The Leitz Xenon 50mm f1.5, early version. This model is engraved with the Taylor-Hobson mark on the nameplate, suggesting it was likely shipped to the UK. The Leitz product code is XEMOO, and the serial number is in the 280,000 range.
The Leica Xenon was produced from 1936 to 1950. This particular unit, manufactured in 1936, is an early version featuring the two-knurled helicoid ring, commonly known as the two-band type. It uses a hexagonal aperture blade design and has an optical construction of 5 groups and 7 elements. The lens is uncoated. The aperture markings follow the continental system (f1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 3.2, 4.5, ...), and the minimum aperture is f9. The distance scale is in feet.
This lens, designed by Dr. Tronnier, is a representative large-aperture lens of pre-war Leitz. Manufactured by Schneider, its production quantity is around 6,000 units, making it quite rare. It was intended to compete with the renowned Zeiss-Ikon Sonnar, and at the time, it was a very expensive lens. Though overshadowed by later lenses like the Summarit and Summilux, the Leica Xenon remains a classic, offering delicate and soft rendering at wide apertures.
The appropriate UV filter is the screw-in type XOOFB, and the compatible lens hood is the folding-type XIOOM.
The mounting area for the hood at the front of the lens shows slight brass exposure. Overall, there are some light scuffs, but considering it is a Leica Xenon nearly 90 years old, the appearance is quite clean. There are no noticeable scratches or dents.
The lens underwent a full overhaul in January 2025. Thanks to the meticulous servicing, both the aperture ring and helicoid, which tend to become stiff in Xenon lenses, operate very smoothly. The matte lacquer used for internal reflection prevention has also been carefully reapplied.
The lens shows some signs of age on the front element, including mild yellowing of the glass, light cleaning marks, and a small abrasion in the center of the front element, but these should have little to no effect on actual images. The middle element is clear and performs well, showing good sharpness. While the pre-war uncoated lens is slightly vulnerable to backlighting, it produces very characterful rendering in underexposed scenes. Test shots were excellent, and I hope you can check out the test shots as well.
The lens comes with both the front and rear original caps.
