Description

Leica Summilux-RF 35mm F1.4 M Lens. serial number 2061343 with Leica rear lens cap,Lens made in Canada for M cameras (M3)

Repair / Note:

This lens was just CLA’d, Cleaned and lubricated focus helical. We cleaned each element best we can. The lens is overall clean and clear now consider its age.

The rear cemented element group has several spots, that are beyond cleaning. The dots on the last element surface will not come off with our cleaning,they do not affect the performance of the lens. We tested the lens with digital M body, the lens is in focus and produce good images.

The second element group stuck into the lens barrel, we are not able to remove it & clean aperture blades., Aperture blades are fine w/out any oil on them.

Lens History :

The Leica 11871 35mm f/1,4 “RF” Summiux lens Nr. 2061343 (1964) for the Leica M3 Camera with infinity lock.

From James Lager Illustrated History Volume II Lenses regarding 35mm f1,4 Summilux RF lens:

Unveiled at Photokina 1960 the seven element 35mm 1:1.4 Summilux was advertised as the world’s fastest wide angle lens.

Thorium-free lanthanum rare-earth glasses of high refractive index and low dispersion made this possible.

Available as the 11871 “RF” model for the Leica M3 and the 11870 for the Leica M2 and M1, the 35mm 1:1,4 Summilux accepted the OLLUX (later 12522)lens hood. In 1961 black finish lenses were cataloged as the 11872 “RF” model and the 11869 for the Leica M2 cameras.

in 1966 at serial number 2166701 the Summilux lens was changed slightly to accommodate series VII filters in divisible lens hood 12504: lenses from this point on were supplied in black finish only. Lenses before 2166701 used E-41 screw-in filters and the OLLUX (12522) lens hood. Lenses after 2166700 were equipped with two different types focusing levers: early types incorporate an infinity lock, later ones do not: The 11871 “RF” model for the Leica M3 was cataloged by Leitz Wetzlar as late as 1974. The 11870 model is currently available (1994)

Leitz has not published information suggesting that the basic-design of the 35mm f1,14 Summilux (1960) has been altered.

One may assume improvement in coating technology have been incorporated when possible. The 35mm 1:1,4 Summilux is very much still and active part of the Leica M system even after so many years, currently it is available as ASPH. lens design.