STEREO PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LEICA
The primary goal of stereo photography was to create two nearly identical photographs that, when combined, gave the illusion of a third dimension360. This effect had already been achieved through stereoscopy; as early as 1838, Charles Wheatstone demonstrated the practical use of his mirror stereoscope, utilizing drawings of solid geometric figures360. From the outset, pioneers in photography embraced the challenge of producing stereo images, leading to the availability of various stereo apparatus360. By the 1850s, the popularity of stereo photographs made them a foundational element of visual education360.
At the time the Leica was introduced in 1920s, the stereo market was dominated by cameras that used 45 x 107mm and 60 x 130mm formats360. Notable examples included the Voigtlander Stereolektroskop, Heidoscope, and the Franke and Heidecke Rolleidoscope360. There was also the Richard Homeos 35mm stereo camera, which produced a pair of 18 x 24mm negatives on perforated 35mm film360. Despite being ahead of its time, Richard Homeos 35mm stereo camera was not commercially successful, with fewer than one thousand units produced360.
Oskar Barnack recognized the potential of using the Leica for stereo photography from the beginning360. There was a clear commercial incentive to capture a share of the market, which was largely controlled by large-format stereo cameras360.
The fundamental challenge of taking two photographs of the same subject from viewpoints just a few inches apart could be addressed in two ways360. The first method was to take two separate exposures consecutively with the same camera360. The second method employed a "double" 2-cameras-in-1 camera equipped with two identical lenses that capture the same image simultaneously360. Over time, Barnack, Albert, and their colleagues experimented with both approaches360. However, the first method, involving the stereo slide bar, was quickly replaced by the second method, represented by the double stereo Leica and its variants360.
The FIARO Stereo Slide Bar
The FIARO Stereo Slide Bar, dated 1926, was 75mm long and available for only about a year534.
The FIATE Stereo Slide Bar
The FIATE Stereo Slide Bar, which was, by many accounts, the first stereo device introduced by Leitz, debuted in 1929 and remained available until 1939, as indicated by the last general catalogue published before the World War II360. This stereo slide bar measured 18.5 cm in length and was designed to fit into a niche between the tripod and the camera360. It allowed lateral movement of the camera along a length of 75 to 150 mm360. To use it, the photographer took one photograph, then moved the camera along the bar to capture a second exposure360. Given that the average distance between a person's eyes was about 64 mm, it was typical to allow for a movement of 75 mm for close-up work and 150 mm for distant landscapes360. The exposures taken with the FIATE slide bar were of a 24 × 36 mm format360.
The design of the FIATE was ultimately based on a stereo camera invented by Powell in the 1850s, which was a small wooden box camera that could slide along a wooden rail to take two separate exposures360. Powell's camera featured a 'toeing-in' device that allowed for the second exposure to be taken at the same angle to the center of the photograph as the first one360. However, the theory behind this method of stereo photography was later proven to be incorrect, leading Barnack to omit the "toeing-in" device from the FIATE360.
A major limitation of the FIATE stereo slide bar was its inability to photograph non-stationary subjects.360 Despite being on the market for nearly ten years, it remained a novelty rather than a serious accessory for Leica users360. The challenge of photographing moving subjects would eventually be addressed by the Leica Doppel and its successors360.
There were minor variations of the standard model of the FIATE stereo bar, primarily differences being in the engraving360. Reports suggested that a smaller variant might have been produced360.
Early variants had central tripod bush, while later ones had off-centre tripod bush534. The lock could have been a lever or a set-screw534.
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the Stereo camera holder for 2 Leica (visually distinct from FIATE) ("Stereokamerahalter für Leica") as February 17, 1937, and noted himself as designer573. According to the same book, later, for war time production, Wilhelm Albert designed a similar 1 meter long stereo rail/bar for 2 cameras with double-wire shutter release - E1 on December 5, 1940, and E2 on October 11, 1941573.
After the World War II, development of stereo holders continued. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the Stereo holder for standard Leica landscape ("Stereohalter für normale Leica Querformat") and portrait ("Stereohalter für normale Leica Hochformat") format shots as July 4, 1951, and noted Willi Schmidt as designer573.
The Leica Doppel / The Stereo Leica
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the Stereo Leica camera with long base and two 3.5cm lenses ("Lange Stereo-Leica mit 2 Objektiven 3,5 cm") as circa 1932, and noted Oskar Barnack as designer573. This Barnack's next concept for a stereo Leica was significantly more complex360. The double stereo Leica, also known as the Leica Doppel, was essentially two half-frame Leicas, designed to operate simultaneously360, combined into one single camera534. This Leica Doppel was equipped with two identical lenses, typically 35mm Elmars, as the 35mm focal length is considered fairly standard for the 18 x 24mm format360.
Its body measured 193 mm in length, while its height and depth were the same as the Leica Standard Model E534. The camera had two lens flanges that were 71.5 mm apart, which is similar to the average distance between human eyes534. The stereo frame size was 24 x 22.5 mm534. After each exposure, the film advanced by two frames534. The viewfinder was centrally located above the two lenses534.
The two shutters were mechanically interconnected, allowing both images to be captured simultaneously534. This feature made the camera particularly suitable for taking stereo photographs of moving subjects534. However, when using the Stereoly attachment produced by Leitz at that time, the different timing of exposure could result in the two images differing from one another when photographing moving subjects, as the single shutter would expose one image before the other534.
