Summicron 35mm f2 with a chrome barrel, known as the eight-element version. Made in Germany. This example is an early model with an aluminum filter ring, produced in 1958.
Its serial number is 16307xx, placing it within the very first batch of eight-element lenses that began at 1630501. Shortly after this range, the black paint version for the M3 also appeared.
Leitz product code is SAWOM, later 11308. The minimum focusing distance is 0.7 m, and the filter size is E39.
This example is the dual L/M type. By loosening the small set screw and removing the M-mount ring, the Leica L-mount is revealed underneath. It is an eight-element Summicron that can be enjoyed on both M-mount and thread-mount Leica bodies.
Its hallmark is the gentle rendering at full aperture. Stop down slightly and three-dimensional presence increases noticeably; stop down further and it transitions into a crisp yet still gentle image character. A highly capable lens offering a wide range of expressive possibilities.
Beyond its optical performance, the design exudes the functional beauty characteristic of German industrial craftsmanship. Demand for the eight-element version has continued to rise in recent years, and truly good examples have become increasingly scarce.
Compatible hoods include ITDOO and IROOA, as well as later types such as 12585 and 12504.
This item was previously sold by our shop and has now returned to us. It was carefully used by the customer and remains in the same practical and well-maintained condition as at the time of the previous sale.
Fine wear marks from attaching and removing the hood can be seen around the entire aluminum front rim, and there are light rub marks on the helicoid and lens base, but there are no dings or dents.
It received a full overhaul in 2025. Thanks to the meticulous servicing, the aperture ring moves smoothly with a well-defined click feeling, and the helicoid operates with excellent smoothness. Rangefinder coupling is perfectly accurate.
When illuminated with a strong LED light, a few faint cleaning marks can be seen around the edges of the inner elements, and there are somewhat numerous pinpoint areas of coating deterioration, though none of these issues have any noticeable effect on photography. No haze or fungus is present, and the lens surfaces retain their beautiful original purple-tinted coating.
The test shots were also excellent. Perhaps it is simply my fondness for early examples, but I cannot help feeling that this one delivers the crispness and spot-on focus characteristic of the earliest production.
Sample images have been uploaded to our Test Shot Gallery and we hope you will enjoy viewing them.
Original front and rear caps are included. The front cap is the early purple velour type appropriate to the period.
