One of Leitz's legendary lenses, the 8-element Summicron 35mm f2 in chrome finish. The Leitz product code is SAWOM, later 11308. This example was made in Germany. The serial number is in the 2.19 million range, dating it to 1966, meaning it turns 60 years old this year. In 1966, Japan's population surpassed 100 million, the Beatles visited Japan, and the postwar economic boom known as the Izanagi boom began. It was certainly a lively and optimistic era.
Introduced in 1958, this is the first version of the Summicron 35mm. It features a symmetrical double-Gauss design with 8 elements in 6 groups. Wide open, it delivers an exquisite rendering with a gentle softness, while stopping down slightly brings a noticeably stronger sense of depth and three-dimensionality. Stopped down further, it becomes crisp and sharp while retaining a pleasant softness. A remarkably accomplished lens.
As you would expect from a product of Leitz's golden era, its beautifully functional, unmistakably German design is another major attraction, and one that Japanese Leica enthusiasts have long admired. It even looks perfectly at home on a current digital Leica. A truly timeless lens.
The minimum focusing distance is 0.7m. Filter size is E39. The coatings show amber and purple tones. The actual measured weight is 181g.
The original matching hoods include the ITDOO and IROOA. Later hoods such as the 12585 and 12504 can also be used.
There are a few small scratches around the GERMANY engraving near the base of the barrel, but overall, it shows little sign of use and remains in very clean cosmetic condition.
A full overhaul, including focus adjustment, was completed in July 2026. The aperture ring and helicoid operate smoothly with a pleasantly damped feel. The infinity lock has also been carefully adjusted so that it slips smoothly into place. Rangefinder coupling is excellent.
The original coating remains well preserved on all glass surfaces. There are a few extremely light cleaning marks on the front and internal elements, as well as very minor coating deterioration, but these are only visible under strong LED light and should have virtually no effect on actual images.
Original front and rear caps are included.