To ensure that the stereo photographs matched in size, it was crucial to use lenses with identical real focal lengths360. However, during the 1920s, 5cm Elmars had focal lengths ranging from 47.5mm to 52.5mm, making it extremely challenging to find two matching lenses for the Leica Doppel360.
These issues ultimately diminished the commercial viability of the model, which never went beyond the prototype stage360. Unfortunately, none of the several prototypes produced seemed to have survived360. A reproduction of this camera could have been seen in the Leitz museum at some point in time534 (circa 2002)570.
3 photographs illustrating the reproduction of the camera from were featured on page 35 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002570. There, it still carried orange "1617" museum sticker on the bottom plate570. The bottom plate featured two locks, 2 tripod screws570. The author of the article questioned whether the camera could actually achieve accurate speeds if the shutter curtain had to travel such a long distance570.
STEREOLY System
Leitz STEREOLY Beam-splitter
At the Leipzig Spring Fair of 1931, Leitz introduced a stereo beam-splitter device called the STEREOLY, designed by the renowned optical engineer Professor Erwin Lihotsky360.
The STEREOLY device consisted of a beam splitter and a support arm designed to attach it securely to the camera’s accessory shoe, as well as a mask534. The beam splitter unit incorporated two separate prisms that were 7mm apart360. Each prism was fitted with a bracket that allowed it to be adaptable to any 5cm lens, which meant the 24 × 36mm image was divided into two 18 × 24mm frames360.
Compared to the stereo slide bar, the main advantage of the STEREOLY was its capability for instantaneous photography360. However, its primary drawback was that the 5cm lens, when used with an 18 × 24mm portion of film, created a telephoto effect, that was excellent for portraits but unsatisfactory for landscapes360.
The First Variant - 1930
The first STEREOLY, introduced in 1930534, was produced until 1939 and was initially available only for the Leica I Model A and Leica I Model C cameras360. It featured a prism beam splitter and an arm that secured it in the Leica accessory shoe534. The arm also supported a mask that aligned with the viewfinder to indicate the half-frame format534. Later, a rotating bracket was introduced, allowing users to quickly switch between viewing both the full-frame and the half-frame360.
The bracket holding the prism in front of the lens had two notches: one for the 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens and the other for the 5cm f/2.5 Hektor lens360. These two positions were necessary to accommodate the size differences between the lenses360.
Later, when polarizing filters became available, the same beam splitter could be mounted on a projector in front of a 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens to enable stereo projection using polarizing filters and glasses534.
Prior to 1932, the arms of the devices were black, non-adjustable, and featured a non-folding mask534. In contrast, later models had nickel-plated arms, were adjustable, and included a foldable mask for easy storage534. Starting in 1932, the beam splitters were marked with a serial number534. Rüttinger estimated that around 3,000 units were produced534.
The Second Variant - 1932
With the advent of the Leica II Model D with a coupled rangefinder in 1932, a differently shaped bracket was produced to account for the height of the rangefinder360. This model was equipped with a Leica-type optical 18 × 24mm viewfinder360 instead of a mask534. Over time, this model was fitted with a third (or second534) notch for the newly introduced 5cm f/2 Summar lens360.
The Third Variant - 1939
Finally, according to the catalogs, a special bracket was announced to enable the STEREOLY to be used with the Leica IIIb, although it was unknown whether this bracket was ever actually produced360. This bracket was supposedly introduced in 1939534. Accessory shoe of Leica IIIb did not allow the earlier arm to project far enough forward for the prism to clear the 5 cm f/2 Summar lens534.
This new arm featured a cut-out in its supporting bracket to accommodate the twin eyepiece of the camera and had three notches534.
There were also four-notch arms; Lager believed that the fourth notch was meant to accommodate the prism when used with the Leica IIIb534. In contrast, Rüttinger believed that the fourth notch was for adjusting the prism when used in stereo projection534.
However, experiments conducted by Hubbard with a three-notch arm suggested that the inner two notches corresponded to the infinity and one-meter settings of the 5 cm Elmar lens534. The middle notch on the three-notch arm aligned with both the infinity setting of the 5cm f/3.5 Elmar and the one-meter setting of the 5cm f/2.5 Hektor lens534. The outer notch corresponded to the one-meter focus of the Hektor and the infinity setting of the 5cm f/2 Summar lens534. Presumably, the outer notch on a four-notch arm would have been used with the 5cm f/2 Summar at its one-meter setting534.
Stereoly Device Codewords
For Leica IIIa Model G and earlier models, Leitz in New York used a different system than that of Wetzlar, resulting in inconsistencies between the two systems534. As such534:
- In 1931, STEREOLY for Leica I Model A and Model C was code-named VORSA in UK and Germany534.
- In 1932:
- In 1933:
- In 1934:
- In 1935:
- In 1936:
- In 1938:
- In 1939:
Codewords for Other Items in the STEREOLY System
STEREO (dated 1939, New York catalogue) - STEREOLY for Leica IIIb, and suitable also for Leica IIIc and Leica IIIf534.
VORUF — Arm to mount prism on Leica II Model D, Leica III Model F and Leica IIIa Model G534. VORUF and ARMST were listed separately only in New York catalogues534.
