Leica 35mm Summilux v2 pre-apsh Titanium

[jaeger]

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3 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

Yes and no.

I had the two types in my foolish days.

asph.

pre asph.

I didn't know there was a titanium version of 35lux pre-asph it must be rare and worth a fortune now. 

[rcusick]

25 minutes ago, jaeger said:

I didn't know there was a titanium version of 35lux pre-asph it must be rare and worth a fortune now. 

All brass unlike the original and beautiful.  

[a.noctilux]

8 hours ago, jaeger said:

I didn't know there was a titanium version of 35lux pre-asph it must be rare and worth a fortune now. 

That lens is the one I regret selling.

Not related to the lens,

normally, I don't care to remember serial number (it's just a number like our age ! ), but this Ti coated 35mm has a remarkable serial (for 24x36 user),

It's 3602424 so in year 1992 made lens.

Rare indeed, and the now cost (if available in the sh market) would make it unattainable for me.

Anyway, I still have bought one Summilux-M 35mmpre-asph. in black, so I say to myself it's lighter so more useful/transportable.

[Slender]

On 8/15/2023 at 7:40 AM, grahamc said:

Somewhat on topic, but any excuse to post - one of the titanium lenses has recently had the titan plating removed, and painted MP black courtesy of Kanto.  They've done a really nice job of it and it's feeling smoother than ever 

 

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This is hardcore pornography..... I am set to do the same lol! How much did it cost and how long did you wait for it if I can ask? I am really surprised you managed to get the silver ring at the base of the lens repainted as well... is it steel or aluminium for that one? Could it be brass, too????? 😍
@grahamc

[grahamc]

49 minutes ago, Slender said:

This is hardcore pornography..... I am set to do the same lol! How much did it cost and how long did you wait for it if I can ask? I am really surprised you managed to get the silver ring at the base of the lens repainted as well... is it steel or aluminium for that one? Could it be brass, too????? 😍
@grahamc

Hi there. I must say this is a beauty of a lens, it hasn’t made it off the camera when I’ve wanted a 35 since it came back. It performs just as good as it looks, the Kanto overhauls are amazing the focus is super quick and light now.  I’m happy to share costs but will private message you tomorrow when I’ve looked. 
 

About the base - Kanto can’t re-chrome I’m silver, so the choice was between the black paint or not stripping that part at all.  And yes it’s brass 👍

[Slender]

8 hours ago, grahamc said:

Hi there. I must say this is a beauty of a lens, it hasn’t made it off the camera when I’ve wanted a 35 since it came back. It performs just as good as it looks, the Kanto overhauls are amazing the focus is super quick and light now.  I’m happy to share costs but will private message you tomorrow when I’ve looked. 
 

About the base - Kanto can’t re-chrome I’m silver, so the choice was between the black paint or not stripping that part at all.  And yes it’s brass 👍

Thank you very much! Yes sorry it came not clear.... I realise no one but Leica can do silver plating. Amazing to know this part is also brass. Look forward to your MP and thanks again!

[KenLW]

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I’ve become really interested in getting a 35mm Lux pre-ASPH titanium purely for its build quality. Recently, I purchased the 35mm Steel Rim reissue but ended up returning it. The build quality was just so disappointing that I couldn’t tolerate it, despite really liking the images it produced. The transition from the infinity lock to unlocked was annoyingly stiff, and the aperture ring felt wobbly. My copy was manufactured in June 2023, not from the initial batch (which I heard had even worse issues).

I also own both the goggle version of the 35mm 8-element and the LLL’s 8-element, and their build quality is fantastic. Although the original Leica 8-element has better implementation of infinity lock, LLL demonstrated how to properly implement an infinity lock in the modern era. It feels like Leica has lost its design and manufacturing magic nowadays unless you want to spend $8k+ on 35mm APO.

I’ve also handled the Voigtländer 35mm F1.4 Nokton Classic II. While I don't like the images from lens, the build quality alone puts the Steel Rim reissue to shame. What’s even more impressive is that it costs only about $360 when purchased new in Japan—1/10th the price, yet with at least three times better build quality.

[Ecar]

Although I'm not a big fan of the titanium finish, the 35/1.4 v2 Ti is indeed a joy to use. A cosmetic annoyance is the original paint in the engravings that tends to flake off with even moderate use. It can be refreshed with a more durable/adherent type of paint, though.

[KenLW]

23 hours ago, Ecar said:

Although I'm not a big fan of the titanium finish, the 35/1.4 v2 Ti is indeed a joy to use. A cosmetic annoyance is the original paint in the engravings that tends to flake off with even moderate use. It can be refreshed with a more durable/adherent type of paint, though.

I see! I came across someone who had their 35/1.4 V2 Titanium completely repainted, which seems to be a service offered by Kanto. It looks like a great option!

[Ecar]

Just now, KenLW said:

I see! I came across someone who had their 35/1.4 V2 Titanium completely repainted, which seems to be a service offered by Kanto. It looks like a great option!

I understand Kanto has a long waiting list these days. Shueido may be an alternative. No need for a full repaint job if that's not what you want. A good technician (and presumably Leica as well) will be able to refresh the white/red markings on the barrel. That's what I had done on my copy - I wouldn't trust my skills to try it myself.