Shades of New York
During 1940-1945 direct delivery of Leitz Wetzlar product to E.Leitz, Inc. New York was terminated. In 1946-1947 Leicas and their accessories began to reach the American market. American Leica enthusiasts who wanted a lens hood could not obtain it. Leitz New York had orders they could not fill. During the War years production of lens hoods and other small accessories commenced in the Leitz New York machine shop. The illustrations show various lens hoods bearing the E.Leitz, Inc. New York marking. In some cases the finish and workmanship did not match the genuine Wetzlar product but at least orders could be filled. In Leitz New York product availability sheets 1947-1951 lens hoods carry 66 thousand catalog numbers. In 1952 Leitz Wetzlar lens hoods arrived carrying 12 thousand catalog numbers.
If you have a Leitz New York lens hood not shown please share it with the membership. Send your comments and photos to Editor Bill Rosauer.
