Summilux 50 V1

[SunnySixteen]

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I recently acquired an early model Summilux 50/1.4 with serial number is 1798xxx. From reading previous threads, this leads me to believe it's a V1 lens, falling under the 1844xxx serial. When looking on the Leica wiki page to determine age, the list for V1 cuts off at 1790000 and V2 starts at 1844001. I know the early serial #'s are not an exact science but curious if anyone had any insight?

 

 

[luigi bertolotti]

...while a big batch of 10.000 lenses (1.791.001 to 1.800.000) was assigned to a "collateral" Leitz lens (Dygon 9mm, for Leicina 8mm cine camera) ….

 

1.791.000 must be read as 1.790.001, of course…

Edited July 26, 2018 by luigi bertolotti

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[SunnySixteen]

As you say… "not exact science"...  : Worth noting, # 1.788.001 to 1.790.000 were assigned indeed to Summilux 50, while a big batch of 10.000 lenses (1.791.001 to 1.800.000) was assigned to a "collateral" Leitz lens (Dygon 9mm, for Leicina 8mm cine camera)  : Leicina wasn't a big success… I doubt they actually BUILT all those 10.000 lenses… no strange that some Summiluxes were intermixed. Anyway, an interesting item of a lens that isn't much common of its own : it even could be worth to have it professionaly inspected (*) to verify if it's really a V1 design, or the new V2...which was formally introduced around the same timeframe ('60 - '61) : the body , afaik, was identical (maybe the bayonet mount in itself not ?) and it would be very interesting to track, and have, a sort of "pre-official" V2. 

 

(*) probably, the easiest difference to verify is the two back glass elements, that are coupled/cemented only in the V2 : this ought to be not too difficult to check. Also the weight, in theory, can be revealing… some sources say that V2 was 360g vs 325 for the V1 (probably for the chrome version, but am not sure)

 

Thank you Luigi, this is very helpful information! I haven't received the lens yet but hope to take delivery next week, at which time I will inspect and evaluate. I'm excited to put it to use regardless of what version it is.

[luigi bertolotti]

Uh… whishing to make a small correction I made something wrong….

Edited July 26, 2018 by luigi bertolotti

[SunnySixteen]

UPDATE:

 

I received the lens and was originally given the wrong serial #. It is actually 2048xxx and as far as I can see it's in excellent condition with clean glass and aperture blades. The only problem I can find is the focus ring is a bit stiff.

 

I am always amazed how well built these old lenses are, how well they stand the test of time (54 years old!), and what a solid hunk of metal and glass this thing is. Looking forward to using it!

Edited July 31, 2018 by SunnySixteen

[newnew]

Congratulations. I am sure you will enjoy not only the IQ but also the mechanics and aesthetics of this lens. Just think that leica has re-edited the Asph version with this casing. I also have a nice copy of this lens, in chrome . It is giving me a lot of joy. Mine has also a focus ring stiffness on the closest distances but that is not too bothersome. One day I may have to send it for coding which should adjust it perfectly to the digital leicas.

Edited August 5, 2018 by newnew

[SunnySixteen]

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Congratulations. I am sure you will enjoy not only the IQ but also the mechanics and aesthetics of this lens. Just think that leica has re-edited the Asph version with this casing. I also have a nice copy of this lens, in chrome . It is giving me a lot of joy. Mine has also a focus ring stiffness on the closest distances but that is not too bothersome. One day I may have to send it for coding which should adjust it perfectly to the digital leicas.

 

Thank you for sharing, I am looking forward to enjoying using this lens but first I've sent it off for a CLA. 

[derleicaman]

The 1st version of the 50 Summilux was the design target for the LHSA 50 Summilux ASPH that accompanied the LHSA MP3 Special Edition set. Leica did a fantastic job with the lens combining the design aesthetics and haptics of the classic 50 Summilux with the high performance 50 Summilux ASPH. I used a similar approach with the just completed APO Summicron 50 LHSA lens, using the Rigid Summicron as the target. This lens has also proven to be highly desirable and a successful special edition.

[SunnySixteen]

Yet another update:

 

Well it turns out this lens was not as pristine as I originally thought. Sent it in to Youxin for a CLA and so glad I did. Apparently I am not good at judging lens condition. Focus ring was stiff, aperture ring sticky, grease on the aperture blades, haze. Youxin took care of all the problems and it's now smooth as butter and sparkling, and I am enjoying putting it to use. I am more than pleased with Youxin's service; quick turn around, fair price, excellent communication, great service all around. I paid a fair price for the lens (in Leica terms) and combined with the CLA I still consider it a bargain compared to some of the pricing I see out there ...