ARMST — Arm to mount prism on Leica IIIb534. VORUF and ARMST were listed separately only in New York catalogues534.
POLAR (dated 1938, New York catalogue) - Accessory equipment for projecting stereo transparencies with a Leitz VIIIs projector and STEREOLY prisms includes two Polaroid filters in a specialized mount for the STEREOLY attachment, along with a special bracket to secure the attachment to the projector534. Additionally, a metallic surface screen is required for optimal projection534.
SPECS — Polaroid spectacles for viewing534.
VOTRA Viewer and VOTIV Stand - The VOTRA stereo viewer was offered360 in 1931534 in conjunction with the STEREOLY360. This beautifully crafted device featured individually adjustable eyepieces and an adjustable interpupillary distance360. The viewer could be held in hand or fixed to a sturdy table stand, code-named VOTIV360, also made in 1931534. Finished in nickel and sold in a velvet-lined coffret case, it was one of the most attractive accessories from Leitz360.
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the 4x stereo viewing magnifier with a field lens ("Stereo-Betrachtungslupe 4x mit Feldlinse") and the 5x stereo viewing magnifier with adjustable eyepieces in sheet metal design ("Stereo-Betrachtungslupe 4x mit verstellbaren Okularen (Blechausführung)") as September 5, 1945, and noted himself and Willi Schmidt as designers573.
A similar prototype, with museum sticker "M557", was illustrated on page 37 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book595. There, it was described as a prototype dated in 1951, with 4x magnification and adjustable eyepieces for stereo slides595. The exact same device, but dated 1945, was sold at the 35th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2019, for 10800 Euros, including the buyer's premium388. The lot had the following description: "prototype of the VOTRA stereo viewer, entirely different construction to the production model, in chrome finish...still with the original Leica Museum inventory sticker, incl. red box with handwritten 'Muster' (sample)"388. According to the auction lot description, the device also appeared on pages 126 and 127 of Mr. Lars Netopil's "Prototype Leica"388.
Combination of Two Leica Cameras
The next step taken by Leitz was to achieve a stereo effect by using two Leica cameras in combination360. Unlike the Leica Doppel, which utilized two model half-frame cameras, this development used two standard production Leicas360. This innovation was spearheaded by Albert, who continued the company's research in stereo photography after Barnack's death in 1937360. Wilhelm Albert designed a long base that accommodated two Leicas, positioned one above the other360 in 1937, according to a report from February 17 of the same year364. Both cameras could be fired simultaneously using a double cable release, and the lateral shift could be adjusted by changing the distance between the two cameras360. Although this design remained in the experimental stage, a similar line of development was pursued later by Professor Will Schmidt, who was working for Leitz in 1951360.
Leica Tandem / TOWIN
Additionally, it was worth mentioning the 'tandem' Leica360. also known as TOWIN534. In this configuration, two Leica cameras were mounted one above the other in an upright position, linked by a special baseplate attached to the upper camera360. This equipment, coded TOWIN, was produced by Leitz New York and could also be used for purposes unrelated to stereo photography, such as combining two different lenses or films360.
According to Leitz Auction #34 Booklet, TOWIN was invented in the 1940s by Wim Berssenbrugge, an internationally recognized Dutch expert in color stereo photography532, an expert in colour and stereo photography389. It was originally designed for use at the Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (KLM, Dutch Royal Aviation Company) airline technical college for photographing aircraft instrument panels534, however, in 1949 Leitz advertised it as a device for simultaneous exposures in black and white and colour389. The device indicated in 1949 Leitz Catalogue had catalogue number 67350, was described as "The Leica Tandem, for coupling together only IIIc Model Leica Cameras with serial numbers above 400,000. Dealer should forward customer's two cameras and Tandem accessory to E. Leitz, Inc., marked "Att.: Tandem Synchro. Service" and costed 77.00 USD (?) (see page 14, Viewfinder 14(1)).
This device could have been especially useful to magazine photographers, who were often required to submit a selection of both types of photographs to art editors532. This allowed for the most effective picture treatment within a given budget532. Since the high cost of color reproduction typically limited the number of color images an editor could use to illustrate a story, black-and-white shots, which were cheaper to reproduce, were essential for continuity532. By offering identical shots in both color and black and white, the TANDEM eliminated the need to make separate monochrome negatives if only color shots were taken532.
In the prototype design of TOWIN, the lower camera was connected via its accessory shoe534. One such prototype was illustrated on page 21 of Viewfinder 15(1) and had a note that read ""To: E. Leitz, Inc., 304 Hudson Street, Mr. Elwell." on it. Although this prototype with accessory shoe connector was reported the TOWIN produced by Leitz, NY, connected the lower camera using its strap lugs534.
According to 1st issue of 1950 Journal of the Franklin Institute, the E. Leitz, Inc. announced the launch of its latest camera accessory, the LEICA TANDEM sometime before 1950532.
Due to the vertical separation of the cameras, the device needed to be turned on its side for stereo photography534. It was marketed as being suitable for capturing simultaneous pictures using different films or different focal length lenses534.
In stereoscopic applications, the TANDEM facilitated effective vertical three-dimensional depth when used with the Leitz "Stereoly-Polaroid" two-projector system532.
