Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/10/13
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The serial number refers to Early 1957, which could be either 1st version, Second version, or a DR. The following is from Cameraquest web site. For price, well that's a tough one without more information. Research the Net.
From Camequest wed site:
First version 1954-1957 Collapsible chrome. A good lens, but not as good as the later lenses. EXTREMELY likely to be found with lens scratches. It has a VERY soft front coating. Likely to be encountered fogged from original owner, see Fogging. Not collapsible on M5 or CL due to meter constrictions. 7 elements, focused to 40"
Second version 1956-68 Rigid chrome, although a few were made in black by special order. Aesthetically a very handsome lens, sought after by shooters and collectors. This lens was tested to have the highest resolution (at the expense of some contrast) of any 50 Summicron several years ago by a Japanese photography magazine. Again, very prone to front lens scratches. For many years thought to be the same optical formula as the collapsible, recently it has been confirmed to be slightly different. Likely to be encountered fogged from original owner, see Fogging. 7 elements, focused to 40"
Third version 1956-1968 Dual Range Summicron, chrome. This is a special close focusing version of # 2 above. The 50/2 Duel Range Summicron had the highest tested resolution of any lens ever tested by the great and sadly departed American photography magazine, Modern Photography. It has the closest RF coupled focusing of any M lens. 7 elements. Most "experts" say the optical formula is the same as the rigid, but many experienced DR users claim they get different results and so believe they must be different formulas. With a flat platform for the "eyes" on the top of it's focusing barrel, the DR is not as pleasing aesthetically as the rigid. Nevertheless, the DR is very sought after by shooters. Again, very prone to front lens scratches and also fogging if bought from the original owner, see Fogging.
Chris Saganich
- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of Patrick (Washington, DC)
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2003 8:57 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: [Leica] Help with an older Summicron
I've been offered an 'older' Summicron 50, Wetzlar serial # 14695xx,
silver, mint.
What generation lens is that, how good is it and approx. what should I
pay for it?
Cheers,
Patrick
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