possible dates for each lens :-)

 

Gerry

 

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I'll put in an order for a Tuesday lens, a week after a holiday, before the good weather distracts the craftsmen but not just before August when all they can think of is that that beach in Sicily.

 

This is all crazy. I can already see the eBay premiums for something like the above.

 

Maybe also an expiry date or "best before" date?

 

They already have the recycle symbols on plastic zooms.

[TheGodParticle/Hari]

I'll put in an order for a Tuesday lens, a week after a holiday, before the good weather distracts the craftsmen but not just before August when all they can think of is that that beach in Sicily.

 

This is all crazy. I can already see the eBay premiums for something like the above.

 

 

 

They already have the recycle symbols on plastic zooms.

 

 

 

You mean the Leica T zoom?

[Dougg]

I seem to recall frustrations over trying to determine date of manufacture going by the serial number, and Leica criticized for not making it easier. Now, going forward, it appears Leica is providing that very info if you wish to use it... and keep the box.

Surprised at the negative reaction to this nice gesture.... They just catch flack whatever.

[Winedemonium]

I seem to recall frustrations over trying to determine date of manufacture going by the serial number, and Leica criticized for not making it easier. Now, going forward, it appears Leica is providing that very info if you wish to use it... and keep the box.

Surprised at the negative reaction to this nice gesture.... They just catch flack whatever.

 

Indeed.

 

I'm new to this forum, and I still can't work out what is cynical humour and what is real griping sometimes.

 

When I buy an older lens I always look up on the very useful Wiki on this site, the date of manufacture, which as we know, isn't precise as its an "allocation" year.

 

I was quite pleased to see the manufacture date on the lens. These are big purchases, and in part justified because I expect a lifetime of use (mine or the next owner's anyway). It's just nice to know when the lens was made, and I appreciate Leica now putting that on the box.

 

If I am lucky enough to be taking photographs with either or both of these lenses in 20 years time in will be nice to reflect on the lens' "birthday" on 20 years of taking photographs with it. It is part of the Leica appeal to know that although very expensive, these lenses are made to last decades, and perform at a very high level over that time.

 

It is essentially the very opposite of "used by date" gear. I cringe when I look at my generation 1 iPad - still very attractive to hold and use, but which Apple no longer supports and which cannot update to the latest OS, and therefore can longer accept new apps or update old ones.

 

At some point our digital Ms will move past the point where Leica supports the firmware (though hopefully not as cynically as Apple), or past the point where even firmware can help with compatibility. Perhaps not. But what I am certain of, having laid out a lot of cash for M lenses, is that they will be useful until the glass deteriorates beyond CLA rescue, which will be somewhere between 50 and 100+ years. We don't buy many things in the 21st century like that anymore.