Summilux 35 mm question

[Rik]

I bought a number of Leica bodies and lenses. Among them is a 35mm Summilux. Serial number is 2347924. This tells me it was made in 1969.
It also has a 'stopper' at infinity. In all the pictures I can find however, these stoppers are black. The one on my lens in chrome/aluminum colored. And I'm sure it has never been black. The back is also the same color, so there was no black that has worn off or something like that.
My questions are the following:
Is this a common version of this lens? (both stopper and 'chrome' stopper)
What is the approximate value of this lens? I understand that also depends on the state the lens is in. The glass is excellent, outside shows some traces of use obviously.
Thanks for your input.

Rik

 

[nobbylon]

Rik, I think all the stopper lenses where earlier ones from the 60's. I've not seen a chrome stopper before but it may be a replacement part.
schouten have a couple but his prices are very high IMHO but I suppose if the glass is good and cosmetics are nice then somewhere between 1000-1300 euros would be my guess. On a personal note, the infinity locks drive me mad on lenses!

 

[Rik]

thanks,
I agree on the Schouten pricing, IMHO he is very high as well..
I haven't used the lens yet, but will see how the infinity lock works for me.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Rik

I haven't a clue as to the value of your lens or it's rarity. That said, my Canadian made 35 Summilux has a chrome infinity lock release as part of the black finger focusing tab. So there are some out there.

Bob

 

[Rik]

Thanks Bob, mine is Canadian as well, so the same as yours. So there are at least 2 out there...

 

[Tom A]

There are quite a few of these lenses out there. Most of them had chrome infinity locks and chrome rear mounts. The black or brassy infinity locks usually went on black paint lenses.
As for value, as a user probably $1200-1500, in mint condition much more. It is the same formula optically that stayed around until the late 90's. Great lens and a very retro look to the negatives.

 

[xayraa33]

mine is the brassy infinity lock kind.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Tom A

That is an interesting comment as mine is a black paint lens and has a chrome infinity lock. Don't know if that means anything, but interesting anyway.

Bob

 

[Tom A]

These lenses are now almost 50 years old and a lot of them have gone in for service and things changed. like me, a lot of users removed the infinity lock as it drives you nuts! With unswerving accuracy, what you focus on is right at the "cam" and the damned lock clicks in!
Leica Midland used a lot of parts and I also suspect that if they did not have a black paint lock available, they took a chrome lock out of the bin! I have seen these lenses and had some myself with variations to the lock - some because i took them off and lost the part and replaced it with chrome ones too! The painted brass also wore quite quickly and the brass would wear sufficiently to dissable the function.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Tom A

Yea, nothing is written in stone when it comes to variations in features on old lenses especially considering manufacturing variances and replacement parts. I have to agree with your comment about the infinity look being bothersome when at or near the infinity setting. I still like the lens and see no real reason to change but the new VC 35/1.4 is interesting as a less costly alternative.

Bob