[Leica] FS: 35 Summilux RF, Summicrons

["Simon Pulman-Jones" <spulmanjones@lbs.ac.uk>]

For Sale:

35 Summilux RF (for M3 or M6HM) Chrome #1778XXX + OLLUX hood.

This lens is from the very first batch of the Summilux in 1960, and comes in
a Summicron RF box - maybe because it was released before the Summilux RF
box was ready, maybe not. The lens is in very nice condition. I'm not too
good on grading - I'd guess exc++. The chrome barrel shows remarkably few
signs of use - the lettering is all perfect condition. The glass is very
nice too, with no dust. On close inspection at an oblique angle faint
cleaning marks can be seen on front and rear lenses - but this is not
something that I noticed until now. The goggles are very clean apart from a
small ding on the corner of the viewfinder goggle. The (extremely rare)
OLLUX hood is in exc.+ condition, with a very small ding on the front edge
and most of the black anodising worn from the front edge. Otherwise no
marks - the lettering is all intact, but a little faded. I don't have period
front or rear caps, but will include a chrome UVa E41 filter. The box is
showing its age, but still intact.

Very few of these were made in 1960 - the Hove guide doesn't list any
production numbers until 1961. This is one of those collectible lenses which
is very hard to price - I've seen them advertised for as much as 2,500 US
dollars. This one isn't in perfect collector's condition, but it is very
nice nonetheless. I think 500 UK pounds (about 780 US dollars) is a fair
price.

35 Summicron non-Asph. last version, Germany, #3682XXX, with caps, hood,
case, box and papers. This lens has been used but is almost as new, with
only the tiniest marks where the hood and filters attach. The hood shows a
few more tiny marks. 480 UK pounds (about 750 US dollars).

35 SUMMICRON (for M) 6 element version (Wetzlar) 2394XXX in Exc+ condition,
without hood or caps. The barrel is very clean, with just a little fading on
some of the lettering, and the glass has just a little dust. Not a new
looking lens, but far from a 'user'.

350 UK pounds (about 550 US dollars)

Simon.
London.