Lens ID Codes? (and Intro)

[Ralf11]

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Hi,  I am new here and do not have a Leica.

I am trying to figure out what the various codes means for the m system lenses.  Some are 3 digits long; others 5 digits.  e.g. Summilux 35 1.4 Asph FLE (121), number 11663

.. and I only see 3 digits used for the older lenses, like the 1960s Summilux I 35 1.4 pre-Asph  (036)

Thanks for your help on understanding the above.

I am interested in the M system for the character, esp. of the old lenses.  My plan is to wait and see what the M11 body is like.  If it is a big increment (for me) over the M10, I'd buy it.  If not, I'd buy a used M10. 

I started out with Olympus OM system, then switched to the Nikon system in the mid or late 1970s.

I currently use a few Panasonic m43 bodies nearly always with the Pana-Leica lens.  I kept my F3 and FM and some old "character" type Nikkors, and also use a hassy 501 some for film.

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[lct]

The Summilux 35/1.4 FLE's code number is indeed 11663 and the Summilux 35/1.4 pre-asph's is 11860, 11869, 11870, 11871 or 11872 depending upon the version. See Leica M Lens Codes.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Ralf,

Welcome to the Forum.

I do not know what the 3 number codes in parentheses mean, such as the (036) you asked about.

The 5 number codes such as 11663 that you asked about are the current coding system for identifying Leica products.

Originally Leitz used a system that was 5 letters such as PLOOT. which is the code letter system for a device to add to the camera for using telephoto & closeup lenses.

Leitz is the predecessor Company to the current Company Leica.

The bodies, since around 1959/1960 usually begin with 10 and then this is followed by 3 other numbers.

The lenses, also beginning 1959/1960 usually begin with 11 and then this is followed by 3 other numbers.

Sometimes there are model number changes for small differences between earlier & later lenses, etc. Sometimes there are significant changes between earlier & later lenses with no change in model number.

Leica, along with the predecessor Company Leitz, have exceptions to many systems of numbers, etc.

For example there is a lens that has the code number 98000.

Welcome, also, to the World of Leitz/Leica.

Best Regards,

Michael

Edited August 3, 2021 by Michael Geschlecht