Summaron 35mm f3.5, early A36 model. Leica screw mount. Serial number in the 1,220,000 range, made in 1954, the year the Leica M3 was introduced. The last three digits of this lens serial number are 001, a very pleasing number.

The product code is SOONC. It features a 6-element, 4-group Double Gauss optical design. Distance scale is in meters.

Introduced in 1946 as the successor to the Elmar 35mm f3.5. Compared with the Elmar, it is slightly taller and a little heavier, yet it remains highly compact and wonderfully portable. Its classic old-lens design is also very appealing.

It offers high resolving power in the center, while near wide open the natural vignetting toward the edges creates a dramatic atmosphere.

Despite delivering wonderful image quality, production numbers were relatively high, and prices remain approachable. A truly welcome classic Leica wide-angle lens.

The compatible hood is FOOKH, and it takes A36 clamp-on filters.

There is a very slight rub mark on the edge of the barrel base, but otherwise there are no noticeable scratches or scuffs, and the exterior is very clean with little sign of use. The chrome plating retains a shine reminiscent of when it was new.

Fully overhauled in June 2026. The aperture ring has a pleasant click feel, and the helicoid has been finished with a smooth feel. Rangefinder coupling is spot-on, and focus accuracy is also excellent.

The middle element shows very slight coating deterioration and extremely faint cleaning marks, visible only when held up to strong LED light, but these should have no effect on photography. The coating remains fully intact across the surface. The results of our actual shooting test were also very good.

Comes with third-party front and rear caps. Ready for practical use.