Description
Driven by the success of the Summicron 2.0/35mm, Leitz developed the Summilux-M 1.4/35mm and presented it at the Photokina 1960 as the "world's fastest wide-angle lens".
Offered from the beginning in a version with viewfinder attachment for the Leica M3 and without for Leica M2 and its follow-up models, the lens developed in his construction period from 1960 to 1992 to a favorite of many photographers. The last version of the 35mm – Summilux was still in the sales lists of Leica until 1995 and was replaced in 1990 by the legendary ASPHERICAL.
The black version, initially painted and later black chrome, was available from 1961. Early versions of the lens still had the so-called "infinity lock".
Another peculiarity of the early versions of the 35-Summilux is the hard chromed steel ring on the front of the lens barrel for attaching the lens hood. This ring, known as "steel rim", can only be found on lenses up to 1966.
Only about 1,120 lenses of this version were equipped with the viewfinder for the Leica M3!
From 1966 on the lens was manufactured with a modified lens barrel. These types are equiped with modern style lens hood (ref.no. 12504) and use series 7 filters.
This later type was produced basically unchanged until 1995.
Total production: approx. 22.500 units from Midland factory
Rarity: R6
Rarity forecast: R7
