Summaron 35mm f3.5, early version. Leica screw mount. Serial number in the 840,000 range. Manufactured in 1951. Product code is SOONC. It features a 4-group, 6-element double Gauss design. Distance scale in meters. Compatible filters are A36 slip-on type.
Introduced in 1946 as the successor to the Elmar 35mm f3.5, the Summaron is slightly taller and heavier than the Elmar, but it remains highly compact and versatile. Its classic old lens design is another appealing feature.
With high central resolution, and a natural vignetting near wide-open apertures that creates a dramatic atmosphere, this lens delivers superb image quality. Despite its excellent performance, it was produced in large numbers, making it an affordable staple among Leica wide-angle lenses. Compatible hood is FOOKH.
The exterior is clean with very little sign of use. A full overhaul was completed by a professional service in October 2024. As expected, the aperture and helicoid operation feel excellent, and the rangefinder coupling is spot on.
There are some very light cleaning marks on the front element, and the rear element shows slight coating wear, which is only noticeable under strong LED light. Neither is likely to affect image quality. For a Summaron, which often suffers from haze, this lens is in good optical condition. The test shots also delivered excellent results.
