Produced in 1938 and 1942 for tropical regions, this is a rare version of the Summar known as the Tropen or Tropical Summar 50mm. Leica’s product code for this model is TROPEN, 42214 (the regular Summar is 42134).
This example has been post-coated by Leica. While the regular Summar has a 4-group, 6-element configuration, the Tropen Summar features an additional front element, making it a 4-group, 7-element lens. As a result, the barrel is slightly longer than that of the standard Summar.
The front element also appears to be made of a different type of glass, which may explain why Tropen Summars tend to show fewer surface marks compared to standard Summars.
This particular lens was part of a collection owned by a customer who had gathered several Tropen Summars. Among them, this was the one he favored most for its exceptional rendering performance.
This item was previously sold by our store. After being fully overhauled, it was sold and carefully used by the customer, then returned to us. This marks the fourth time it has been offered for sale.
The exterior shows minor scuffs from regular use, and in some areas, the underlying brass is faintly visible. However, there are no dents or major damage. It gives the impression of having been carefully and lovingly used over time.
Although it was fully overhauled in 2021, it has undergone another complete overhaul prior to this resale. Thanks to this meticulous servicing, the aperture and helicoid now operate very smoothly. The interior of the barrel has also been re-coated with matte black lacquer to reduce internal reflections, which should contribute to a tighter, more contrasted rendering.
The front element has three tiny pin-sized marks near the center, and the inner element shows some coating deterioration and light cleaning marks, but none of these should significantly impact actual image results. In fact, the rendering is truly impressive. The sample images shown in our test gallery were taken by a previous owner.
Perhaps due to the coating, the lens performs well even against backlight or reflective light sources, delivering high contrast and resolution. It is fully usable even wide open.
Comes with a genuine yellow filter and a rare aluminum tropical-style front cap.
