Leica SL "MN" Bis

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Leica Photography : One Thread

I have just been handed a Leicaflex SL which has a huge "MN" marked on the front (above the lens bayonet where it's normally LEICA in the later R series). Now I know that leica is famous for these strange engravings but I just can't seem to find any informations on the "MN". Any idea what this could be.... looks original to me. Help will be highly appreciated and any recommendations on Leica literature on identifying cameras or lenses are welcome too. Merci beaucoup.

-- H. Gurung (hgurung@libertysurf.fr), April 20, 2002

Answers

I haven't a clue - but give some more info.

Is the MN on the flat part where the SL appears (the part with a little leatherette strip)? Or on the sloped surface above? Is the "SL" there too? or does the "MN" replace the "SL"?

There is a single commemorative camera given to Queen Elizabeth II by Canada that had "E II R" on the flat part; and a '72 Olympics version with olympic logo on the sloped part - so Leica used both places to put special engravings.

What is the approximate serial number (e.g. 108xxxx)? That will give a time frame to production.

Chrome?/Black?/Black paint?

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), April 20, 2002.


Could it be a vip dealer model ?

-- leonid (kotlyarl@mail.nih.gov), April 21, 2002.

Well it's a chrome model with the MN in the flat part. The SL is marked as usual on the left side of the flat part. The person who gave this to me now says the MN stand for Marine Nationale (National Marine in french) but he has a limited knowledge on cameras (thought the SL was a rangefinder). leicagallery.com has a rare rating for a "Munich Numbered" Leicaflex.... Thanks for your responses.

-- H. Gurung (hgurung@libertysurf.fr), April 21, 2002.

AFAIK the "Munich" Leicaflexes were commemoratives to the 1972 Olympics in Munich; 500 were made. The one I've seen had to 'MN' on it.
I'll return if I find out more.

-- Oliver Schrinner (piraya@hispavista.com), April 22, 2002.

I apologise for my typos. the first line should end

... had no 'MN' on it.

Tony, would you mind to correct my previous post and to delete this one? Thank you very much!

-- Oliver Schrinner (piraya@hispavista.com), April 22, 2002.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