Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/12/17

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Subject: [Leica] Re: Special Leica lenses
From: "David Kieltyka" <daverk@email.msn.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 20:08:13 -0500

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-