Summilux 35mm f1.4 1st Generation – Steel Rim. This is the legendary 1st-generation Summilux 35mm f1.4, commonly known as the Steel Rim. It features a serial number in the 1,760,000 range and was manufactured in 1960 by Leitz Canada. The official Leitz product codes are OCLUX / 11870, originally released for the Leica M2.
When shot wide open, this lens produces a beautifully ethereal glow, creating a dreamy, soft rendering. Stopping down sharpens the image dramatically, offering an exceptional level of clarity and crisp detail. Even when slightly stopped down, the transparency and three-dimensional rendering make for an extraordinary photographic experience.
While every generation of the Summilux has its own charm, this 1st model stands apart in both style and craftsmanship. When paired with its dedicated OLLUX hood, it looks truly iconic.
As prices for this lens have skyrocketed in recent years, its desirability is unquestionable. A rare and highly sought-after masterpiece.
The barrel is in exceptionally clean condition, showing no signs of use. The chrome plating retains its beautiful shine, as if it had just left the factory.
It underwent a full overhaul in February 2025. From the smooth operation of the aperture ring and helicoid ring to the precise engagement of the infinity lock, every detail has been finely tuned for a seamless, stress-free shooting experience. The rangefinder coupling is also perfectly aligned.
The lens has a tiny speck of coating blemish near the center of the front element. Other than that, there are no cleaning marks or haze, and the glass remains crystal clear with excellent transparency. The coating is fully intact, and test shots have produced outstanding results.
Although the original box shows significant wear, it matches the lens’s serial number. Also included are our custom-made front cap for the Steel Rim (FB-05) and an original Leica rear cap.
As a completely useless piece of Leica trivia, the original box for early M2-era Steel Rim models was designed to store the lens with the OLLUX hood and rear cap attached, while the dedicated front cap was placed in a small gap beside the lens. Later versions of the box were redesigned to store the hood separately next to the lens. Just another fun addition to an ever-growing collection of Leica knowledge! LoL
