Summicron 50mm f2 vs Summarit 50mm f2.5

[Big Jim]

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I know there are many threads addressing when the switch from manufacturing the 50mm Summicron F2 V4 in Canada to Germany took place. 

I’m looking at 2 of these lenses. Both have serial numbers starting with 338xxxx. One has made in Germany engraved, the other Canada. 

Isn’t this a very early serial number to be made in Germany ? 

Edited January 27 by Big Jim

[lct]

My German copy is from 1988 but 1985 i don't know sorry.

[_leicaguru]

On 1/26/2025 at 3:31 PM, Big Jim said:

Thanks to all the feedback received I’ve decided to go for a used Summicron 50mm F2 V4.

 
There’s one for sale locally which I inspected yesterday and wanted to check if some very slight play of the aperture ring is normal ? Like a small click if you try and wobble it. I believe it was also possible to move the selected aperture very slightly before the F2 mark. All normal ? 

I bought my v5 brand new. There is no play. I don't buy used stuff. Just understand it is cheap for a reason. The first thing I would do before I even used it is send it into service. Otherwise, buy from a reputable store with warranty and condition should be like new.

Edited February 2 by _leicaguru

[rsolomon]

Summicron, 

the foundation, the classic …. The standard most are compared to. 
 

more importantly use it, expand your photography journey 

[Big Jim]

Thanks @_tc  and @lct

I wonder if either of you can help with a question about a Summicron V4 that I found locally this afternoon and need to make a decision on. 775 Euro but with a very slight wobble.

 

Edited February 2 by Big Jim

[lct]

Many lenses have a very slight wobble, including my Summicron 50/2 v4 copy but it doesn't have oil on the aperture blades. Seems like the lens you're after needs a CLA and i believe it is the seller, not the buyer who's supposed to pay for that.

[Big Jim]

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15 minutes ago, lct said:

Many lenses have a very slight wobble, including my Summicron 50/2 v4 copy but it doesn't have oil on the aperture blades. Seems like the lens you're after needs a CLA and i believe it is the seller, not the buyer who's supposed to pay for that.

Thanks again ! The price reflects the need for a CLA and I’d rather send it to someone I can trust than have the seller repair. The seller inherited it and wouldn’t know where to send it. My main concern was if this wobble was not repairable or something abnormal. From what I’ve read  minor oil in the aperture blades isn’t unusual or serious. The pictures I posted look more like wear than oil ? 

Edited February 2 by Big Jim
Yes

[lct]

Just now, Big Jim said:

Thanks again ! The price reflects the need for a CLA and I’d rather send it to someone I can trust than have the seller repair. My main concern was if this wobble was not repairable or something abnormal. 

OK i read you but you asked my advice didn't you 😎 Unless it is sold by a reputed dealer i would not buy such a lens personally. YMMV.

[hansvons]

11 hours ago, Big Jim said:

775 Euro but with a very slight wobble.

Add to that the CLA and you are with 1k still on the bargain side. I don’t know how 1k for a lens feels for you, but for me, if all else is ok (glass must be 100%), and factoring in the CLA, I’d say go for it (slight aperture ring wobble is a non-issue).

If you are no expert or risk-averse, I suggest to always buy from a highly reputable dealer and happily pay the premium. However, I bought my v4 copy from a young assistant camera man, who had a clear understanding of lenses. He said, this lens was impeccable, and it was. I paid 900 euros in 2022. That roughly mirrors your price including a CLA.

Edited February 3 by hansvons

[EltonPL]

I recently got a minty Summicron 50/2 V3 (1970) for $955, with B+W UV filter, F/R caps.  I consider it a fair if not bargain price considering it's condition.  I don't normally buy Leica equipment on eBay, but this was well listed with great photos and description from a seller with over 1K sales and a 99.8% rating, so I went for it.  I'm glad I did.