Lens Code Table call for help: 50 Cron III

[carstenw]

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Due to the diligence of several individuals recently, I have now almost completed the lens code table, including images of the codes. The only lens of which I have no confirmation of the code nor image, is the Leitz (?) 50mm f/2 Summicron III, also known under the purchase number 11817, and it was produced from 1969-1979, with serial numbers 2.269.251-2.915.800. Does anyone have access to a coded copy of this lens?

 

Second question: is there an interest in images of the lenses themselves? I could add a link to each entry with images of the lenses themselves, perhaps easing identification for some?

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[gravastar]

Due to the diligence of several individuals recently, I have now almost completed the lens code table, including images of the codes. The only lens of which I have no confirmation of the code nor image, is the Leitz (?) 50mm f/2 Summicron III, also known under the purchase number 11817, and it was produced from 1969-1979, with serial numbers 2.269.251-2.915.800. Does anyone have access to a coded copy of this lens?

 

Second question: is there an interest in images of the lenses themselves? I could add a link to each entry with images of the lenses themselves, perhaps easing identification for some?

 

I have two 50mm Summicrons, serial #s 361801x and 251841x. The first is the tabbed version and the second is within your serial number range. I've had the tabbed version coded and I believe the lens heads (which can be unscrewed) for both designs are identical. I was told by Leica UK that the untabbed one could not be coded because no mounts are available for it. The mount is at least 2mm thicker than the tabbed version and the degree of rotation needed to cover the focus range is also very different between the two lenses.

 

The tabbed version has the symmetrical code of B W W W W B.

 

ETA: The tabbed lens is a "Leica" and the earlier untabbed a "Leitz".

 

Bob.

[carstenw]

The one you call tabbed is the 50mm Summicron-M IV, which is the current version. The serial number you state for the second lens is within the range, but perhaps there were mount differences somewhere which didn't require moving to a new order number... Leica does supposedly have a code for it (010111 or WBWBBB ), so perhaps it can be coded after all? An email to Leica would clear that up; Perhaps the dealer wasn't right...

[sean_reid]

Hi Carsten,

 

Absent evidence to the contrary, I'd recommend that folks just code that as a current 50 Summicron. Coding does very little for 50 mm lenses in any case.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[etrigan63]

I think Carsten is being thorough, Sean.

[sean_reid]

I think Carsten is being thorough, Sean.

 

Yes, I know.

[doubice]

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Carsten,

 

Many thanks for the information that you so painstakingly collected. I have used it many times in the past.

 

If I may make a suggestion - right now, you have the lenses sorted in a descending order by 'value'. Most users accessing the list will be looking for a particular lens, to obtain the code. Might it not be better to sort the list by focal length, to make it easier to find a lens one is looking for?

 

Just a thought.....

 

All the best and thanks again,

 

Jan

[carstenw]

Jan, that is a good suggestion. I will switch it around when I get a moment.

[cbretteville]

Carsten,

Yes, images of the lenses is a good idea.

- Carl

[papimuzo]

Yes Carsten,

the pictured lens codes are a good idea. I used the table several times (several CV lenses and one 50/1.4 Leitz Lux Leica refused to code). Thanks once more.