Leica delivery records??

[landsknechte]

Perusing the Westlicht auctions this evening, I noticed that there were a few of the old Barnack Leicas that were listed with a specific date and location of [original] delivery. What sort of records are out there, and how would someone go about getting thier hands on that level of information?

Thanks,
--Chris

 

[Dralowid]

I think this information comes mostly from dealers bills of sale, particularly those who were accredited. Or the cameras could have markings.

There are some cameras that were engraved with the dealers name, sometimes at the factory. There are also some that were engraved with the recipients name but these were normally gifts from Leitz. I do not know if this was offered as a service to normal Joe public.

Apart from the bill of sale, another nice document that sometimes turns up is the bill for conversion or modernisation.

There are a number of lists that deal with serial numbers and batches on the net, I am sure we all have our favourites, but I am not aware of any publication of the more detailed information showing when and where they all went, what would in effect be their invoice ledger. It would surely be a mammoth task, there are an awful lot of cameras!

Michael

 

[landsknechte]

Ah. I had thought that perhaps the Leica elves in Germany had some archives tucked away that could be accessed for the appropriate amount of money.

 

[landsknechte]

4. Juli 2007/
Ulrich Deiß / Infoservice / Telefon 06442 208 - 111 / Telefax - 455 / info@leica-camera.com
Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXXX,
thank you very much for your interest in the Leica History and associated historical Leica Products.
Unfortunately for an indefinite period of time we cannot give you any information related to historical Leitz / Leica Products out of our delivery records.
Leica Camera is working on a realignment of this particular subject which will offer you an extended service supply for the future.

Thank you for your understanding.

Mit freundlichen Gruessen / kind regards


Ulrich Deiß
Leica Camera AG / Informationsservice /
Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms /

 

[Dralowid]

Well Chris, you tried but the elves will not tell you 'for an indefinite period of time'!

The information is obviously there and thanks to L39UK for pointing that out.

The day they admit to getting all those leather bound ledgers OCR'd and onto a spreadsheet, will be the day they are indundated by us with lists of numbers!

Can't wait

Michael

 

[landsknechte]

IMHO, it seems like the easiest way to give out the info would be a simple web page where you could enter in a serial number and have it display the record (or at least the parts of it that wouldn't violate any privacy laws) in question.

At least it's there.

 

[Dralowid]

Maybe we should think about starting a serial number database of surviving bodies? Might prove interesting but I'm not quite sure what it would achieve...

Michael

 

[landsknechte]

If anything, might help to clear up some of the discrepancies between the various lists floating around the internet.

 

[LeicaTom]

The information was openly available like up to 15 years ago......I know James Lager has ALL the records of the Leica IIIC K Grey and Chrome cameras
(I had mine verified through him) but Leica itself NO LONGER gives out information, I`ve found out info through bills of sale from the US Army PX
(that`s one of my things I collect now, Army PX info and paperwork with cameras and lenses)
I am personally making up a list of "KNOWN" real IIIC K "grey" cameras that have survived since 1945.....

🙂

 

[LeicaTom]

Maybe we should think about starting a serial number database of surviving bodies? Might prove interesting but I'm not quite sure what it would achieve...

Michael

Not really a great idea for the rarer camera groups....while the "FAKERS" are always looking for the real serial numbers to fake stuff with and resell 🙁

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

Huh...now I know what the "EP" stands for on some of my Nikon RF lenses and cameras...thanks LeicaTom. I also have a Leitz lens from the '40s...a 50mm Elmar from 1941.....it would be interesting to know who were the first few owners of this very fine lens.

 

[landsknechte]

Do you know how to get in touch with James Lager? (I just happen to have a IIIc, so there might be hope after all.)

 

[LeicaTom]

Huh...now I know what the "EP" stands for on some of my Nikon RF lenses and cameras...thanks LeicaTom. I also have a Leitz lens from the '40s...a 50mm Elmar from 1941.....it would be interesting to know who were the first few owners of this very fine lens.

Yes, but that`s kinda unofficial.....cus Canon and Nikon have said it can mean
Exchange Post (someone said Japanese is read right to left?) or it`s also been stated to be Export Paid

I`m going with the Export Paid story

These are for sure 100% ex - US Military Post Exchange cameras and lenses

I just picked up an ex - Tokyo PX f1.5 Canon 50mm <EP> today with caps UV Filter and Hood in EX+++/Mint - condition and despite it being somewhat expensive I`m planning on really using the lens alot for many of my upcoming Retro artistic nude projects

I will be posting results here as I have work done with it.....🙂

 

[LeicaTom]

Do you know how to get in touch with James Lager? (I just happen to have a IIIc, so there might be hope after all.)

All I know is he has the records for the really rare IIIC`s, not normal ones

Stuff like the "K" shutter (Kugellager) ball bearing shutter "grey" and chrome cameras as well as normal shutter "grey" cameras, most of these were used by the German Army/Air Force and Navy in WW2, but a small handful less than 600 were issued to the US Army in 1945, that was the LAST group of these strange and now rare Leica`s

If you have a IIIC K "grey" or chrome or a "grey" paint IIIC "wartime" write me off this board.......I will try to help you further

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

LeicaTom

My first Contax IIA was bought in the PX in Tokyo (by my Dad) in 1953...no EP markings. (I later rather stupidly sold this camera 8 years ago.)

My current Contax IIA, which I bought from original owner (with proof therof) was also purchased at the Tokyo PX in 1953, again, no EP marks. (It does date from early 1953 production).

So maybe just the Japanese products sold at the PX got the EP marks.

Sorry if this is "off thread".

 

[landsknechte]

Nevermind... I thought you meant the gray K model AND the chrome models. Mine is a standard 1946 model.

For what it's worth, I've got WW2 vintage GE light meter with a "sold through the army exchange system" data plate on the back, and there is no EP marking anywhere on it.