35mm summicron type I, worth it?

HuubL

HuubL

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I was offered a 35mm summicron M2-type, type I (no goggles, 1966) for 450 euros. The lens looks pretty nice, clean glass and chrome. Is that cheap, fair or expensive?
 
The eight element is a really nice lens and it handles really well on the M body.

I stumbled on mine years back for $300. in trade with a Minox GL. When I learned (spotting a similiar one on ebay) the value I sold mine for $1500.00 I could have gotten more for it but like a hot potato I just off'd it quickly at a camera show, bought an ASPH version and had a bit of money left over. I never looked back.

For me, having a 35mm lens that I an use at f2 where it will deliver the way the aspheric lens does makes the newer version the lens to have. The wider (f2) aperture facilitates more out of focus area than f2.8 which is where the previous versions shine.

Below is a link to a scan of an image taken with the eight element version of the 35mm Summicron. I need to re-scan this one as it doesn't really do the slide justice.....

http://www.pbase.com/bitonal/image/41447753
 
I have the one with the goggles and I love it for what it is. Comparing its optical performance to modern Summicrons or other 35mm lenses only makes sense if you actually like the contrastier look. Sharpness is excellent for the old lens. Contrast can be adjusted with PS if you want the contrastier look.
 
HuubL said:
I was offered a 35mm summicron M2-type, type I (no goggles, 1966) for 450 euros. The lens looks pretty nice, clean glass and chrome. Is that cheap, fair or expensive?
Click to expand...

That's about what I payed for the IV Summicron, so personally, I wouldn't buy it.


BUT! It does usually sell for a bit more then that on eBay, so it might be a good idea to buy it and then sell it to someone else.
 
I also use both the Canon 35mm/2.8 and 35mm/1.8 lenses, and I like both of them. As long as you like what you are getting back, I don't care if it is made by Leica or not.

Raid
 
Sounds like a low price, HuubL, if it's in good shape, and considering the amazing prices they can go for these days. It's certainly well worth what I paid (retail) for my new one in 1967, but maybe wise now to cash in at some stupendous price. 🙂

But I really do like this lens's character, even without having used any newer model for comparison. I had it CLA'd a couple years ago, and it's on my ZI getting some exercise now.
 

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Okay, the lens has arrived and I put it on my M4 (metal levers, on special request from Charles 🙂). The cleanest glass, no scratches or white marks on the chrome. A tiny ding in the aperture ring. Dry aperture blades. Worth the money? What do you think?
M4Summicron35.jpg
 
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