Falcon Posted April 25, 2018 Share #1 Posted April 25, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, I purchased a Leica M4 with a serial number I cannot locate online. Can someone please help me identify if the following serial number is genuine? M4-1082762 With below engravings; Leica DBP ERNST LEITZ GMBH WETZLAR GERMANY Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 25, 2018 Posted April 25, 2018 Hi Falcon, Take a look here Leica M4 with unusual serial number. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted April 25, 2018 Share #2 Posted April 25, 2018 That is a 1963 M3 number. Can you post a photograph of the camera? I am not aware of the existence of fake M4 cameras, so there is most likely another explanation. Like: the top was replaced at some point and the wrong number engraved. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted April 25, 2018 Share #3 Posted April 25, 2018 (edited) Hello, I purchased a Leica M4 with a serial number I cannot locate online. Can someone please help me identify if the following serial number is genuine? M4-1082762 With below engravings; Leica DBP ERNST LEITZ GMBH WETZLAR GERMANY Thank you. 1.082.762 ? Looks to be within this batch, from several sources : 1080001 1085000 Leica Leicaflex (1-chrom+black) 1964-1965 5000 (*) (it's the first batch of the first Leicaflex : so a "targeted" range by historicians... I take it as good) "aliene" items within a certain published range of s/n are far from rare : but M4 was introduced definitely later... (*) Jaap, maybe you read 1082 and searched 1028... Edited April 25, 2018 by luigi bertolotti 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted April 25, 2018 Share #4 Posted April 25, 2018 Hello Everybody, While 1182762 (Instead of 1082762) is a 1967 M4 number. Both in chrome & in black. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted April 25, 2018 Share #5 Posted April 25, 2018 If it is an M4 with an incorrect serial number, might a collector's interest be raised? . 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted April 26, 2018 Share #6 Posted April 26, 2018 Falcon, can you show some photos of the M4? Lex Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted April 26, 2018 Share #7 Posted April 26, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello Falcon, By the way, Welcome to the Forum. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Posted April 27, 2018 Author Share #8 Posted April 27, 2018 Hello Everyone, thank you for your feedback and replies. I will take some photos and post this evening. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pecole Posted April 27, 2018 Share #9 Posted April 27, 2018 Hello Everybody, While 1182762 (Instead of 1082762) is a 1967 M4 number. Both in chrome & in black. Best Regards, Michael I believe the explanation is the most sensible one : an engraving error. When checking the serials of the numerous M4 I had in my Fontenelle collection, I discovered my oldest one came from the very first batch (nº1177017), the following one in the 11xx series being the nº1191488. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted April 27, 2018 Share #10 Posted April 27, 2018 Hello Pierre, I think a commonly used M4 in Leitz brochures is 1175019. 1082762 is a Leicaflex Standard number.. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Posted April 27, 2018 Author Share #11 Posted April 27, 2018 (edited) Hello Everyone, I can't see anywhere to attach a photo so, please see refer to the below dropbox link.https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cmvpcu8q5mv51qg/AADrwFw4ilFEHKGpkDwVl8vla?dl=0Regards,Michael Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited April 28, 2018 by jaapv Images added Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/283990-leica-m4-with-unusual-serial-number/?do=findComment&comment=3508171'>More sharing options...
sandro Posted April 27, 2018 Share #12 Posted April 27, 2018 Michael, very nice M4. And indeed it seems that an engraving error is the explanation for the serial number. Even more important: your M4 seems to be (cosmetically at least) in a very nice condition and it is a wonderful camera to work with. have fun with it! Lex Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted April 27, 2018 Share #13 Posted April 27, 2018 (edited) Thanks for the picture : a fine M4 with a wrong s/n.... and Pecole's explanation is the most reasonable : unless some Forum member displays his 1182762 M4 ... let's say that the mech pantograph used for engraving had an hiccup... QC didn't care of... and 1182762 probably never existed. Btw, items with "errors" enjoy a certain interest for collectors (don't know if someone of the breed has a specialized collection of such oddities... but why not ?) so treat it with care. Edited April 27, 2018 by luigi bertolotti Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Posted April 27, 2018 Author Share #14 Posted April 27, 2018 Hi Luigi and Lex, thank you very much! Yes, it certainly is a lovely M4. I plan to look after it very well considering it's my first Leica. I won it on an eBay auction and apparently it was a grandfathers camera which was sitting in a draw. The slow shutter speeds (under 1/30th) are inconsistent so one day I'll probably have it CLA’D. It's nice to know a have something a little unique. Thank you again everyone, you were all very helpful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted April 27, 2018 Share #15 Posted April 27, 2018 Michael, I would advice to get the CLA soon rather than late. When the camera hasn't been used for years it is usually wise to have it checked and get new lubrications instead of older ones that are probably drying out. Lex Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Posted April 27, 2018 Author Share #16 Posted April 27, 2018 Ok thank you Lex, that makes a lot of sense. Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gabrielaszalos Posted April 6, 2021 Share #17 Posted April 6, 2021 I have also run into an M4 with serial number 1273000. Is that unusual to have three 0's at the end? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted April 6, 2021 Share #18 Posted April 6, 2021 (edited) Yes... in statistical terms is a 0,1% chance... regardless of body model, of course... but in the collectors' community those are known as "fine numbers" (*) and usually bring a bit of added value... 😎 (*) but also .999 or .666 (aka "beasty") ... 😁... and others like 1.232.323... 🙄 Lens numbered 1.000.000 (a Summarit, iirc) went to a Leitz family person... Edited April 6, 2021 by luigi bertolotti Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted April 6, 2021 Share #19 Posted April 6, 2021 😇 number 8 I wonder where could be the IIIg of 1957 holding Lucky serial 888 888 ? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmw760 Posted April 6, 2021 Share #20 Posted April 6, 2021 my M2 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/283990-leica-m4-with-unusual-serial-number/?do=findComment&comment=4175581'>More sharing options...
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