charles_stobbs3 Posted November 16, 2020 Share Posted November 16, 2020 I am trying to date an old Elmar lens using a table of serial numbers vs. manufacture dates but I can't find a serial number on the lens. It is a thread mount, uncoated, focussing scale in meters, probably nickel plated, and an older progression of f stops (3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5, 18). Any info on location of serial number or manufacture date would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick_van_Nooij Posted November 16, 2020 Share Posted November 16, 2020 (edited) Unless it's a really early one, which might not even have a serial number, it would normally be engraved/stamped on the black-painted brass bezel around the front lens element. There's also a small change you can find it on the rear of the lens mount. Serial numbers engraving started at #85000 from 1932-ish. Nickel-plated version production stopped in 1936 Edited November 16, 2020 by Rick_van_Nooij Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy Vongries Posted November 16, 2020 Share Posted November 16, 2020 I am trying to date an old Elmar lens using a table of serial numbers vs. manufacture dates but I can't find a serial number on the lens. It is a thread mount, uncoated, focussing scale in meters, probably nickel plated, and an older progression of f stops (3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5, 18). Any info on location of serial number or manufacture date would be appreciated. There are several excellent Leica Clubs online - if you haven't visited, might be helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCL Posted November 16, 2020 Share Posted November 16, 2020 Someone on the L-Camera Forum (Leica enthusiasts) brought up a similar question a few weeks ago. Get a magnifying glass and look closely at the black ring surrounding the front element...the engraved serial number will be very small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Blackwell Images Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 (edited) Look here: Leica Screw Mount Serial #'s Sorted by Number And here: LEICA Lens Serial Numbers Edited November 18, 2020 by Bill Blackwell Images “When you come to a fork in the road, take it ...” – Yogi Berra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Williams Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 You can see it here: https://d1ro734fq21xhf.cloudfront.net/attachments/00Dpih-26026984.jpg and in several images on this page: elrectanguloenlamano: ROBERT CAPA´S FIRST LEICA SOLD DURING THE HISTORICAL 22ND WESTLICHT CAMERA AUCTION It can be pretty hard to read: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charles_stobbs3 Posted November 20, 2020 Author Share Posted November 20, 2020 Thanks (again) Richard. (Ithought I replied yesterday but I guess it went adrift.) The number was right where your photo showed it. My lens is a 1931 Elmar. I bought it from Olddn Camera & Lens in NYC in the late 1950"s. It would be interesting to know where t spent the 30's and 40's. And thanks to all who replied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Blackwell Images Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 I am trying to date an old Elmar lens using a table of serial numbers vs. manufacture dates but I can't find a serial number on the lens. ...I completely misunderstood your question. I thought you were saying you couldn't find the serial number related to your lens on-line. When I saw Richard's reply, I thought ... Duh!!! o_O “When you come to a fork in the road, take it ...” – Yogi Berra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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