Speaking of the 80mm f/1.4 Summilux-R ...

["David P. Freedman" <dpfreedman@worldnet.att.net>]

I'm emerging from the LUG shadows with a question:  There's been some
traffic on the list recently about the 80/1.4 Summilux-R. Most opionions
seem to have been quite positive. I've been looking around for one of
these for a while and my preferred dealer in Connecticut just took one
in from one of his other customers. The lens is cosmetically exc+ at
least (glass perfect) and the dealer is asking a reasonable (I think)
$1200. So far so good. The thing is, this lens appears to be fairly
elderly as 80/1.4's go. The front ring says "Leitz Wetzlar" and the
serial number is 3152xxx. I note that the lens shown on page 3 of the
Leica R8 brochure says "Leica" and carries a s/n of 3647783. Here's
where I need some guidance:

Is there a way to gauge the age of the lens from its serial number?
Also, has the optical or mechanical configuration of this lens model
changed since its introduction? Recent examples in mint/mint- condition
seem to be priced around the $1500 mark; would the extra $300 or so for
a newer specimen be money well spent?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Time to creep back into the shadows.