Summicron-C 40/2 and Elmar-C 90/4 Information

[demian]

Upon a tremendous amount of research and spending endless hours online searching every search database for info on these lenses, there is a subtle yet rather important fact that I have recently found that seems to be overlooked... At least I have never seen a 'de facto' definitive reply.


Yes, it has been written many places online that the Rokkor and Elmars are of exact same quality as to thier images and design, but I thought I'd add this tidbit I found within "The Leica M Compendium" book by Jonathan Eastland:


"The Minolta CL Rokkor lenses are the only lenses in history of the company, produced and made by Leitz, within their factory under another name."



Thought this may clean the air and remove much if any doubt which may be going around . I truly must have read almost every article online, within forums, Gandy's site, etc. and never viewed this statement.


They are, yes, indeed, *the same*.. more than most realize it seems.


Do we feel stupid now? (I include myself who chose the Leitz badged example expecting that subtle bit of quality difference..lol)

Marketing...I could have saved even more money as many purcahse the Leitz example for the same reason, if not due to investment reasons as well.

....and had less hassle due to filter thread issues, etc. *sigh* Ah well...hopefully to be of some help to someone in the future.

FWIW

regards
D

 

[ferider]

- Some of the 40/2 and 90/4 Rokkors were made in Japan. Joe used to have such a 90/4.
- there are coating differences; some might favor the SC of the older Summicron-C.
- there are differences in RF coupling mechanisms.

Best,

Roland.

 

[ampguy]

I think Eastland means that the 90/4 CLE Rokkors which some were made in Germany, not the 40/2's. I don't know that Leitz had a mfg. plant in Japan.

The CLE MC coating myth started with a casual observation in pop photo, then perpetuated to internet sites, IMHO.

 

[Graham Line]

" "The only lenses in history of the company, produced and made by Leitz, within their factory under another name are the CL/CLE Rokkor lenses." "


Not so fast. My 40/2 M-Rokkor, which came with a CLE, is pretty specifically labeled "Lens made in Japan." Did Leica make components and ship them to Japan for assembly? Who knows?
My 90/4 M-Rokkor, however, says "Made by Leitz" on the front ring (making it a Minolta CL lens, I believe) and "Lens made in Germany" on the barrel by the mount.

None of this matters to me one way or the other. Both are excellent lenses. IMHO, the convenience of the 40.5mm filter thread is reason enough to buy the Rokkor-branded versions.

 

[RML]

My being a cheap skate (sp?) when I bought the lens didn't fail me. 🙂

 

[demian]

Ah, well, I apologize.

I went straight to the book and quote p.27, para.1.9:

.."The camera (CL) came complete in a kit with the 40mm Summicron-C f2 and a 90mm Elmar-C f4 lens. Both lenses were manufactured in Wetzlar.

The Minolta CL was fitted with a 40mm Rokkor lrns of similar design to the Summicron, but the 90mm Rokkor was in fact a 90mm Elmar-C made at Wetzlar. It was the only Leitz lens to be sold under another name."



He was referring only to the 90mm Elmar-C.

Excuse me all, I will edit the thread title.

Nevertheless, I had never read that anywhere before either.

Excuse me once again for any confusion.

FWIW
Kind regards
D

 

[Palaeoboy]

Yes, no Rokkor 40mm (either the first CL version or 2nd CLE version) was made in Germany by Leitz, both versions are clearly marked made in Japan. Only the 90mm Rokkor made for the Leitz Minolta CL was made in Germany. No CLE lenses are made in Germany all were made in Japan. But none of this is new as such, I dont think anyone should feel silly based on the version they choose. the Summicron C and first Rokkor have no optical difference, no subtle "Leica" difference at all. There is a difference when you use the CLE versions however, they have slightly more contrast. The 90mm CLE lens is not a direct replica of the Elmar-C. Although it has a similar 4 element design it was Minoltas own and has different optical properties to the earlier Elmar-C/1st Rokkor.