LEICA 50MM NOCTILUX-M F1 11821 11822 E58 E60 EARLY PRODUCTION PROTOTYPE M LENS
Description
-Serial #2749757
-According to the serial #, this is a very early, first batch made in 1975 in Midland, Canada
The First batch starting at 27449631 ( only 126 lenses prior to this lens # ) were all E58 example.
First batch lenses were E58 with pin style hood
With a Third version body which would have started at serial # 322xxxx with the reversible, non pin style shade as shown.
This bares a very unusual later BLOCK STYLE SCRIPT E60 name ring with a 1st batch ring serial #
Coming from the MANDLER Leica optical formula production.
The lens came with another PROTOTYPE lens including a 75mm 1.4 Summilux-M ( Also a Mandler lens...that one with the reverse of this....., early style FONT name ring, unqiue 75mm marking and depth of field scale, MADE IN CANADA but marked with a LATE German production # 390xxxx)
This is a UNIQUE Noctilux.
Also the engraving on the barrel 50 marking and depth of field scale is also a UNIQUE FONT.
And the engraving LENS MADE IN CANADA E60 on the opposite side has a UNIQUE FONT and LAYOUT ( much further spread apart on a single line )
And the engraving LENS MADE IN CANADA E60 on the opposite side has a UNIQUE FONT and LAYOUT ( much further spread apart on a single line )
A very interesting and superb example of a stand alone lens with an great history and colectibility
-7 elements in 6 groups
-Aperture range: f1 - f16
-E60 filter mount
-47° angle of view
-Cat No. 11821 / 11822
Includes
-Proper 14290 E60 LEICA LEITZ pinch front cap
-Proper PROTOTYPE Factory M plastic rear cap
-12544 reversible lens hood
Cosmetics 8.5/10
-No dings, dents or major marks
-12544 reversible lens hood
Cosmetics 8.5/10
-No dings, dents or major marks
Overall clean. Some faint signs of use but no abuse
A clean example overall
Mechanics 9.5+/10
-Focusing is smooth
-Aperture clicks are crisp
Optics 9.5+/10
-No fog, fungus, separation or scratches
I can not stress the importance, uniqueness and OUTSTANDING FIND that this special lens it.
The WALTER MANDLER Noctilux F1 has always been legendary and to find a proper PROTOTYPE is almost near impossible. This is a very special example and a must have for any serious Leica enthusiast and collector.
The WALTER MANDLER Noctilux F1 has always been legendary and to find a proper PROTOTYPE is almost near impossible. This is a very special example and a must have for any serious Leica enthusiast and collector.
A spectacular find and additional to any collection.
A pleasure to have and enjoy!