Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/12/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jason Carroll <jacebc@mac.com> wrote: > I received several recommendations on the 35mm Summicron lens for > a Leica M2, and I am investigating my options. I have been > searching on eBay, but it's difficult to tell when a particular > lens was made. I am also confused on the benefits of the 3rd or > 4th generations. I found one serial #231XXXX. Any opinions? Jason, here's the breakdown on the pre-ASPH 35 Summicrons: Version 1 -- 1958-1969 -- 8 elements, 6 groups -- serial #s 1640000-2316000 Version 2 -- 1969-1970 -- 6 elements, 4 groups -- serial #s 2316001-2461000 Version 3 -- 1970-1979 -- 6 elements, 4 groups -- serial #s 2461001-2874000 Version 4 -- 1979-1997 -- 7 elements, 5 groups -- serial #s 2970000-3731200 This info comes from the Sartorius book on Leica lenses. All serial numbers are approximate. Versions 2 and 3 are optically identical...only the lens body was modified. I guess the lens you've found could be a version 1 or 2. I've used a version 4 and can tell you it was sharper (well, had greater contrast anyway) in the corners at full aperture than my version 1. Beyond that I didn't see any difference. Every 35 'cron I've ever used has delivered great images (given the modest capabilities of the person holding the camera) so I don't think you can go wrong with any of 'em. - -Dave-