Thinking about a used Summilux35mm

[WarrenInOntario]

I'm considering this Summilux 35 f/1.4. It would be the first purchase toward a new to me M10 kit. More experienced eyes on this forum can assist by interpreting the value and benefits in buying this used lens. As a private seller locally he is asking US$2700. Does that seem fair? Looks very clean to me. External shade included - but for some reason the shade is not telescopic as expected?? The current alternative is a brand new Voitlander 35mm Apo Lanthar f/2.0 for less than half the price. Thoughts?

Thanks, Warren

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See my photos: http://www.fluidr.com/photos/25956017@N07

 

[Fujiukian]

I have just got a 35mm f2 Lanther APO and it is need a very fine lens. If you are more interested in sharpness and best possible optical performance then it's definitely a good choice. Obviously it's not f1.4, doesn't have a focus tab and I believe has slightly higher viewfinder blockage. I have the 35mm f1.4 Nokton Voigtlander as well for when I want some optical character as a poor man's steel rim. Together they are a bargain, but if emotionally you need a Leica 35mm f1.4 I suspect you know what to do

 

[WarrenInOntario]

Thanks for the input. All good points to consider as I am budgeting for the camera too.

 

[Rodenmg]

I'm considering this Summilux 35 f/1.4. It would be the first purchase toward a new to me M10 kit. More experienced eyes on this forum can assist by interpreting the value and benefits in buying this used lens. As a private seller locally he is asking US$2700. Does that seem fair? Looks very clean to me. External shade included - but for some reason the shade is not telescopic as expected?? The current alternative is a brand new Voitlander 35mm Apo Lanthar f/2.0 for less than half the price. Thoughts?

Thanks, Warren

There are three versions of the ASPH, from what I know. Only the latest has the pull out hood and 11 shutter leaves. The two versions before that have 9 leaves. The oldest uses a clip on hood and the one prior to the current one uses a screw on hood. I think, experts can correct me here. And yes, from what I've seen, in good condition, any of them would be worth $2700. If you look on the lens barrel, close to the mount, on the underside there is a number beginning with 11XXX. That will tell you exactly what your looking at.

Get the Leica. It won't lose value over time.

 

[Godfrey]

I bought my Summilux 35mm f/1.4 in approximately 2013. It is a version II lens from 1972 according to the serial number chart on this page:

https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/35mm_f/1.4_Summilux_II

It takes the Leica 12504 clip on hood, which also serves as a Series VII filter holder.

My understanding is that not all of these lenses can be used on the digital M bodies without some minor modification. This one had been vetted for use on the digital Ms before I bought it. After I had had it a couple of years, I had DAG service it and add the six-bit lens code to the lens mount.

It's a very small, light lens and produces lovely image qualities. It not, however, the sharpest 35mm lens around, particularly wide open. No matter at all, for me.

Lemon Tree - San Jose 2014 :: Leica M9 + Summilux 35

Well worth the money to me. I hope you find what you're looking for, but for me this old Leica lens is the top of the heap in 35mm lenses.

G

 

[WarrenInOntario]

Thanks for this information and also your encouragement Mike.

 

[WarrenInOntario]

I bought my Summilux 35mm f/1.4 in approximately 2013. It is a version II lens from 1972 according to the serial number chart on this page:

https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/35mm_f/1.4_Summilux_II

It takes the Leica 12504 clip on hood, which also serves as a Series VII filter holder.

My understanding is that not all of these lenses can be used on the digital M bodies without some minor modification. This one had been vetted for use on the digital Ms before I bought it. After I had had it a couple of years, I had DAG service it and add the six-bit lens code to the lens mount.

It's a very small, light lens and produces lovely image qualities. It not, however, the sharpest 35mm lens around, particularly wide open. No matter at all, for me.

Lemon Tree - San Jose 2014 :: Leica M9 + Summilux 35

Well worth the money to me. I hope you find what you're looking for, but for me this old Leica lens is the top of the heap in 35mm lenses.

G

Thanks for your thoughts and the lovely image of the lemon tree. It is evident that Leica gear does produce very special, artful and distinctive results. Much appreciated Godfrey!

--
See my photos: http://www.fluidr.com/photos/25956017@N07

 

[LCT]

The lens you're after is a Summilux 35/1.4 asph aka "FLE" with floating elements. It is not the current model but the previous one from 2020/2022 perhaps with a screw-in hood. It is not a lens as small as the Summilux non-asph referred to above but it is significantly sharper.
Happy snaps
LCT

 

[WarrenInOntario]

The lens you're after is a Summilux 35/1.4 asph aka "FLE" with floating elements. It is not the current model but the previous one from 2020/2022 perhaps with a screw-in hood. It is not a lens as small as the Summilux non-asph referred to above but it is significantly sharper.
Happy snaps
LCT

I believe that you are 100% correct about the floating elements and the # on the front indicates that it a recent model. Likely after 2020 as you suggest.

Thanks so much for your guidance!

Warren

 

[JNK 100]

I'm considering this Summilux 35 f/1.4. It would be the first purchase toward a new to me M10 kit. More experienced eyes on this forum can assist by interpreting the value and benefits in buying this used lens. As a private seller locally he is asking US$2700. Does that seem fair? Looks very clean to me. External shade included - but for some reason the shade is not telescopic as expected?? The current alternative is a brand new Voitlander 35mm Apo Lanthar f/2.0 for less than half the price. Thoughts?

Thanks, Warren

Warren,

According to a list of serial numbers in a book I have it is likely to be the ASPH V2 which was launched in 2010.

I would try to check it's mechanical condition too if you can.

The Leica will keep its value better and last decades as well as the faster aperture allowing greater DOF control.

Get the Leica is my view....

Jeff

 

[WarrenInOntario]

Thanks for looking it up and providing your insights Jeff. As expected mfg'd about 12 years ago.

 

[LCT]

Lens has been launched in 2010. See:
https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/118947-new-summilux-35mm-merged/#comments
Best,
LCT

 

[WarrenInOntario]

Many thanks LCT!

 

[LCT]

Many thanks LCT!

You're welcome
Best,
LCT