A sample of Stereo Tandem TOWIN was sold for 19200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 34th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 8, 2019389. Another sample, circa 1950, was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014399.
Other Stereo Units
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the stereo attachment with a rotating aperture for "large" format shots ("Stereo-Vorsatz mit Drehblende für Großbasisaufnahmen") as March 12, 1942, and noted himself as designer573.
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the stereo close-up attachment for 30 cm and 50 cm object distances, featuring a rangefinder, deflection wedge, and viewfinder ("Stereo-Vorsatzlinse für 30 und 50 cm Objektstand mit Entrfernungsmeser, Ablenkkeil und Sucher") as July 3, 1946, and noted himself and Willi Schmidt as designers573.
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the prism attachment for stereo lenses that utilized the person-tone separation method ("Prismenvorsatz für Stereo-Objektiv (Person-Tontrenn-Verfahren)") as October 13, 1949, and noted himself and Willi Schmidt as designers573.
A report from September 25, 1950, indicated that Karl Clös developed a small stereo prism attachment for that utilized tone separation (Tontrennung) method364.
A report from November 29, 1952, indicated that Karl Clös developed a 9cm stereo lens for close-up photography364.
A prototype of the stereo close-up 30cm attachment from 1954 was sold for 21600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022383. The lot had the following description: "a unique prototype stereo lens, designed for macro photography with 1.5x magnification, designed in 1954 by Wilhelm Albert (see W. Albert 'Geburtstage der Leitz Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927' on page 183), incl. Visoflex with stereo finder and an M2 body no.931309, excellent condition"383.
The Stemar System
The Stemar system was built around the specialized Stemar twin lenses534.
From 1937 to 1942, Wilhelm Albert designed paired lenses for stereo-photography, which were held in a common focusing mount399. It was believed this development was a military order as it wasn't until the 1950s that the Stemar system was available for amateur stereo photography424. In addition to that, nearly all of the approximately 32 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) lenses listed in the Leitz delivery record book were shipped to the Berlin agency between 1941 and 1942, indicating a delivery to the German military establishment556. Almost all 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar lenses were also shipped to the Berlin agency in 1940-1942 for delivery to the Wehrmacht556.
These lenses produced a pair of 18 x 24 mm images within the full 24 x 36 mm frame399. A single ring controlled the diaphragm of both lenses399. During World War II, two versions of these lenses were developed, each featuring the typical black-finished front plate: the 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) and the 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar399. In the 1950s, this design was further refined into the well-known 3.3 cm f/3.5 Stemar lens399. Typically, the lens mounts of the 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) and the 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar were equipped with a receptacle for holding the arm pin of a specially modified VIDOM viewfinder399. This finder featured a fixed 18 x 24 mm mask and a pin on a sliding bar to aid horizontal lens alignment534.
The Stemar system, considered Leitz's finest contribution to stereo photography, was a remarkable technical achievement for its time360. However, it did not attract a large number of photographers, partly due to its high price and also likely because it was released during a decline in interest in stereo photography360. This explained the limited production of the unit in Midland, Ontario, and its early discontinuation360.
3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO)
The 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) was one of the lenses of Stemar system available during World War II534. The other lens was 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar lens discussed further down on this page534.
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) lens with 18mm basis ("Stereo-Objektiv Elmar f=3,5 cm 1:3,5 mit 18 m/m Basis") as June 28, 1937, and noted himself as designer573.
The 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar was the original stereo lens design for Leica cameras427. This lens served as the basis for the later designs of the lenses in the Stemar system427. Only 89 of 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar lenses were manufactured in Wetzlar between 1940 and 1941383, with serial numbers ranging from 541060 to 567100364. The second batch made in 1941 (serial numbers 567XXX)388. During the World War II, only about 30 units were delivered427. The lens was never included in any brochures and was never officially marketed364.
The 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar lens intended for the paired production of stereo negatives364. The lens featured a chrome-plated mount with a large focusing handle and a black front with two adjacent optical elements364.
Typically, the lens mount of the 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) was equipped with a receptacle for holding the arm pin of a specially modified VIDOM viewfinder399. This finder featured a fixed 18 x 24 mm mask and a pin on a sliding bar to aid horizontal lens alignment534.
For subjects located between 3 and 10 meters away, an OTEMO variable separation prism was attached to the front of the lens; only 20 of these prisms were produced534. The very first OTEMO prism had serial number 5001407. Additionally, a pair of yellow filters was provided for use with the OTEMO534. For objects situated more than 10 meters away, a special lens cap with a rotating aperture was utilized534. After taking the first picture of the pair, the cap was rotated 180 degrees, and the camera was moved sideways the necessary distance to capture the second exposure534. Polarizing filter OVUTO was part of the outfit for this lens407.
The lens and the OTEMO prism could be mounted on a specialized stand, which included special eyepieces, an extension tube, a lamp, and a condenser for tabletop viewing534.
The same 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar lens was also utilized for stereo projection with the Model VIIIs projector, using a special bracket, polarizing filter, and double condenser534. Additionally, there was a matched pair of 10cm f/2.5 Hektor projection lenses available, complete with polarizing filters534. Unfortunately, the codes for these items are not known534. Sometimes, special 8.5 cm f/2.5 Hektor stereo projection lenses with a splitting prism were used with VIIIs projectors388. The outfit included two polarizing filters marked R and L388.
