Summilux M 35mm asph differences?

[avondel]

I'm planning to buy a M summilux 35mm asph lens, probably on ebay, so it will be a used one. My question: is there a difference in (built or image) quality between older types (nrs. starting 36, built in ca 1997) and more recently built lenses? I happened to see mentioned somewhere 'type 1' and 'type 2' according to this lens.
Or is a lens from 1997 exactly the same as one from 2004 (apart from signs of use of course)? Thanx for any information, albert vondeling, holland.

 

[xabi]

As far as I know, type 1 is rare and expensive. It has 2 aspherical elements. In terms of performance I don't think there is any difference between the two. I would buy the type 2 version, which I owned and is excellent.

 

[dseelig]

I have owned both I sold my type 2 asnd got a good price for it I ham now using the new version no real world difgfernce except the new one can be 6 bit coded the older one cannot David

 

[peter_n]

From the Hove Leica Pocket Book 7th edition pp 116-117 the production of your "type 1" was from 1989 to 1994, first serial nr. was 3459071, there were 2000 manufactured, and the lens was engraved "aspherical" on the front element rim. The production of your "type 2" began in 1994 and the lens is still in production. The first serial nr. was 3636101 and the lens is engraved "ASPH" on the front element rim.

According to Hove, the type 1 is "vigorously sought after by collectors". The major constuction difference appears to be that the type 1 aspherical surfaces were ground and polished on the same device used for the Noctilux 50mm/f1.2 asphere. The type 2's apherical surfaces were pressed into shape with a blank moulding. You can occasionally read opinions about the superiority of the type 1 lens over the type 2, but if you are a shooter what you should get is a used type 2 with ASPH (in capital letters) on the front rim. An excellent lens.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[avondel]

Thank you all for the information, albert vondeling.

 

[StuartR]

Magus -- can you explain your comments or offer any examples? I am not challenging you, I am just curious.

 

[foto_fool]

Magus -- can you explain your comments or offer any examples? I am not challenging you, I am just curious.

Magus - I second this request. In the Leice world it seems rare to me that the collectability of a lens is matched by a marked differnece in performance. If the type 1 is that much "better" I might be inclined to trade up from my type 2.

- John