Leica Lenses Without Serial Numbers
Yes, but they weren’t oversights, but rare artifacts of a transitional era
Since E. Leitz Wetzlar was almost fanatically fastidious about engraving serial numbers on its cameras and lenses (even accessories!) and in keeping meticulous records that have proven to be of immense value to historians and collectors it’s kind of astonishing that there are a fair number of vintage Elmar lenses floating around that are utterly devoid of serial numbers in the usual places. The most common ones are nickel finished 50mm f/3.5 collapsible Elmars with no tiny numerals on the front of the black aperture setting ring. There are also a number of early black finished 90mm f/4 Elmars (affectionately known as Fat Elmars), and a much smaller number of exquisitely petite early 35mm f/3.5 Elmars, neither of which have the usual serial numbers engraved on their front lens I.D rings.
How did it happen? Well, the period between 1930-1932 was a an intensely active time of rapid transition at Leitz. The foundational fixed-lens Leica I model A was being replaced by the new Leica C which accepted interchangeable non-standardized screw-mount lenses, each of which had to be individually matched to a specific body and weren’t rangefinder coupled. Shortly afterward the standardized mount version of the Leica C arrived, which utilized standardized screw-mound (LTM) lenses. And finally, in 1932 Leitz unveiled landmark Leica II or D with standardized interchangeable lenses that were coupled to the camera’s ingenious built-in rangefinder. Understandably, many Leica I owners wanted to upgrade their old cameras to Leica II specs, and E, Leitz Wetzlar was only too happy to oblige, not only to serve and maintain their loyal customer base but also to expand the market for its new line of interchangeable Leica lenses!
If a model A was returned to Leitz for an upgrade the original 50mm lens unit (which had no separate serial number) was removed and remounted, and if it was destined for a Leica D, it was remounted in a standardized rangefinder coupled focusing mount. The nickel 50mm Elmar (no external number) shown here may be such a lens, removed from a Leica A and upgraded. The fact that the lens is marked in mm rather than cm is a practice that extended well into late 1931. However, the 9cm f/4 “Fat Elmar” in the accompanying photo, which is marked in cm probably dates circa early 1932. Note: Some of the very earliest 9cm Elmars were not rangefinder coupled and the lowest that have external numbers, which date from very early 1932, begin at about at about serial number 94XXX.
The story behind the un-numbered 35mm f/3.5 nickel finished Elmar is even more fascinating. It probably began life as a non-standardized screw mount, non-rangefinder-coupled lens matched to an early non-standardized Leica C. These lenses, which lack serial numbers on the front ring, could be returned for upgrading to standard mount with a rangefinder coupling cam added, but they retain their three-digit camera-matching number on the barrel. In this case it’s 962, which may have been matched to Leica C No.51962. To cut to the chase, Leica lenses without serial number are occasionally found dating from the transitional period 1930-1932. These lenses will always elicit interest from collectors who want something unique, they generally command premium prices, and even at 90+ years of age the earliest ones can still produce impressive results.
50mm f2 Summicron-M Prototype side view
Early Nickel 50mm f3.5 Elmar, no serial number
Early nickel fionish 35mm f3.5 Elmar no serial number but I.D number on barrel
Leitz 90mm f4 Fat Elmar, no serial number
Prototype romm f2 Summicrom-M , no serial number, courtesy Setadel Studios
Finally, we’ve included a picture of a gorgeous black 50mm f/2 Summicron-M with no serial number, offered by Setadel Studios, a company specializing in rare high-end collectibles. It’s listed as a “prototype” and based on the unusual non-standard shape of the focusing tab, and its general configuration that predates the version from Photokina 1994 (which featured a built-in lens hood) they’re probably right. Actual Leica prototypes are exceedingly rare, and the 6400 Deutschmark question is always how did they ever get into the open market? However, the fact that this lens may arrived through “unauthorized channels” doesn’t necessarily imply anything nefarious.
Speaking of nefarious, there is one other possible source of Leica lenses sans serial numbers and that is larceny. Those who buy, sell, or purloin stolen Leicas , lenses et al occasionally file off the serial numbers to avoid positive identification by the police. However, if the cops are really clever and determined to identify a Leica lens the original serial number can usually be found inside, either written in pencil or engraved with a diamond stylus. Do you think the police in Wetzlar had a certified Leica camera repairman on staff?
Many thanks to James Lager, Leica historian extraordinaire, for his invaluable assistance in researching this article.