Need the experts here...I saw a chrome finish Summilux 50 the other day in a camera shop that had a very late serial number (#34xxxxx). This is the older version before the built-in hood, focuses to 1m, with squared font on the numerals. Quite nice looking (Ex++), but I don't remember ever hearing about this lens. I don't know whether it came off a special edition camera or what. Can anyone tell me any more? I've seen (very rarely) the chrome finish Summicron with a focusing tab and no built-in hood, but never a Summilux. Also, what do you think it's worth? Seeking a nice chrome 50 Summilux to match to my chrome M5. Thanks in advance.

-- Carlin Mayer (carlinm@abac.com), January 15, 2002

Answers

No expert here but I think the 50 Summilux lens formula is quite old. And the 34xxxxx serial # would place this lens in the late 80s. I would go for the older Summilux with the removable hood. In the event that you drop it a broken piece of plastic would be much less disheartening to replace than a bent metal filter thread. Now for the chrome version though....

...you ARE aware of the weight difference of chrome and black lenses right?

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), January 15, 2002.

Carlin, I believe it is a rare issue. The only times I've seen the lens (in pictures only) has been on commemorative M6 cameras. Oftentimes, you will see it offered with the M6 Traveller set. It probably is the rarest of the early 90's chrome lenses which include the 35/2 pre ASPH, 50/2 with removable hood and the 90/2. The difference between the current version with the built-in hood and the one you saw, other than the cosmetics, is the current version will focus to .7m. If you decide not to buy it, let me know who has it for sale and what the asking price is.

-- Henry Chu (heninden@yahoo.com), January 15, 2002.

Yes, that lens was only sold together with the 1994 M6 "Traveler Set". According to Leica at the time, only 300 sets were made.

-- Lucien (lucien_vd@yahoo.fr), January 16, 2002.