Summaron 35mm f2.8, commonly known as the 2.8 Summaron. Leitz product code: SIMOM-M, later changed to 11306. Serial number in the 1.61 million range, made in Germany in 1958.
Production of the 2.8 Summaron started from serial number 1615001, and this example comes from that very first production batch, making it the 720th 2.8 Summaron produced.
By removing the small set screw on the mount, the bayonet mount can be detached to reveal a Leica screw mount, allowing the lens to be enjoyed on Barnack Leicas as well.
Although it retains the same 6-element design in 4 groups as the earlier Summaron f3.5, the use of new optical glass made it one stop faster. Color reproduction and resolution were also improved. Even wide open, it delivers a sharp image with a pleasant amount of falloff toward the edges, giving its rendering plenty of atmosphere.
The infinity lock was also redesigned, and its appearance is strikingly similar to the legendary 8-element Summicron 35mm introduced in the same year. It also looks perfectly at home on current digital M cameras.
Filter size is E39. Minimum focusing distance is 0.7 meters. Actual weight is approximately 160g, making it slightly lighter than later versions of the Summaron.
Compatible with ITDOO and IROOA lens hoods.
There are some light rub marks and small scratches in various areas, but no dents or significant impact marks. The exterior still presents very cleanly overall.
A full overhaul, including focus adjustment, was carried out in September 2026. Both the aperture ring and helicoid now operate with a smooth, nicely damped feel. Even the action of the infinity lock settling into place has been carefully tuned. Rangefinder coupling is spot on, and focus is accurate.
The front element has only a few extremely light cleaning marks, and there is very slight balsam separation around the edge of an inner element, neither of which should have any noticeable effect on actual images. Otherwise, there are no notable cleaning marks or haze. Considering that the 2.8 Summaron is well known for developing haze, the glass on this example is quite clean. The coating also remains intact throughout.
During servicing, the matte anti-reflection lacquer inside the lens was carefully reapplied, which should contribute to even better contrast and a more well-defined rendering. The results of our test shooting were excellent.
Third-party front and rear caps are included.
A very practical example in just the right condition for regular use.
