Walter Mandler's team in Midland, Ontario replaced the complex eight-element v1 with a six-element design that was cheaper to build and barely gave anything away optically. Collectors chase the v1; shooters who just want the classic 35 Summicron look for less money quietly buy the v2 and v3.
Key specs
- focal length
- 35mm
- max aperture
- f/2
- elements
- 6
- mount
- Leica M
Summicron 35mm f/2 Generations Guide
Collector & User Inspection Guide
Haze and Cleaning Marks on Soft Vintage Coatings (v1 / v2)
Early German/Canadian glass from the 1950s–1970s used soft optical coatings. Inspect with a strong penlight through the open iris to check for internal haze (lubricant breakdown) or hairline cleaning marks on the outer elements.
King of Bokeh (v4) Plastic Aperture Ring & Tab
Version 4 "King of Bokeh" uses lightweight composite materials for the crescent finger tab. Check that the tab is not loose, cracked, or glued back on.
Market value
Used-market price (USD, estimated median)
Estimates from auction and dealer records — condition and completeness vary.
View data
| Date | Price | Source | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-01 | $1,200 | Dealer Median | Good |
| 2020-01 | $1,700 | Dealer Median | Good |
| 2026-01 | $2,200 | Dealer Median | Good |
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