Leica Bakelite Lens Cases?

[Robert Hooper]

Exactly when were the Leica bakelite lens cases introduced? Was it during WWII because of leather shortages? I note that German solders were issued bakelite food containers at some point during the war. It would seem that such a hard material would not provide ideal protection for a lens even as robust as Leica screw mount lenses are, so I'm thinking the material and design were implemented out of necessity or desperation.

I have a few that I have acquired from flea markets or thrift shops, but I would not actually carry around a lens in one. They certainly seem to have great value as collectables, especially if the color is other than black. What's the story behind that? Why the color variation? Were they actually made in Wetzler?

I've tried to find information regarding these cases but little seems available. Can anyone here shed some light on the subject?

From what period of time were bakelite lens cases produced? From when to when, if you know?

Thank you.

 

[LeicaTom]

Exactly when were the Leica bakelite lens cases introduced? Was it during WWII because of leather shortages? I note that German solders were issued bakelite food containers at some point during the war. It would seem that such a hard material would not provide ideal protection for a lens even as robust as Leica screw mount lenses are, so I'm thinking the material and design were implemented out of necessity or desperation.

I have a few that I have acquired from flea markets or thrift shops, but I would not actually carry around a lens in one. They certainly seem to have great value as collectables, especially if the color is other than black. What's the story behind that? Why the color variation? Were they actually made in Wetzler?

I've tried to find information regarding these cases but little seems available. Can anyone here shed some light on the subject?

From what period of time were bakelite lens cases produced? From when to when, if you know?

Thank you.

Ca, 1935 or around then till about 1958?

There were various colors too, from beige/tan to Brown and to Black.......

Best to check out the Vintage Leitz catalog`s like pre 1939 ones.

Tom

 

[Luddite Frank]

They do seem to be pricey.

I have one for the Elmar 90 - black bakelite, with some cracking on the side of the barrel.

I do use it, keeping one of my black, pre-War Elmars in it.

I think I prefer the Bakelite tubes to the later "bubbles", as they are more compact.

Have not seen any color other than black; not surprised if other colors fetch more money.

 

[David Hughes]

I don't know if I've been unlucky but I've one or two for the various Elmars and the Summar and I've never felt them to be a proper (or perhaps "snug" is the word) fit. I guess the colours change over the years like some plastics used in lenses go yellow.

Regards, David

 

[Robert Hooper]

I don't know if I've been unlucky but I've one or two for the various Elmars and the Summar and I've never felt them to be a proper (or perhaps "snug" is the word) fit. I guess the colours change over the years like some plastics used in lenses go yellow.

Regards, David

I know what you mean, David. Lenses rattle around in the bakelite cases enough to make me wonder about various elements getting out of alignment as a result. German engineering is generally more thoughtful than this. That's why I wondered whether the design was out of necessity because of leather going to more important areas of the war effort. However, it seems the containers were made before during and after the war.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have the bakelite case for the 9cm Elmar. Got it for a few $'s. I like the Carl Zeiss Jena Leather Pouches better. I bought one CZJ 5cm F1.5 that came with it. Leather is still good. Usually do not see them around.

 

[LeicaTom]

I like the Red Boxes and Leather Cases better.......

Tom

 

[Robert Hooper]

I like the Red Boxes and Leather Cases better.......

Tom

I purchased a 1942 Leica Hektor 13.5cm f4.5, No 590377 (coated) that came in a red cardboard tube with reddish orange tissue paper crumpled in the bottom. There are no markings on the tube or cover. Is this normal for the container to have no markings?

 

[Luddite Frank]

I don't know if I've been unlucky but I've one or two for the various Elmars and the Summar and I've never felt them to be a proper (or perhaps "snug" is the word) fit. I guess the colours change over the years like some plastics used in lenses go yellow.

Regards, David

David,

I felt the same way about the bakelite case for my Elmar 90; I made some padding from white foam-sheet (packing material): a disc for the bottom, a "sleeve" for the tube, and another disc for the top.

This cut-down on the rattling-about quite a bit.


Frank

 

[Robert Hooper]

David,

I felt the same way about the bakelite case for my Elmar 90; I made some padding from white foam-sheet (packing material): a disc for the bottom, a "sleeve" for the tube, and another disc for the top.

This cut-down on the rattling-about quite a bit.


Frank

Thanks for the tip, David. They do look cool, so I would like to use the ones I have if they can be padded without using glue. Maybe that sticky backed foam insulation tape would work out okay.

 

[LeicaTom]

I purchased a 1942 Leica Hektor 13.5cm f4.5, No 590377 (coated) that came in a red cardboard tube with reddish orange tissue paper crumpled in the bottom. There are no markings on the tube or cover. Is this normal for the container to have no markings?

Yep, that`s 100% normal, as original, (I`ll run that serial number) it might be a postwar US Army issue, while many of the "wartime" 135 Hektor`s were DEADSTOCK in May/June 1945 and went out with many of the American Officer`s Leica Rigs, from May 1945 to June 1946.

Tom

 

[David Hughes]

As usual the others have beaten me to it. I see these as a "display" item, which is a polite way of putting it.

Best of all were the chamois leather ones for the CL but I've not been lucky getting one yet.

Regards, David

 

[Robert Hooper]

Yep, that`s 100% normal, as original, (I`ll run that serial number) it might be a postwar US Army issue, while many of the "wartime" 135 Hektor`s were DEADSTOCK in May/June 1945 and went out with many of the American Officer`s Leica Rigs, from May 1945 to June 1946.

Tom

Tom,

Did you come up with anything interesting about that serial number yet? I'd like to know if it was one of the 500 manufactured in 1942 like my Hove book indicates.