choen Posted July 8, 2009 Share #1 Posted July 8, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, I have with me a black 35mm summicron. The inscription on the top says in caps 'SUMMICRON 1:2/35 LEITZ WETZLAR' with a serial number 275****. Now I am a bit confused, because according to the lists I've consulted on the net, with that serial number this lens should have been made in Canada and probably inscribed as Leitz Canada? At the bottom of the lens barrel the inscription says in captial letters 'LENS MADE IN GERMANY'. Do I have here a production line freak or have I misunderstood the history of it and that it is a common item? Help much appreciated. Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Hi choen, Take a look here Leica M 35 summicron heritage: need help. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wizard Posted July 8, 2009 Share #2 Posted July 8, 2009 Welcome to this forum! Your lens is a third version Summicron 35 (from 1975/1976), which is very similar to the second version. I have checked the books I have and cannot confirm that all version III Summicron 35 lenses originate from Canada. The copy depicted in my book is engraved like yours. I suspect that this version was produced in both Canada and Wetzlar, as was the case with the first version and the fourth version of that lens and with a number of other Leica lenses. Sometimes production shifted from one country to the other at a certain point in time (Summicron 35 version IV from 1993 and later were made in Germany, earlier ones came from Canada). Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
salred Posted July 8, 2009 Share #3 Posted July 8, 2009 Welcome, choen! I have a 35mm Summicron (sn 266xxxx) with mixed markings -- "Leitz Canada" on the front of the lens, "Lens Made in Germany" on the lens mount. I have a slight twist on the story: I was visiting a friend in New York City in the late 1990's, and we ventured down to the Leica Gallery (bought a photo by Jason Eskenazi) and then on to Tamarkin's. To my surprise Jim Lager (!) was working behind the counter, and I showed him my mis-matched lens. He ventured that the lens was probably assembled in Canada using some parts that had been shipped over from Germany. Given the financial condition of the company at that time they would not waste any parts! He also asked that I mail him some photo's of the lens -- which I never did... Steve A. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
choen Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted July 9, 2009 hi guys! Thanks for the information. I find it just surprising that the production should shift back to Wetzlar right in the early/mid run in Canada. I've seen so many more pre 27***** serialed units made in Canada. Also for a type 3 the barrel parts do not look much like type 3, again based on observation made on looking at other units. Thing is, I am actually planning to offload this lens (after years of keeping it without a body to use it with) and some potential buyers were sceptical about it's origins after looking at it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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