Made in Canada vs Made in Germany

[adamjohari]

Hi guys,

I've seen some Leica gear that have been made in Germany and some from Canada. Particularly, I've seen the 50 summicron v4 (tabbed) being made from both countries.

I'm assuming that they are derived from the same formula, but in terms of build quality would you expect any difference? What about prices? Does the Canadian version cost cheaper than the German one? It seems to be the case.

Thanks

Adam

 

[starless]

Build and optical quality is the same.
The price difference is just due to pretense.

 

[BillBingham2]

IMHO Canadian glass is every bit as good as German. The Canadian team made some very special glass for different governments that worked very very well. I had an M4-P from midland and loved it. Every bit as good as my M6 that also was purchased new.

B2 (;->

 

[richardvanle]

I didn't purposely set out to do this, but all five of my Leica lenses were made in Canada. They're all great lenses.

 

[ferider]

Think about it: most of the famous pre-asph Leica lenses were designed (and built first) by Mandler and his team in Canada. Including your 50 v4. Here is a list:

 

[richardvanle]

Judging from that list of lenses, all of my lenses are Mandler-designed.

These days are Canadian lenses any cheaper? Seems like all used prices are going through the roof.

 

[JianL]

Judging from that list of lenses, all of my lenses are Mandler-designed.

These days are Canadian lenses any cheaper? Seems like all used prices are going through the roof.

There seems to be less competition for them on auction sites but I havent seen much difference in the price.

 

[chrishayton]

From my experience there is no difference in quality in build or performance. And as said above mandler was a lens magician, eg pre asph 35 lux, noctilux

 

[35mmdelux]

Same techs, same quality.

 

[MC JC86]

The Canadian lenses are 100% the equal of their German counterparts.

Stay away from Canadian Whiskey though.
Disgusting.

 

[LKeithR]

Stay away from Canadian Whiskey though.
Disgusting.

Ouch!!!!!!

 

[Haigh]

I have an M4-P and 35 plus 50mm lenses from Canada and they are just great.

 

[Darkhorse]

I have an M4-P and 35 plus 50mm lenses from Canada and they are just great.

I want a similar setup. I have the Canadian M4-P, my 50 cron is German... I'd like a Canuck one

 

[Paul Luscher]

Ditto to all the comments above.

If "Made In Germany" commands higher prices than "Made In Canada" that's misinformation and snob value speaking. Some still have the idea that "Made In Germany" stuff is "better" than the Canadian products. It ain't.

Have a 35mm and a 90mm Summicron lens, both made in Canada. Two of my fave lenses.

 

[Colin Corneau]

The Canadian lenses are 100% the equal of their German counterparts.

Stay away from Canadian Whiskey though.
Disgusting.

You just haven't tried the right ones (yet)

 

[HuubL]

The Canadian lenses are 100% the equal of their German counterparts.

Stay away from Canadian Whiskey though.
Disgusting.

so german whisky is any better?...

 

[rickp]

same message as chris

same message as chris

+1 remember the 75 summilux is from the same factory (also a mandler design). buy with confidence!

From my experience there is no difference in quality in build or performance. And as said above mandler was a lens magician, eg pre asph 35 lux, noctilux

 

[peter_n]

Stay away from Canadian Whiskey though.

Spelled with an "e" so that's Irish talk there. The best whiskey comes from Ireland, no question.

Canadian/German Leica lenses; no difference. I think the collectors prefer the German versions though.

 

[Kent]

No difference whatsoever, apart from the price.