Which Serial number identification list is correct?

[Davidjohndavid]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I’ve been searching for a 50mm lens date coded to 1967. There are two sites that are quoted often when referencing Leica lens serial number identification. Ken Rockwell’s page and Red Dot Cameras page. They do not line up. Is there an official site or book with a definitive list? Red Dots list is extremely detailed with serial number batches identified per model per year. There’s a last batch M3 for sale at the current Wetzlar auction that’s paired with a 50mm chrome Summicron that’s dated to 1967 in the description, NR 2234090. This serial number matches Red Dots list for one of the 50mm Summicrons from 1967. I would think the folks running this auction would know exactly what they’re selling, considering who they are and the level of goods they have offered and would side with them in conjunction with Red Dot, but I’d love a definitive answer. 
 

Any help would be appreciated .

 

https://reddotcamera.net/leica-lenses/serial-number/

https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/lens-serial-numbers.htm

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/158015740_leica-m3-last-series

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!

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[zeitz]

I prefer to use the second locked / pinned topic on this Subforum.  It is also available on the English side of the Forum.  I don't find Ken Rockwell's site to be accurate on many topics.

[satijntje]

I found this one very trustful:
http://www.summilux.net/numeros/index.php

[Anbaric]

The reddotcamera list agrees with this forum's Wiki and Erwin Puts on that lens:

https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summicron_(I)_f%3D_5_cm_1:2

https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/images/3/3e/Leica-puts-pocket-book.pdf

I strongly suspect this is more accurate than Ken Rockwell's effort, but for a definitive answer (as far as it can be), contact:

info@leica-camera.com

I have found them to be very helpful.

Edited September 1, 2023 by Anbaric

[Davidjohndavid]

42 minutes ago, satijntje said:

I found this one very trustful:
http://www.summilux.net/numeros/index.php

 

1 hour ago, zeitz said:

I prefer to use the second locked / pinned topic on this Subforum.  It is also available on the English side of the Forum.  I don't find Ken Rockwell's site to be accurate on many topics.

I checked it as well, but it contradicted Red Dots list and confirms Ken Rockwells list… I’m this case at least. 

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!

[Al Brown]

G. Rogliatti in his book(1925-1975) says 1966 from 2156301 until 2236500.

[alan mcfall]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thiele's Fabrikationsbuch of Leica Objektives, shows the "allocation" of 50mm M Summicrons  2234001-2235750 as the highest requested lot of 1966. These 1750 lenses may have lasted through 1967, as the next "allocation" is shown to be,  2269251-2270250 in early 1968.

Most serial number list dates are from the book of requested/allocated batches and may not represent the actual time of final assembly and shipment. e.g., a new batch or lot might have been requested in December but production continued well into the next year. In many cases where actual demand was less than predicted demand, a batch might have not even been completed. Actual delivery date information may be available directly from Leitz at the above noted email.

I would think any summicron from lot 2234001-2235750 would be a good match for a 1967 camera body.