What Version Leica Lens is this

[Captain Kidd]

This lens on ebay (its since ended) is described as a Version 4 Summicron M, though in Rockwells guide (and it seems to be the only guide I can find), this lens is described as a version 4.

My confusion is that the lens on Rockwells page has 'E39' written on it while the other doesnt.

Are they both Version 4 ie. 7 elements?

Much appreciated

 

[YYV_146]

Yes. The auction piece is the Canadian version.

 

[Captain Kidd]

Oh great, thanks for that, they're both Version 4, 7 elements.

 

[michaelwj]

The aperture ring is the easiest identifier for summicron versions.
V2 has a tab
V3 is thin
V4 is thick and oval shaped
V5 (ASPH) is plain thick

Fonts and what is written on the ring around the front element changed within versions sometimes.

 

[noisycheese]

This website will let you look up a Leica lens or camera body by the serial # and will give you the year of manufacture. The website is in French, but it is easy to figure out even for we who do not read or speak French: http://www.summilux.net/numeros/