[Leica] f/2 35mm Summicron 3rd Version Date & Use

[Bill Caldwell <sneeker@erols.com>]

SNIP -- John Collier wrote:
 
The early production of the third version of the 35mm summicron had
a tab to assist in changing the aperture. The tab is square in shape
with serration's on the extremity (when viewed from the front).  ....
The third version was produced from 1969 to 1979 and serial numbers run
(approximately) 2 316 000 to 2 874 000. Pictures that I have found show
lenses with  early serial numbers (around 2 3xx xxx) having the aperture
tab but later lenses (around 2 5xx xxx and up) do not have the tab. 

SNIP --

John & Others,

Gee, as the owner of a third version of the f/2 35mm Summicron, I
tripped over a couple of things in the above post. I believe it was the
second computation or version of the f/2 35mm Summicron that had the
serrated, protruding lever or tab.  The information above in the SNIP
appears to reflect G. Sartorius, "Identifying Leica Lenses" (1999),
whose book just lumps the second and third version f/2 35 mm Summicron
from 1969 to 1979 (although in a lower sidebar comment, Sartorius at
page 69 states: "Beginning with serial number 2,461,001, a third version
was produced which retained the six elements but altered the lens body
considerably.").  My own historical note: lenses serial numbers in the
2,461,XXX would date from approximately 1971 +/-.   

J. Luger,"Leica, An Illustrated History, Volume II - Lenses" (1994), is
more definitive: "At serial number 2461001, the six element 35mm 1:2
Summicron was issued in a new mount with, in most cases, a traditional
aperture-control ring [i.e., did away with the serrated, protruding
lever].  This version also appears to be a new optical formula (third
computation), although to the writer's knowledge no optical change has
ever been publicized by Leitz.  The new lens, still six elements,
exhibits larger entrance and exit pupil diameters when compared to the
second computation."  Luger, Vol. II at page 157.

The second version of the f/2 35mm Summicron (11309) with the protuding
tab appears to have been built or assembled from mid-1969 to 1971.  My
own f/2 35mm Summicron-M (third version) is serial number 25415xx and it
has the traditional aperture ring without a serrated, protruding lever,
and still retained the earlier Leitz code of 11309. It dates from 1973
+/-.  The fourth computation (seven element design, Leitz code 11310)of
the f/2 35mm Summicron came out in 1979 (above serial number 2974250).
Luger, Vol. II at page 158.  

My third version has been a work horse over the years, and was easily my
most used lens until the f/1.4 35mm ASPH Summilux (2nd Version) came
into my possession. Just recently with the f/2 35mm Summicron, I
obtained a fantastic available light photo of Fred Maroon ("The Nixon
Years 1969-1974")in a Smithsonian gallery where his photographs were
being exhibited.  Just one shooter's research and experience on the f/2.

Best Regards,

Bill Caldwell
Northern Virginia
<sneeker@erols.com>