Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/01/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Bob, the lists I have show that your 35/2 Summicron is from 1972 production that commenced at #2503101 through 2556500. I believe that Steve's serial numbers refer only to cameras. I bought one of these lenses shortly after their introduction in 1969 or 70. Was in my kit for a four-week visit to South and East Africa = 700+ Kodachromes. One afternoon in our hotel room in Nairobi after returning from an 8-day tour of the Serengeti, I put down my M4 w/ 35/2 Summicron attached to answer the phone. I had forgotten to twist the lens to full lock. When I picked it up, the lens plunged onto a tile floor, bending the rear flange. I literally burst into sweat, told my wife that I had to go for a short walk to calm down. Returned to hotel room, looked once again at bent flange, shook lens vigorously to ascertain if there were loose glass elements, diaphragm blades or other un-Leica-like anomalies, etc, tried it on the M4 to which it seemd to mate as usual. Had no back-up 35mm so used it balance of the trip. On return to NYC, I called Vince Fochtman, the lens guy at Leitz/Rockleigh whom I knew pretty well, told him the story and said I was sending him the lens; if there was damage to the glass or mechanicals that could not be made perfect, please just return the lens with a bill and I would sell it and find another; if it could be made optically and mechanically flawless despite cosmetic flaws, please repair the lens. A week passed, my lens returned with a Leitz invoice that had no charge. I called Vince and inquired. He said the lens was fine, glass clean, clear, not decentered a micron, just as good as it had come from Wetzlar; he had been able very gently and little by little to bend the bent- out-of-shape flange into perfect alignment, didn't need any parts, so no charge! Talk about robust fortress-like construction! I would like to think that current production is just as strong. Who knows? Enjoy your Summicron! Seth Seth ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" <robertmeier@usjet.net> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 11:19 AM Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron > Seth, > > Thanks for that confirmation. Where can I go to check the serial > numbers of lenses? All I know about is Stephen Gandy's lists of > body serial numbers. > > Thanks, > Bob > > > On Jan 17, 2009, at 7:06 AM, Seth Rosner wrote: > >> it is indeed the second version >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" >> <robertmeier@usjet.net> >> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> >> Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 8:02 PM >> Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron >> >> >>> I have a 35mm Summicron, pre-aspheric, that shows wear on the barrel >>> (no dents or dings) and has mint glass. With both caps. I think it >>> is 2nd version, but I'm not sure. The serial number is 2541855, >>> $750 >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Leica Users Group. >>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> ---------- >> >> >> >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release Date: >> 1/16/2009 3:09 PM >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Leica Users Group. >> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release Date: 1/16/2009 3:09 PM