Summilux 35mm f1.4 1st, commonly known as the Steel Rim. This example has a serial number in the 1.73 million range, placing it in the first production batch of the Steel Rim. Made by Leitz Canada in 1960. Leitz product code: OCLUX / 11870. It was released for the Leica M2.
Around wide open, it renders with a beautifully dreamy glow, almost as if the image is veiled. Stop it down, and it delivers a crisp, sharply defined image. The clarity and three-dimensional rendering seen when slightly stopped down are also truly wonderful.
Every generation of the Summilux has its own charm, but this 1st model stands apart in both style and build quality. Its appearance with the dedicated OLLUX hood attached is simply superb. This lens has become extremely expensive in recent years, but once you experience it, the reason is easy to understand. Rare.
There is some wear on the steel rim at the front of the barrel. There are also marks around the focusing tab and the screws on the barrel, so it does show signs of use, but it is clear that this lens has been carefully cherished.
Fully overhauled in 2026. Thanks to meticulous servicing, both the aperture ring and helicoid now have an exquisite operating feel. Rangefinder coupling is spot-on.
The front element shows some very faint cleaning marks and light coating wear, but these should have virtually no effect on actual images. Otherwise, there is no haze or fungus, and the glass has excellent clarity.
The results from our test shots were also very good. Sample images are posted in our Test Shoot Gallery. All were taken at or near wide open. We hope you will take a look.
At or near wide open, the lens renders with a soft, airy character, yet fine, delicate lines can still be seen within that softness. Stopping down by one or two stops gradually clears the flare, while the lens retains its distinctive, moist and atmospheric rendering. By around f5.6, it transforms into a crisp, rich, and contrasty performer. A truly renowned lens that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Our original FB-05 front cap, made especially for the Steel Rim, and the genuine rear cap are included. The filter was likely originally a yellow filter, but the glass has been replaced with UV glass.
