Summicron 35mm f2 with chrome barrel, commonly known as the 8-element Summicron. This example is the version for the Leica M3, fitted with the distinctive goggles.
The Leitz product code was SAMWO, later changed to 11108. Made in Canada. Serial number in the 2.01 million range, manufactured in 1963. The Leica M3 normally has a minimum focusing distance of 1m, but with this lens fitted, it can focus as close as 0.7m. Filter size is E39. The coating is mainly purple with orange tones. The lens weighs 256g.
Born during the golden age of Leitz, the 8-element Summicron is especially attractive for its functional and beautifully engineered design, typical of fine German industrial products. The goggled version is particularly elaborate. It makes full use of the superb Leica M3 finder, one of the finest achievements in rangefinder camera history, while converting the view to a 35mm frame. Considerable engineering effort was devoted to maintaining full rangefinder coupling. Mounted on an M3, its imposing appearance is perhaps where this lens looks most at home.
In terms of rendering, it produces a gentle softness wide open. Stop down slightly and the sense of three-dimensionality increases noticeably. Further stopping down brings sharper definition while retaining a pleasant softness. A true classic Leica lens.
The original ITDOO and IROOA hoods are suitable. Later hoods such as the 12585 and 12504 can also be used.
This lens was previously sold by our shop. It was carefully used by its owner and has now returned to us once again. Amazingly, this is its fourth homecoming! As a vintage camera shop, nothing makes us happier than seeing an item return to us and continue its journey through different owners.
It remains in the same excellent condition as before.
The exterior is exceptionally clean, with hardly any signs of use, including around the filter rim.
A full overhaul, including the goggle unit, was carried out in 2019. Although several years have passed since the overhaul, thanks to the careful servicing and appropriate use since then, both the helicoid and aperture still operate smoothly. Rangefinder coupling is also excellent, and the double image aligns precisely and satisfyingly at infinity.
The glass in the goggle unit shows only a very slight haze when inspected under a strong LED light, but the view remains exceptionally clear, in a completely different league from most goggled 8-element Summicrons found on the market today.
There is extremely minor coating deterioration and a few shallow cleaning marks around the edges of the inner elements, but these should have no effect on actual photography. The central area of the glass is clear and bright. Our test shots also produced excellent results.
You can enjoy the original character of the 8-element Summicron, with its beautiful balance of three-dimensional rendering, texture, color reproduction, and gentle glow.
Sample images from its previous stay with us are available in our Test Shoot Gallery. We hope you will take a look.
Original front and rear caps and an original Leica UVa filter are included.
