Dating conversions

[Dralowid]

Hi Jim,

Before getting in to detail...

Amongst all the records to which you have access do you have listings by serial number of conversions carried out by the factory?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[Jim Lager]

Hello Micheal, Early cameras and lenses were updated ( converted). The
engraving style can be very helpful in determining an approximate date.
I illustrate various converted Leicas in my Volume I-Cameras on pages 167-170. I do not have access to conversion records presently. A specific serial number may prove helpful. Thanks, Jim Lager.

 

[Dralowid]

Thanks,

Yes, I can work out what they started life as, and then work out, either by style or what they have been upgraded to, the likely date of conversion. I was just hoping that this conversion/updating service was supported by documentation somewhere.

Mind you this oddity is a wee bit weird. A Standard, now a IIIa but with a II top housing. Any ideas about the style of that s/n?

IMG_1770 by dralowid, on Flickr

 

[johannielscom]

Lovely camera, Michael!

 

[Dralowid]

Lovely camera, Michael!

It was interesting but a true melange.

It went in my last 'Gear Reduction Programme' for not a lot of money...

 

[Jim Lager]

Greetings Micheal, Very peculiar engraving of the serial number. Not by Leitz
in my opinion. Probably independent repair person. It would be very interesting to determine the interior serial number. It may not be the same. The engraving font is absolutely not Leitz. Jim Lager. Thank you.

 

[Dralowid]

I forget the number now...it was an early II