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My main goal is shoot B&W (but not only) on digital cameras. Trying to choose beetwen a 1962 Summaron f/2.8 and a 1964 Summicron V1, both look in very nice condition, the price diference is 700€. From what I`ve read here, these would be my favourite options. Opinions welcome, considering the price diference too. Thanks

Trying to find a COMPLETE LIST of the Summaron 35mm 2.8 lenses that were delivered to the Swedish Army and had the three crowns insignia of the Swedish Military engraved. Leica sent an email to me recently responding that "They regretfully possess no official listings of serial numbers or even the exact documented amount of Summaron 35 2.8 lenses delivered to the Swedish Army". The Wiki article states that 1677001 - 1680000 is the serial number batch from which the "three crown" Summarons (1959/60) were sourced. Some dealers say there were only 10 such lenses, some say that there were 30, some say lots more, but it is really difficult to get a hold of the real numbers. I have managed to verify (visually) the small batch of the following serial numbers of the Summaron 35 2.8's that have the 3 crowns engraved. Neither the Wiki entry on the batch, nor the "10 units only" claim seem to be correct. Also, according to Leica archives and Lars Netopil's kind research correspondence, some of the below numbers are FAKE three crown engravnigs: 1664759 1678204 1678208 (depicted in Lager's Illustrated History Vol. 1) 1678210 1678241 1678246 1678305 1678328 1678693 1678780 1679028 Brandt Optik AG (Stockholm) was the Leitz Agent/official importer in Sweden at the time. All items were never shipped directly from Wetzlar to the Swedish military, but to Brandt be delivered to the Swedish military. Apparently 35/2.8 lenses with three crowns all were shipped together on May 25th 1960 to Brandt Stockholm, with shipping number 80856 (80856 instead of 80866!). Upon checking of some details with Leica AG some of the delivery dates for the serial numbers above did not match the delivery date nor the location, i.e. were delivered to Germany or Asia (HK) instead later and have nothing to do with Swedish Military. Maybe someone from the community and/or well respected collectors frequenting this forum can help to compile and perfect the list or shed some further light on the matter? Thank you in advance.

So I recently got (for lack of a better word) scammed into buying a Summaron 35 2.8 with a cracked goggle (let's not get into it). The lens functions okay, but I'm wondering what my chances are of replacing the glass on the front of the goggle and what this might cost. The lens is over 60 years old, so I'm not very hopeful but wanted to check anyway. Thanks in advance for any responses.

Most of us seem to be photographers as well as collectors. Show me your favorite lenses, old and new alike. I like the Noctilux range for the extreme apertures, but I prefer the Summilux range for the best speed:size/weight ratio. Here’s a Summilux gathering of 21, 24, 28, 35, 50 and 75mm. All in black.

Hello members, I’m curious about the new Summaron-M 28mm 5.6 It’s Focusing tab stuck at the framelines selector and cannot go to close focus. Does this occurs to every M-body that has rectangle framelines selector? 😅 Thanks in advance Thatchapon

MP, 35mm Summaron f2.8, HP5Plus, Rodinal.

Just wanted to share my first impressions of the mini 28mm f5.6 summaron lens: I wanted to get this lens for street photography ever since it came out and finally pulled the trigger. I was a little skeptical of its output having seen both good and bad shots on reviews with the lens, but wanted first hand experience and to finally scratch that 28mm daido moriyama itch. After the opening a nice black box and admiring this silver jewel for a moment in my hand, I quickly attached it to M10 and went searching for some test shots on a clear but cloudy day. I shoot my film M/A at f5.6 on bright sunny days so wasn’t worried by its lack of low light capabilities. The reverse position of the focusing tab takes some getting used to, really not very hard, and for closer subjects you need to take a step back than what is normal for other lenses, as you need more distance to bring things in focus. But from the moment I started snapping away I felt the same wonder and joy that you do with other Leica lenses. After an hour or so of taking photos this is what I noticed most: the center of this lens is very sharp but not in a clinical way; there is a smoothness to images; some shots do not produce vignetting but some do which, gives it the “classical” feel and really sets off objects in a cool way; its kind of an unpredictable lens which i like and comes down to personal preference; color accuracy was very good and no different than my 50mm summilux & 35mm summicron; the size of the lens is perfect for adding a 3rd lens to my small leather street bag. Overall, I’m very pleased with my decision to get this lens. Not only imbued with a piece of Leica history but also very capable of producing cool images in daylight conditions. I personally think this is one of those special lenses to own that captures unique qualities rather than the clinical kind you find everywhere else. Unlike, with other leica lenses where i expected images to be great, i was expecting this one to be less so, but was proven wrong. It really is a great little lens and has exceeded my expectations. Thank you Leica for making this!

MP, 35mm Summaron f2.8, HP5Plus.

Hi there, I've recently come into ownership of a mint Summaron 35mm 2.8 lens. After some quick research I believe it is the original ltm mount. There is no red dot, and the lens focuses down to 1m. It comes with the original caps, bubble and the lens hood. Its in mint condition. I will upload pictures shortly but just wondered in todays market whats a good average price these lenses go for? Thanks Alex