What's special about the Summicron-M 35mm ASPH. from the M-P Safari set?

[tobiasfjp]

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The title says it all: What's special about the Summicron-M 35mm ASPH. from the M-P Safari set, other than the round hood? Is there anything, even a type number on the lens that sets it apart from the regular production lenses at the time? Looking at the serial numbers on them on google, I can't even make out a batch of 1500, the numbers are much further apart. Even if I take Leica's own promotional pictures of the lens as a reference for the serial number.

How would one know they have a 'Limited Edition of 1500' lens (apart from the removable hood) if the serial numbers for this batch of 1500 are not known?

 

Many thanks for any insight into this.  Images for reference.

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[a.noctilux]

Why bother ?

Collectible is just that, something special only for collectors and the brand to make more money.

If you have opportunity to  buy go for it.

Otherwise, if photographing with the lens is more important, then find same type of lens and be happy.

This type of lens is (was) fantastic when I used them (I had many units in different color, silver, black and titanium coated, sold all of them).

Edited November 10, 2024 by a.noctilux

[tobiasfjp]

Why bother replying with 'why bother'?

I know the lens very well and am interested in the various special editions and would like to know more about this 'safari' one. Why is up to me, right?

Anyone with a more insightful comment on the subject?

 

[tobiasfjp]

 

That's very insightful, thank you Al. I've seen this lens for sale here and there as the 'limited edition from the safari set' but in reality then it could just be any production lens with the round silver hood added (which IS actually limited but unnumbered I guess).

 

5 minutes ago, Al Brown said:

Leica has two types of limited editions:
UNNUMBERED ones are just "limited editions" and if there is more demand they produce more. Has happened on several occasions.
NUMBERED ones are "strictly limited editions" with marked numbering (i.e. XXX/1500), planned production is just the amount announced  by press release.

This batch (and any other later digital M safari/reporter series) is just unnumbered limited edition. And to add insult to injury, the serial numbers are usually assigned in batches but not in a full sequence manner, meaning fthe first one and the last one issued will not be 1500 numbers apart. So nobody except Leica really has data about that either.

My Summicron-M 35mm black paint is also unnumbered, but it is known that it is one of 2000, and because the serial numbers of those are known, it is even possible to know which number of those 2000. So I guess that would be sort of a third category? I thought the same might be the case for this Safari lens, but I guess not.

[tobiasfjp]

Just now, Al Brown said:

There should be factory records in Wetzlar and a quick email to them can clarify whether the lens is genuine or not. They will check for you.

Good point, I never tried that. Many thanks!

[tobiasfjp]

One more question about this:

18 minutes ago, Al Brown said:

This batch (and any other later digital M safari/reporter series) is just unnumbered limited edition. 

The recent olive green Safari M lenses (28, 50 and 90) are unnumbered on the lens afaik, but are stated in the press release to be limited to 500, 500 and 250 I believe. Would these fall into the same 'third category' as my black paint 35mm, not numbered on the lens but numbered in the press, let's say?

[tobiasfjp]

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Got ya. So it has happened that they said 'limited to 500 pieces' and then later on made more? Sounds a bit shady for a meticulous company like Leica.

[tobiasfjp]

Crazy, I thought they were more thorough than that. What lens is the one you mention that transformed into a regular production lens that is still for sale? Is it the silver Summaron-M that I have? I guess with all the passion for the brand the do get away with this and that here and there...

[tobiasfjp]

Very interesting reading and rather educational. Many thanks Al.