Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/02/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It takes sometimes several years for Leitz (Leica) to devellop a new camera, lens or glasstype. Don't think a new model or lens falls suddenly out of the blue. Before the computer era, calculating a new lens took several months by lots of mathematicians. Tests alone of a new glasstype could take years. With several years I mean 5 to 10 or even 15 years. Studies on new glastypes, the change to bayonnet fittings and lens anti reflexion layers etc started before WWII. And went on again just after the war. The developpement of the M-5 for example took at least 10 years. Sales went on for less than 5 years. The Leica reflex models took more or less 10 if not 15 years of research and developpement. The lenses for these reflex models on the other hand took much less time and money because Leitz had already the experience of the Visoflex systhem and its lenses. >From time to time they issue experimental models to certain members of their staff, close friends and experienced photographers. They do the same just before they start production or sending the first batch to the market. In the end these special models are donated or sold to members of their personnel, their close relatives or friends. Some productions are really short lived. For example the M-2 with a Leicavit drive, the famous MP etc. There where a few M-3 models adapted to this systhem. Some of these special M-3 even have a 35, 50, 90 mm and 135mm rangefinder. The first concept of motor drives came from somebody in New-York. An MP2 with an electrical motor appeared some time afterwards. All bear special markings. Except some, mostly M-2, equipped with these inside facilities but mentionning nothing on the outside and that were simply sent to the market as regular M-2. And here we are speaking of the civil market alone. And believe me the real story of the Leitz Leica saga is much more interesting than the gossip that spreads from time to time. If I may insist, never sell that lens, but if you absolutely want to get rid of it, give it to me. Kind regards, Cedric 2013/2/21 Peter Dzwig <pdzwig at summaventures.com>: > Cedric, > > On 20/02/2013 20:52, Cedric Agie wrote: >> I'm certainly not an expert of older Leitz lenses, in short I'm not >>... > > >> At the end of the Summitar 50 mm production Leitz produced a small >> number of these new lenses under the name Summitar, but in fact these >> where issued with the new Summicron formulas to test the market. Only >> the serial number could give an indication. They used the same trick >> with the first Summilux 50mm 1.4 lenses that arrived under the the >> name of the former Summarit 50mm f1.5. > > So...what are the numbers? I am fascinated and haven't heard this story > before. > > Peter > > > =========================================================== > Dr Peter Dzwig > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information