Leica 5cm Black Paint

[Fjäll]

There is an ongoing auction on a couple of Leica lenses from an auction house where I live. They usually curate art and design furniture not so much camera gear.

One of the lenses is a black paint Summicron 5cm with a startid bid at around US$675.

I know nothing about these type of lenses. Anyone care to chime in on what this lens is? The serial number on the 5cm is 1582167

 

[brennanphotoguy]

I *think* the black paint Summicrons also had black infinity locks too. It could have been replaced at some point. Either way, $675 is a fair price for a 50 Summicron anyways. Erik VS should know for sure though.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

The one on the left looks like an Elmar-C f/4 90mm for the LeicaCL and Minolta CLE. The lens cap is missing but I often see them on ebay.

The rear lens caps look like the old ones that are grey inside and fail sooner than you'd expect but act like a peg spanner to release Leica screw to bayonet adapters.

Regards, David

 

[Fjäll]

I *think* the black paint Summicrons also had black infinity locks too. It could have been replaced at some point. Either way, $675 is a fair price for a 50 Summicron anyways. Erik VS should know for sure though.

It certainly looks out of place. If it would wind up in my possession it would be my intent to use it and a chromed infinity lock would be a minor issue.

Erik would certainly know what this is.

Hi,

The one on the left looks like an Elmar-C f/4 90mm for the LeicaCL and Minolta CLE. The lens cap is missing but I often see them on ebay.

The rear lens caps look like the old ones that are grey inside and fail sooner than you'd expect but act like a peg spanner to release Leica screw to bayonet adapters.

Regards, David

The 90mm I would consider a bonus. The rear lens caps are some of the worst ever made. I don't think I ever saw one that wasn't cracked.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

Wait, that $675 includes both lenses? Definitely bid that up. On the black paint bit, I just didn't know if you were looking to flip it and thought you'd found some crazy deal. I'm a user too, that little chrome bit wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The black paint Summicron 50mm f/2 (early) is extremely valuable, $15.000 at least. The condition of this one looks superb. Yes, the infinity catch has been replaced, but this will not lower the value.


The condition of the glass is important too, but that can be replaced, so... get it!


Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Here's one with a number close to this one in the hands of a well known Hong Kong dealer.


Erik.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

hey I know that guy haha. Wow, it's only 3 lenses away from being brothers!

 

[Fjäll]

I'm sure the bidding will end up a fair bit above the starting price however it's nice to have a assured reference.

I follow this guy on Instagram. He seems to get his hands on the wickedest stuff. Especially black paints. I'm sure he'd be interested in this one.

The auction ends on 29 JUNE 21:43CEST.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

Looks like it's got a brass mount too.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Yes, there is a brass mount. These lenses were made for the black MP's and the early black M2's with button rewind. The condition of this one seems to be excellent. The shade is of course a mismatch, there should be a black paint on brass slip-on lens cap.


Many professional photographers removed the infinity catch of these lenses because it can be annoying at times.




Erik.

 

[Fjäll]

It eventually went for $6920 (+22% auction fee). Call it a bargain I couldn't keep up.

https://www.bukowskis.com/sv/lots/1...-2-elmar-1-4-90-leitz-och-ernst-leitz-wetzlar

 

[Erik van Straten]

I guess we'll see it back in an ad of one of the big dealers for twice this price.


Erik.

 

[Fjäll]

I guess we'll see it back in an ad of one of the big dealers for twice this price.


Erik.

Most likely. It was in quite good shape too!