Custom lenses?

[Kiwimac]

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I was watching a video by Gajan Balan in which he was using a stock 50 Lux of the generation before the current close focus one (still the best looking stock lens ever IMV).

 

 It had red paint indices instead of yellow and he stated that it was a custom job from Leica. 
 

I’ve seen them offering custom colours and engraved signatures etc on cameras but I’ve never seen custom lens alterations. 
 

How do you get such things done - or do you have to be one of the beautiful people?

Edited May 27 by Kiwimac

[Kiwimac]

I thought a la carte got the chop?

You used to be able to order the cameras with all sorts of combinations of colours, dials etc. 

[patrickcolpron]

2 hours ago, Kiwimac said:

How do you get such things done - or do you have to be one of the beautiful people?

The ones you see on YouTube by reviewers are done at Wetzlar when they visit on special events for which they are invited. It buys Leica more social credit that is returned with more flattering and positive videos from these reviewers and influencers.  

I have 3 red scale lenses which have been painted red by Leica, my APO 35, my 50/1.2 re-issue and my 35 Summilux FLE, Leica will not invite it, never have invited me to their events because I don't have all positive things to share, i.e. I loath the M11 and my position on close focusing M lenses is that it is gimmicky but that's for a different conversation. 

You can see my APO 35 which was shared by Leica Rumors on their Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/p/DF1PmxtOUbR/?igsh=aHh1cGZxM293bDN4 I even had the APO metal lens cap Leica logo painted red, same for my re-issue Noctilux 50/1.2, and it looks much better than the white Leica logo of the BP 50/1.2. 

To answer your question, the official response by Leica to such request is that they don't do limited edition lenses, one off lenses if you will. 

The way to get it done, is having a relationship with them, from the person in charge it is always a no, for many reasons, one it is the position of Leica, no one off lenses, they don't do limited edition lenses on request, and two he doesn't have time to do this, neither does the people who work under him but, I have a professional relationship with some of people who work at Leica and can get it done. 

I had initially done it myself, but decided to ask Leica to do it as their red paint is brighter than what I had used. This said, there is a simple way to do this which can easily be reversed too.

Leica does it differently, they actually remove the yellow paint before putting in the red paint anyhoo I digress.

Best way to get it done is to to to Wetzlar and ask for it. You can always e-mail their service center but in person is easier to get a positive response specially if you can show example of people who had it done. 

Hope this helps. 

[Kiwimac]

Thanks. Interesting. 
 

I’m not sure it’s easier to go there from my home in New Zealand mind you!

I do plan a pilgrimage to the Holy Church of Leica next time I’m up in the UK visiting family though so maybe…!

 

 The only one with red scale I have is the 50 Apo version 11811 that came from the factory with the red paint. 

Edited May 27 by Kiwimac