Leica branded Summicron - Made in Canada?

[corganb]

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I have a 50mm Leica R-Only Summicron. However it has the "Leica" branding on the ring with "Made In Canada" as well. Aren't all Made In Canada Summicron R's branded with "Leitz"? Could this be a rare variant?

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[Einst_Stein]

Can't care less。

 

[jaapv]

The newer models from (my guess, not exact) 320xxxx were engraved "Leica" and not Leitz-Canada.

[corganb]

Thanks Jaapv, it is a late model so that would explain it.

[fernando_b]

Some of my lenses are done in Canada, for example 50 mm 2nd version (six glass elements), 135 mm 2nd version, 180/3.4. They are NOT rare! Once there was the branch Ernst Leitz Canada, where Walter Mandler worked...

Fernando.

[adan]

The closing of the Midland factory didn't happen overnight, so quite a few items were still made there (as parts or as completed items) after the point where Leitz changed to Leica in the main (front) engraving.

I'd guess if you check your 50-R serial number, it will fall in the "window" 1985-1990, when things were in transition.

NB - I have a 135 TE numbered 34xxxxx (1987-89) that is engraved LEITZ (it was always made in Germany, never Canada). But as we know, Leica S/Ns often span several years after their nominal date of assignment, until they get "used up."

[fernando_b]

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Adan and Corganb,

I beg you pardon: my 50 and 135 are not engraved "LEICA"! I wrote so, because the the TAP is engraved LEICA, is not so for the LENS, that are engraved LEITZ. The lens of Corganb CAN be rare...

Fernando.