For more information about this lens, readers are invited to consult Friedrich Rüttinger’s article, "Stereophotographie mit Leitz-Kameras" published in the 1982 Vidom 22427.
Some known examples of 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) lenses were:
- Lens without serial number was auctioned off at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011404.
- Lens without serial number, dated 1940, was auctioned off at the 17th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2010407. This very lens and its extensive outfit was part of Leica Museum at some point in time407 and was illustrated on pages 278, 279, 280, and 282 of James L. Lager's"Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book542.
- Lens number 541060 was delivered in 1941 and was part of German collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 541061 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541062 was delivered in 1941 and was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 541063, dated 1941, was auctioned off at the 7th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 21, 2005417. This lens was likely among the 3 of first ever produced417. It was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 541064 was delivered in 1941 and was part of US collection in 1990556 (likely Rolf Fricke Collection (author's note)). It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
- Lens number 541065 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541068 was delivered in 1941 and was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 541092 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 541093 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541094 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 541096 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541097 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541098 was delivered in 1941 and was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567051 was part of English collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567052 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 567053 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 567062 was delivered in 1943556.
- Lens number 567063 was part of English collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567066 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 567069 was delivered in 1942 and was part of German collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567070 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 567072 was delivered in 1942 and was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567073, dated 1941, was auctioned off at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022383.
- Lens number 567074, dated 1942, was auctioned off at the 2nd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 10, 2020427. It was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567075, dated 1941, was auctioned off at the 35th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2019388. It was part of German collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567079, dated 1941, was auctioned off at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023381.
- Lens number 567080 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 567081 was illustrated in Viewfinder, 23(4)556. It part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567082, dated 1940, was auctioned off at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014399. This lens was a prototype lens which lacked receptacle for the finder, by its original design399. It was presumed that this very lens was intended for experimental use in combination with a different finder solution399.
- Lens number 567083 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 567085 was delivered in 1943556.
- Lens number 567086 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 567087 was delivered in 1942556. This lens was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
- Lens number 567088 was delivered in 1942556.
9cm f/7 Stereo Lens
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the stereo 9cm lens for close-up photography ("Stereo-Objektiv f=9cm für Nahaufnahmen") as November 29, 1952, and noted Karl Clös as designer573.
One source indicated that the 9cm f/7 Stereo lens with a screw mount was code-named OILNO534. It was never commercially manufactured, likely due to the incompatibility between slow shutter speeds and telephoto lenses360. The maximum aperture was limited to f/7 due to the dimensions of the lens mount534. OHSCO, 90 mm f/7 Stereo lens with a bayonet mount, would have had the same design as OILNO534.
The lens was also illustrated on page 140 of the "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, with "1:7" (that is, f/7) in the caption573. Another unnumbered example was illustrated on page 87 of Viewfinder Vol. 15, No. 4 Oct.- Dec., 1982. One more example was illustrated on page 13 of Viewfinder 13(4) from 1980. In that article, the lens was described asd housed in the Leitz Museum in Wetzlar in 1980. A similar lens was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
What was not widely known was that a bright-line finder had been developed specifically for this lens. This stereo 9 cm finder followed the conventional bright-line finder design of the late style and featured a special half-frame optical mask. Parallax correction for distances down to 1 meter was achieved in the usual manner. The engraving style and the spring-type construction of the foot suggested that it had been produced in the early 1950s. This finder was likely a one-of-a-kind prototype, as the 9 cm stereo lens was never commercially available. A similar finder was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
24mm Stereo Summar
Illustrated below was the only known example of the prototype stereo lens produced on special order for the Israeli government414. The lens, made in circa 1968, was designed to take a pair of 18x24mm photographs by rotating the lens through 180 degrees414 from position 1 to position 2360. The lens could only be used on static subjects534. It was auctioned off at the 10th WestLicht Camera Auction, on November 18, 2006414.
Codewords and Catalog Numbers for Stemar System
IASUU/60176 - Polarising spectacles in plastic frame534.
ILNUU - Made in Wetzlar, Large stereo projection attachment with two 8.5cm f/2.5 Hektor lenses, polarising filters, prisms, horizontal and vertical adjustments for the image axes, interchangeable special stereo field lens and 2" x 2" slide changer534. For Prado 250 and 500 and model VIIIs projectors534. The same code, ILNUU, seems to have been applied to similar equipment with 9cm f/2.5 Colorplan lenses534.
IMPUU-IXMUU/60175 — Stereo projection twin lens 5cm f/3.5 Elmar with pair of polarising filters in hinged mount534. With adapter for Prado S and SM534.
IMPUU-IZQUU/60174 — Stereo projection twin lens 5cm f/3.5 Elmar with pair of polarising filters in hinged mount534. With adapter for PRADO 250 and 500 projectors534.
IMPUU/60173 — Stereo projection twin lens 5cm f/3.5 Elmar with pair of polarising filters in hinged mount534. To fit PRADO 150/85-100mm and model VIlIs projectors534.
IRZUU - Made in Wetzlar, As ILNUU but with two 10cm f/2.5 Hektor lenses534.
ISBUU - Made in Wetzlar, As ILNUU but with two 12cm f/2.5 Hektor lenses534.
