Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/01/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Same series (version), Bob? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" <robertmeier@usjet.net> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 4:10 PM Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron > Seth, > > That's a very impressive story, both about how well built a Leica > lens is, and how good the Leica New Jersey service is/was. I should > reconsider selling this lens, except I have another one that is newer > and is even nicer! > > Bob > > On Jan 17, 2009, at 12:37 PM, Seth Rosner wrote: > >> 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 >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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