Summicron 35 mm - Wrong colour

[BjornN]

I have a black Summicron 1:2/35 (s/nr: 2329934) that I owned since it was new.

The lens (and an M4) is sitting in a safe since more than 10 years back and I now think of selling it.

In trying to establish a reasonable value I have understod that this 1969 lens should be chrome-plated, not black. I also read somewhere that a few of this generation were actually delivered in black to match black camera bodies.

How does the black colour affect the value?

 

[ferider]

Welcome to RFF, Bjorn.

Given the serial nr., it is likely one of the early v2, 6-element lenses ("11309", starting at 2307450, according to Lager), that were introduced (mostly in black) in 1969, value around US 800 depending on condition. If it is a black 8-element v1 (11307), it is indeed rare, with higher value. A picture would help identify it. v2 has little "wings" on the aperture ring.

Roland.

 

[BjornN]

Thanks for the welcome!

Pictures can be seen at:

http://files2.bredband.net/cpuser_b475955/Leica/

(Also revealing lots of dust/dirt not noticed before...)


What are numbers 11309 and 11307 referring to?

/B

 

[Uwe_Nds]

Welcome!
Looks like a quite moist and dusty safe ;-)

Best regards,
Uwe

 

[ferider]

Yes, Bjorn, this is an early v2 (11309). The numbers are Leitz product/catalogue numbers. Your lens is still a rare lens though, since it was made in Wetzlar. Most examples of this lens were made in Canada.

From a user 's perspective, I myself prefer the 6 element over the older 8 and the newer 7 element versions. Higher contrast and less flare.

Best,

Roland.

 

[BjornN]

Thanks for all your input!

ferider: I came to Leica by way of Minolta because of the fantastic improvement in contrast while working in poor light. Left Leica because of fast, automatic exposure Nikons...


Uwe_Nds: The safe is dry enough but the whole kit travelled 400 000 kms on East African roads before being locked up. Actually, less than 100 rolls of film have been cranked through, all outside scars are results of rattling around on the dashboard of a LandCruiser while packed in a WW2 gas mask bag.

 

[Uwe_Nds]

Thanks for all your input!
...

Uwe_Nds: The safe is dry enough but the whole kit travelled 400 000 kms on East African roads before being locked up. Actually, less than 100 rolls of film have been cranked through, all outside scars are results of rattling around on the dashboard of a LandCruiser while packed in a WW2 gas mask bag.

Alright, and btw nice idea for a camera bag! 😀

Best regards,
Uwe