OHIKO-M - Stereo unit complete with Stemar lens, prism and viewfinder, for bayonet mount cameras534.
OHUGO/60166 - Pair of screw-in No.1 yellow filters534.
OHVIO/60167 - Pair of screw-in orange filters534.
OHWLO/60168 - Pair of screw-in UV filters534.
OIDYO - Special bright-line viewfinder to fit into camera accessory shoe534.
OIFCO - Lamp attachment for OIPVO534. The plastic used for its casing became brittle with age534.
OIGEO/60162 - Stereo lens hood for use on Stemar when prism is not attached534.
OIKLO/60165 - Leather case for OIRZO534.
OIMPO/60160 - Prism for front of Stemar for subject distances beyond 10 ft534. The hinged front cover was introduced in 1955534.
OIPVO - Stereo viewer, plastic body, independently focusing eye-pieces, and special prism arrangement to transpose the inverted left and right images534. The plastic used for its casing became brittle with age534.
OIRZO-M/60164 — As OHIKO-M but with OIGEO534.
OIRZO-S/60163 - As OHIKO but with OIGEO534.
OIVHO/60171 — Rear cover for prism534.
OIWKO/60169 - Lens cap with bayonet for Stemar534.
OIXMO/60170 - Rear cover for screw Stemar534.
OIZ00/60172 — Rear cover for prism534.
OTHEO - Stereo viewer, plastic body, independently focusing eye-pieces, and special prism arrangement to transpose the inverted left and right images534. The plastic used for its casing became brittle with age534. Lamp attachment for OIPVO534. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the this viewer ("Stereo-Betrachtungslupe 5x mit Fokussierung und Leuchtkasten") as December 7, 1953, and noted himself and Mr. Bock as designers573.
ОНІКО — Stereo unit complete with Stemar lens, prism and viewfinder, for screw mount cameras534.
Illustrated below is 1941 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo Elmar outfit, that included the 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO) lens with serial number 541063, the stereo VIDOM, the OTEMO stereo prism with serial number 5006, 2 original yellow filters for OTEMO, all in the original leather case.
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The 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar lens featured the earliest use of the name "Stemar"360. It was the second one of the lenses of Stemar system, along with the 3.5cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar (OWENO), available during World War II534.
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar lens with 19mm basis, viewfinder, and clamping grid for shooting distances from 1 to 3.40 meters ("Stereo-Objektiv Stemar f=3,5 cm 1:2,5 mit 19 m/m Basis mit Sucher under Klemmraster von 1 bis 3,40 m Aufnahmeentfernung") as April 22, 1940, and noted himself as designer573. In the same book, he credited himself for designing the lens hood ("Stemar Sonnenblende") for this lens and dated its "birthday" as September 19, 1940573.
The total number of these special lenses was unknown387. Less than 4439 or 10387 or 20364 examples existed or were delivered. The 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar serial numbers fell within the 541053 - 582256 range364. Years of production were 1940-1941364.
The 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar lens intended for the paired production of stereo negatives364. The lens featured a chrome-plated mount with a large focusing handle and a black front with two adjacent optical elements364.
Typically, the lens mount of the 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar was equipped with a receptacle for holding the arm pin of a specially modified VIDOM viewfinder399. This finder featured a fixed 18 x 24 mm mask and a pin on a sliding bar to aid horizontal lens alignment534.
For subjects located between 3 and 10 meters away, an OTEMO variable separation prism was attached to the front of the lens; only 20 of these prisms were produced534. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the variable separation prism which was later catalogued as OTEMO ("Aufsetzbarer Prismenkopf verschwenkbar mit 52-72 m/m Basis von 3,40 m bis ∞ Aufnahmeentfernung") as June 28, 1937, and noted himself as designer573. The very first OTEMO prism had serial number 5001407. Additionally, a pair of yellow filters was provided for use with the OTEMO534. For objects situated more than 10 meters away, a special lens cap with a rotating aperture was utilized534. After taking the first picture of the pair, the cap was rotated 180 degrees, and the camera was moved sideways the necessary distance to capture the second exposure534. Polarizing filter OVUTO was part of the outfit for this lens407.
The lens and the OTEMO prism could be mounted on a specialized stand, which included special eyepieces, an extension tube, a lamp, and a condenser for tabletop viewing534.
The same 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar lens was also utilized for stereo projection with the Model VIIIs projector, using a special bracket, polarizing filter, and double condenser534. Additionally, there was a matched pair of 10cm f/2.5 Hektor projection lenses available, complete with polarizing filters534. Unfortunately, the codes for these items are not known534. Sometimes, special 8.5 cm f/2.5 Hektor stereo projection lenses with a splitting prism were used with VIIIs projectors388. The outfit included two polarizing filters marked R and L388.
For more information about this lens, readers are invited to consult Friedrich Rüttinger’s article, "Stereophotographie mit Leitz-Kameras" published in the 1982 Vidom 22427.
Some known examples of 3.5cm f/2.5 Stemar lenses were:
- Prototype lens without serial number was auctioned off at the 1st Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 5, 2019428. The lens featured a built-in viewfinder mask for half-frame format, along with optics designed to simultaneously reduce the viewfinder image to match the lens's focal length428. It had the Leitz design number 42424428. Additionally, it included a prism attachment for person-tone separation (Person-Tontrenn-Verfahren) method, which was inscribed "bedampft (vapor deposited) 1:21" on the inside428. A similar prototype, in M-mount, was illustrated on page 40 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002570.
