Summicron-M 35mm 1:2 ASPH

[omllr]

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HI,

I'll buy a SUMMICRON-M 35mm 1: 2 ASPH.

I have two choices; one has yellow letters, and the other one has orange letters.

What's the difference, is the one with orange letters newer?

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

 

[wattsy]

I think we are going to need more information. The 35 Summicron ASPH (mid-1990s to 2016) has been sold in a number of 'cosmetic' variations at different times. Do you have the respective Leica product codes? For example, the standard black Summicron code of the present (2016–) model is 11673. The previous standard black model is 11879.

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[omllr]

Sorry, I do not have Leica product codes.

The one with yellow letters have 4217699 production number.

The one with orange letters, I do not have any production number;

but this one looks like new. I only have seen pictures from a netshop.

Both lenses are used.

[wattsy]

Sorry, I do not have Leica product codes.

The one with yellow letters have 4217699 production number.

The one with orange letters, I do not have any production number;

but this one looks like new. I only have seen pictures from a netshop.

Both lenses are used.

 

 

The one with yellow letters sounds like a standard black 11879 example. A serial number of #421xxxx means it will be of very recent vintage (probably 3-4 years old). I can't really help regarding the other one without more information.

[lct]

Never seen a 35/2 asph with orange letters so far. Are you sure they are not red like this?

 

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[omllr]

Thank you for answers

 

Ict, That is black paint, isn't it?
 

Edited May 4, 2016 by omllr

[lct]

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I can't read this language sorry but the lens of your link looks like the standard (11879) version to me.

AFAIK both black paint (11611 below) and black chrome (11689 above) versions have red markings as opposed to yellow ones on the standard version.

 

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[Peter H]

If it looks anything like this, buy it and enjoy it. It's a lovely lens.  

 

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[jdlaing]

Never seen a 35/2 asph with orange letters so far. Are you sure they are not red like this?

 

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[lct]

Do oranges look like lemons in Texas?

[jdlaing]

Do oranges look like lemons in Texas?

 

[jdlaing]

A better rendition.

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[menos I M6]

It sounds that what the OP sees is simply a variation in white balance of the product photos of the different lenses.

 

A slight change in white balance can throw off the correct color of the Leica lettering A LOT.

 

When deciding between such two identical lenses these points may help to decide which one to buy:

 

- 6-bit coding from factory, third party or at the factory at a later point (from factory is generally the preferred option but no guarantee it will be calibrated better than a later coded lens)

- production date (as can be seen from the serial number) - generally  a later date of the same item is preferred, as even lenses that are not used at all will deteriorate over time as lubrication will age and yes, this IS a real issue, as I have recently witnessed some not even 10 years old lenses I bought new myself had to be re-lubed as they developed a sticky focussing

A seller who will not disclose the serial number of an item is a seller one should ALWAYS walk away from.

- OEM packaging - lens condition being equal, a deal which includes proper OEM packaging and accessories is to be preferred as it will keep better value should you ever decide to sell it again

- return policy, warranty, sellers reputation, … (self-explanatory)

 

The lens in question has been produced over a very long time - compare carefully and inform yourself well before buying. It is a solid lens to buy and keep, so paying a little more for a better quality or buying from a better dealer does go a long way. You will produce thousands of great photographs with it.

[tobey bilek]

Is this for real ?

[jdlaing]

Are you for real?

[russell]

My 1990s - early 2000s lenses lettering are more yellow orange.  My most recent lens is orange.  I wonder if the color fades over time?

[lct]

Colors can indeed fade but there is a bit of red in the yellow markings anyway so they are all more or less orange from this viewpoint. Now look at jdlaing's image above (new 35/2?). If you desaturate red and magenta colors in it you will see very little difference but when desaturating yellow DoF markings will become grey. 

[Hayek]

Since you kids are still debating barrel imprint paint shades...how many angels fit on the dot in the "0.95" of a Noctilux? Let's see if Messr. von Overgaard knows.

[Exodies]

Careful mate, OCD is contagious.

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Hallo,

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[Stein K S]

I find the OPs question very natural... If yellow and orange is clearly observed, it is only a natural assumption that there is a difference between the two lenses...

 

The assumingly right conclusion made by the very competent bunch on this forum that it is about fading or white balance in a picture does not change the logic in OPs question.