lisagrue Posted March 27, 2021 Share #1 Posted March 27, 2021 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all! Newbie here. I'm cataloging an inherited collection of vintage Leica bodies and lenses for sale on eBay. I know about serial numbers and the "Leica puts pocket book" list from this site. I've gotten to an Elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8 lens, that was likely from the 70s (it was on a SL2 body in the collection, and looks like the Version II model to me). What is weird is the serial number: "0000969". See photo for proof. I'm completely confused by this. Does anyone have any clue as to why this lens would be numbered this way? Leading zeros are weird, as is the fact that Leica never had R-mount lenses with numbers that low. Thanks in advance for any help solving the mystery. Lisa 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 March 27, 2021 by lisagrue 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/319331-elmarit-r-35mm-serial-number-mystery-0000969/?do=findComment&comment=4169238'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 27, 2021 Posted March 27, 2021 Hi lisagrue, Take a look here Elmarit-R 35mm Serial Number Mystery: 0000969 . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted March 28, 2021 Share #2 Posted March 28, 2021 I would advise you to sell this lens through Westlicht, not eBay. This is a prototype and a collector’s item. I hope you have the box. https://www.leitz-auction.com/auction/en/home Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted March 28, 2021 Share #3 Posted March 28, 2021 29 minutes ago, jaapv said: I would advise you to sell this lens through Westlicht, not eBay. This is a prototype and a collector’s item. I hope you have the box. +1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
willeica Posted March 28, 2021 Share #4 Posted March 28, 2021 You should contact Lars Netopil of Wetzlar Camera Auctions. I have sent you his contact details by mail. William 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 28, 2021 Share #5 Posted March 28, 2021 Summarizing: You have something special here, which needs expert valuation and should not be subjected to the rattlesnake pit of eBay. Another advice, if the collection contains this, put the rest of it on this forum. Who knows what else is hidden there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisagrue Posted March 28, 2021 Author Share #6 Posted March 28, 2021 Thank you all for the information. It appears this was a prototype lens. I have taken your advice and contacted Lars Netopil. I will do my best to ensure this gets in the hands of a collector who appreciates it. All the best, Lisa p.s. I will now go through all remaining lenses in the collection and look for serial numbers like this! Who knows what I will find. If there is anything interesting I will post again. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 28, 2021 Share #7 Posted March 28, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) It may not be just about lenses. There are many more collectible aspects. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzy Posted March 28, 2021 Share #8 Posted March 28, 2021 while "prototype" is always interesting for collector I would not overestimate the market value for R prototypes. Summarit-R F2 35mm prototype was sold at Westlicht for USD 828 (source collectiblend). Same range for Elmarit R 180 SN 0000990 that I had once for cleaning and was curious about relatively low market value 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
willeica Posted March 28, 2021 Share #9 Posted March 28, 2021 14 minutes ago, jerzy said: while "prototype" is always interesting for collector I would not overestimate the market value for R prototypes. Summarit-R F2 35mm prototype was sold at Westlicht for USD 828 (source collectiblend). Same range for Elmarit R 180 SN 0000990 that I had once for cleaning and was curious about relatively low market value I agree. I have already advised Lisa. Lars is the best person to handle any sale. Selling any prototype requires expert input. William 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabears Posted March 28, 2021 Share #10 Posted March 28, 2021 1 hour ago, willeica said: I agree. I have already advised Lisa. Lars is the best person to handle any sale. Selling any prototype requires expert input. William The main fact is that there are "prototypes" and Prototypes... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
willeica Posted March 28, 2021 Share #11 Posted March 28, 2021 43 minutes ago, sabears said: The main fact is that there are "prototypes" and Prototypes... Expert opinion is still required, particularly for a person who is inexperienced at these things. We pride ourselves on being helpful on this forum. William 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabears Posted March 28, 2021 Share #12 Posted March 28, 2021 20 minutes ago, willeica said: Expert opinion is still required, particularly for a person who is inexperienced at these things. We pride ourselves on being helpful on this forum. William Obviously: I wanted only do not give unrealistic expectations... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
willeica Posted March 29, 2021 Share #13 Posted March 29, 2021 10 hours ago, sabears said: Obviously: I wanted only do not give unrealistic expectations... The person concerned has been directed to the best authority on such matters. We can do no more than that here. William 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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