- Lens number 541053 was delivered in 1940 and was part of English collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 541054 was delivered in 1940556.
- Lens number 541055, dated 1940, was auctioned off at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020387. It was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 541066 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541067 was known to exist556.
- In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of screwmount 3.3cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar lens ("Stereo-Objektiv f=3,3 cm 1:3,5 mit Gelbfilter und Sucher") as September 5, 1945, and noted himself as designer573. One such lens, with serial number 541068 was illustrated on page 121 of the "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book573. Another lens with the same number, dated for some reason as 1941, and referred to as "Leitz Stemar 3,5cm f/2.5..." was auctioned off at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. The lens was delivered to Berlin on June 18th of 1941 and had a golden foil decal inscribed "Prof. Dr. E. Menner"424.
- Lens number 541069 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541070 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541071 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541072 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541073 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
- Lens number 541077 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 541078 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541079 was known to exist556.
- Lens number 541080 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541082 was delivered in 1941556.
- Lens number 541085 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 541088 was illustrated in Viewfinder, 23(4)556. It was delivered in 1942 and was part of US collection in 1990556.
- Lens number 567078 was delivered in 1942556.
- Lens number 582256 was a prototype lens that part of Leitz Factory Museum556. No Viewfinder was required for this prototype to operate556. This lens was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
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3.3cm f/3.5 Stemar
Prototype 1 ("Stereo-Elmar")
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of screwmount 3.3cm f/3.5 Stereo-Elmar lens ("Stereo-Objektiv f=3,3 cm 1:3,5 mit Gelbfilter und Sucher") as September 5, 1945, and noted himself as designer573. One such lens, with serial number 541068 was illustrated on page 121 of the "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book573. On the illustration, the lens was engraved "Elmar"573.
3.3cm f/2.5 Stemar
Another lens with the same number (541068), dated for some reason as 1941, and referred to as "Leitz Stemar 3,5cm f/2.5" was auctioned off at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. The lens was delivered to Berlin on June 18th of 1941 and had a golden foil decal inscribed "Prof. Dr. E. Menner"424.
A similar unnumbered lens was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica " book in 2014594 . The viewfinder of the camera that the lens was attached to featured red museum sticker and the prism had serial number of "2 " 594 . This lens was referred to as "transitional model with viewfinder mask " 594.
Note on "Stemar" in box and screw mount
In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the 3.3cm f/3.5 Stemar lens based on B 281 formula and in box mount ("Stereo-Objektiv Stemar f=3,3 cm 1:3,5 mit Justierung (Schachtelfassung) B 281") as October 20, 1952, and noted Willi Schmidt as designer573. One such lens, number 1054072, was illustrated on the page 145 of the same book573. The same illustration had some additional notes in the caption 573 :
Production version ("Stemar") in screw mount
The commercial production for the Stemar system began with the 3.3mm f/3.5 Stemar lens with a small initial run in Wetzlar in 1953364 and then continued in Midland, Canada534 since August of 1954364. Midland began producing the 3.3mm f/3.5 Stemar lens to address the renewed interest in stereo photography in the United States389. Between 1954 and 1957, only about 500 units were manufactured at the factory in Canada389.
This lens was available with either a screw thread or a bayonet mount364. The screw mount lens was code-named OISBO and had a catalog number 60158534. The bayonet mount lens was code-named OIASO and had a catalog number 60159534.
The 3.3mm f/3.5 Stemar lens allowed for photography at distances ranging from 1 meter to 3 meters364. Some additional accessories were:
- prism attachment called OIMPO, which resembled the STEREOLY and increased the distance between the two lenses, enabling shots from 3 meters to infinity364. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the device that looked very much like OIMPO ("Stereo-Prismenkopf mit feststehender Basis 72 m/m") as November 14, 1945, and noted himself as designer573. The same book mentioned that the protective cap for the device was designed by Wilhelm Albert on or before June 26, 1953573.
- viewfinder with a vertical frame364. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the stereo viewfinder with spirit level and concave mirror ("Stereosucher mit Libelle und Hohlspiegel") as October 15, 1954, and noted himself as designer573.
- special projector, and glasses featuring polarized lenses364.
750 (or 3000439) 3.3cm f/3.5 Stemar lenses were produced between 1953 and 1954, with serial numbers ranging from 1054001 through 1124550364. While the serial number range 1054001 - 1054100 was reserved428 for one of the batches made in 1953380, only a few a few lenses in that range were delivered428.
There is a known lens 1140005 (see below) that falls outside of the usual serial number range.
The commercial production also included pairs of compatible lenses for Prado projectors534. According to Fontanelle Newsletter of 1980, Number 2, Belgian dealer's catalogue still featured the equipment in 1960534.
Among some known samples were:
- Lens number 1054024, dated 1952, was illustrated on the page 145 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book573. It was also illustrated on page 80 of Viewfinder Vol. 15, No. 4 Oct. Dec., 1982.
