Summitar 50mm f2 with coating. Leica product code: SOORE. Serial number in the 780,000 range. Manufactured in 1950. 4 groups, 7 elements. It has a rounded aperture and an international style aperture scale (f2, f2.8, f4...) with feet markings.
The Summitar was introduced as the second large-aperture fast lens following the Summar. Significant improvements were made in the peripheral falloff and flow around the wide-open aperture. This was followed by the introduction of the iconic Leica standard lens, the Summicron 50mm.
Although the Summitar 50mm is often overshadowed by the fame of the Summicron, it is a lens full of the charm typical of old lenses and should be reevaluated. While it was produced in large quantities and is a representative of reasonably priced Leica L-mount lenses, it can be surprisingly difficult to find a clean specimen.
The aperture ring shows very slight corrosion on the matte finish plating, and there are a few minor scuffs on the retractable section, but there are no noticeable scratches, and the lens has a rather clean appearance. Among the often heavily used Summitars, this one is in quite good condition.
A full overhaul was completed in November 2024, and the aperture ring and helicoid are finished very smoothly. The rangefinder coupling is perfect, and it operates comfortably.
The front lens element has a few very faint cleaning marks, and there is some concentric coating degradation on both the front and middle elements, but it has minimal impact on actual image quality. The coating is still intact, and the glass is very clear. This is quite clean glass for a Summitar.
Test shots have produced excellent results. I hope you can view the sample shots. This lens is also recommended for those looking to start with old lenses at a reasonable price.
Comes with the original front cap.
