Summilux 35mm f1.4, early Steel Rim version. This example is the goggled version for the Leica M3. Leitz product codes OCSUC / 11871. The optical design consists of 7 elements in 5 groups. Made in Canada. Serial number in the 1,770,000 range, dating to 1960. Minimum focusing distance is 65cm. Filter size is E41. Compatible hoods are the OLLUX and 12522H.
Beyond its distinctive optical character, the beautifully finished barrel is a delight in itself, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of Leitz at its peak. The lens also looks absolutely fantastic with the OLLUX hood attached.
The goggles, which convert the M3's 50mm framelines to a 35mm field of view, have been overhauled and now offer a wonderfully crisp, clear view, just as one would expect from Leitz.
At or near full aperture, the lens produces a beautiful, dreamlike glow, as though the image were veiled in a delicate mist. Stop it down, and the rendering becomes remarkably sharp and crisp. Particularly impressive is the clarity and three-dimensional quality of the images when stopped down slightly.
Although the coating on one of the internal elements is missing, the glass itself remains in quite good condition, and this lens is capable of producing truly wonderful images.
There are slight scuffs on the satin-chrome surfaces, including the underside of the goggles, but overall, the lens shows little sign of use and remains in very beautiful condition. No dents or impact marks are present.
A full overhaul was completed in October 2026, including complete disassembly of the goggles and focus adjustment. Thanks to meticulous servicing, both the aperture mechanism and helicoid operate exceptionally smoothly. The rangefinder coupling has also been carefully adjusted and is now spot-on from close distances all the way to infinity.
The optical elements of the goggles have also been thoroughly serviced and are beautifully clear, with no haze. They preserve the superb view through the M3's finder.
The rear element has a few extremely faint cleaning marks, while the front and rear elements show some coating deterioration. These are only noticeable under strong LED light. The coating on one of the internal elements is also missing, but this is unlikely to have any noticeable effect on actual photographs. Otherwise, the glass is free from haze and fungus.
Actual shooting tests produced excellent results. We have posted sample images in our Sample Gallery and hope you will take a look. All photographs were taken at or near full aperture.
Comes with our original FB-05 front cap, specially designed for the Steel Rim Summilux, a Leitz New York SL filter, and the original leather case.
