28mm f:2.8 for M

[tom_hipple]

was the first generation of 28mm F:2.8 lenses made in Germany or Canada or both

[jay_.]

1st generation (1965-72) was made in Wetzlar; second gen (72-78)and

3rd gen (79-93)in Midland, Ont. and current generation in Solms.

[eliot]

Actually, the first generation of bayonet mount 28/2.8 Elmarit lenses

were made in Wetzlar and Canada. The lens design (9 glasses, with

protruding rear elements) came from Wetzlar. A few early lenses (SN

206XXXX) (manufacture date 1964) are engraved Weztlar on the front

ring and Germany on the barrel. These are relatively rare. The vast

majority of these first generation lenses were made in Canada: some

of the Leica guidebooks are wrong on this point - for correct

information, see Lager Volume II. Further, these first generation

lenses, with the protruding rear elements, were actually issued from

1965-1969, since the last SN was 231XXXX. After this, the design was

replaced by a retrofocus lens without the protruding rear element,

for compatibility with the M5. Note: First generation 28mm lenses

do NOT call up the 28mm frame on the M4-P or M6, since their design

predates these cameras by many years.