- Lens number 1054034 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
- Lens number 1054042, dated 1953, was auctioned off at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023380. The lens had screw mount380. The lot included a very special Wetzlar beam splitter Nr.2380. Exactly this unique prism could be found in Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, on page 178380.
- Lens number 1054044 was a screw mount lens with M-adapter400. It was auctioned off at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. The lens came from Theo Kisselbach's collection400.
- Lens number 1054045 was illustrated on the page 281 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .
- Lens number 1054072, dated 1952, was illustrated on the page 145 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book573.
- Lens number 1054082 was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026597.
- Lens number 1054083, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 39th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 20, 2021384. The lens came from Dr. Bahman Bawendi's collection384. This lot included two extremely rare prototype close-up attachments with a bayonet mount, designed for use with screw mount or M cameras384. One attachment was for 0.50 - 1m, engraved with "Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzlar Germany Stemar-Vorsatz 0.50 - 1m," and came with its original wooden box384. The second attachment was for 60cm, engraved with "Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzlar Germany 60cm," and included a Leitz leather case384. Additionally, the lot featured a mint condition Leitz Prado 150 projector with a stereo projection lens, engraved with "Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzlar Germany Epis f=5cm 1:3.5."384 According to Dr. Bawendi, the projection lens, Epis, was the only known sample of its kind384. The entire outfit was illustrated and described in 'Vidom' No. 22, pages 28-36384.
- Lens number 1054089, dated 1953, was auctioned off at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013401. The lens was part of the outfit that had been displayed at the Technical Museum in Berlin between 1986 and 2013401.
- Lens number 1054090, dated 1953, was auctioned off at the 1st Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 5, 2019428. It was a screw mount lens with M-adapter428.
- Lens number 1054095, dated 1953, was auctioned off at the 31st WestLicht Camera Auction on June 10, 2017392.
- Lens number 1054098, dated 1953, was auctioned off at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023380.
- Lens number 1124004, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021385.
- Lens number 1124014 was illustrated in Viewfinder Vol. 15, No. 4 Oct. Dec., 1982.
- Lens number 1124022 dated circa 1954, was auctioned off at the 35th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2019388.
- Lens number 1124027, dated 1955, was auctioned off at the 1st WestLicht Camera Auction on November 15, 2002422. The lens had screw mount422.
- Lens number 1124028, dated circa 1954, was auctioned off at the 13th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 7, 2008411. It was one of the few lenses with the original M-mount411.
- Lens number 1124029, dated circa 1969 (?), was auctioned off at the 28th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 21, 2015395. It was one of the few lenses with the original M-mount395.
- Lens number 1124037 was illustrated on the page 109of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book.
- Lens number 1124041, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014397.
- Lens number 1124053, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022382.
- Lens number 1124088, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 13th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 7, 2008411.
- Lens number 1124096, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 21st WestLicht Camera Auction on May 12, 2012403.
- Lens number 1124111 was illustrated on page 62 of Camera Review No. 32 (Leica-Book '95), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo).
- Lens number 1124113, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 12th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 17, 2007412.
- Lens number 1124148 was auctioned off at the 7th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 21, 2005417.
- Lens number 1124164 was featured on advertisement for Christie's Auction house in 2003 (see p.65 8/2003 Leica Fotografie International).
- Lens number 1124194 was auctioned off at the Auction Team Breker on April 21, 2007.
- Lens number 1124199, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 25th WestLicht Camera Auction on March 22, 2014398.
- Lens number 1124209, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 44th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 10, 2024379.
- Lens number 1124245, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400.
- Lens number 1124256 was auctioned off at thewas auctioned off at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011404.
- Lens number 1124265, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 5th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2004419.
- Lens number 1124266 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
- Lens number 1124289, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 34th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 8, 2019389.
- Lens number 1124319, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014397.
- Lens number 1124328 was illustrated in Viewfinder 15, Number 4, Oct-Dec 1982.
- Lens number 1124339 was sold for 6600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026585.
- Lens number 1124344, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024423.
- Lens number 1124352 was offered for sale on @zhzuh13's eBay in September of 2026.
- Lens number 1124357, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 5th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2004419.
- Lens number 1124382, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022383.
- Lens number 1124383, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016394.
- Lens number 1124390, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013401.
- Lens number 1124427 was illustrated on the page 282 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .
- Lens number 1124434 was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book.
- Lens number 1124458, dated 1955, was auctioned off at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014399.
- Lens number 1124466 was auctioned off at the 17th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2010407.
- Lens number 1124480 was auctioned off at the 14th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 30, 2008410. It was one of the few lenses with the original M-mount410.
- Lens number 1124497 was auctioned off at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2003421.
- Lens number 1124526 was illustrated on the page 282 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .
- Lens number 1124530, dated 1955, was auctioned off at the 1st WestLicht Camera Auction on November 15, 2002422. It was one of the few lenses with the original M-mount422.
- Lens number 1124535, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014397. It was one of the few lenses with the original M-mount397. The lens came from Dr. Bahman Bawendi's collection397.
- Lens number 1124543, dated 1954, was auctioned off at the 25th WestLicht Camera Auction on March 22, 2014398. It was one of the few lenses with the original M-mount398.
- Lens number 1140005 was illustrated in Viewfinder Vol. 15, No. 4 Oct. Dec., 1982. The lens was described as "from rarely encountered batch" and engraved Midland.
