* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron Lens for M-Mount with Rangefinder Optics, Chrome {E39} 11108, SAMWO (Version 1)
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$2,730.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Leica's classic 35mm f/2 Summicron, Version 1 in chrome.
The 35mm focal length has long been a street photographer's default, and the Summicron f/2 maximum aperture gives you genuine low-light capability without the bulk of faster glass. This Version 1 SAMWO build represents the earliest expression of Leica's Summicron 35mm formula, making it a lens with real optical and historical lineage. The chrome finish pairs naturally with period-correct M-body pairings, and the E39 filter thread means accessories are easy to source.
Rangefinder coupling is built in, so focus acquisition through the M-mount viewfinder is direct and mechanical, no hunting, no lag. The lens lacks six-bit coding, which means bodies that require electronic lens identification will either need manual profile entry or will go without correction profiles. On film bodies and on digital M bodies used with profiles set manually, this is a non-issue. What you get is a 35mm optic built to the tolerances Leica applied to M glass during the period when these lenses were made to last generations, not product cycles. Collectors and shooters who actually use their gear will both find something worth holding onto here.
Who It's For
Documentary and street photographers working with Leica M film bodies get the full benefit here: rangefinder coupling at f/2 means shooting in dim cafes or at dusk without switching systems. Collectors focused on chrome Leica glass from the M era will recognize the Version 1 SAMWO designation as a specific and sought-after build. Travel photographers who shoot film and want a single lens that handles reportage and environmental portraiture will find 35mm gives enough context without going wide. Digital M shooters comfortable entering lens profiles manually can run this glass without limitation.
Key Features
- 35mm focal length for street and rangefinder photography
- f/2 maximum aperture for genuine low-light capability
- Leica M-mount with mechanical rangefinder coupling
- E39 filter thread for easy accessory sourcing
- Chrome finish with period-correct M-body pairing
- Version 1 SAMWO without six-bit coding
FAQ
- What's the difference between this Version 1 SAMWO and later Summicron 35mm versions?
- The Version 1 SAMWO is the earliest iteration of Leica's 35mm f/2 Summicron formula, representing the original optical and mechanical design before subsequent revisions. It lacks six-bit coding, which later versions added for electronic lens correction on compatible digital bodies.
- Will this lens work on modern digital M bodies like the M10 or M11?
- Yes, it mounts directly via M-mount. Without six-bit coding, you'll need to set a manual lens profile in the camera's menu or use third-party profiling software, but it focuses and couples with the rangefinder normally.
- Is rangefinder coupling mechanical or electronic on this lens?
- Rangefinder coupling is fully mechanical - no electronics involved. Focus acquisition happens through the M-mount viewfinder's coupled rangefinder patch without any lag or hunting.
- What filter size does this lens use?
- E39 thread, which means filters, caps, and hoods are straightforward to source since E39 is a common older standard.
- Can I use this on film M bodies like the M3, M4, or M6?
- Completely. Film bodies have no electronic lens recognition requirements, so the lack of six-bit coding is irrelevant. The lens will perform exactly as designed.
- Does the chrome finish affect optical performance?
- No. Chrome is purely cosmetic and period-correct for matching vintage M-body aesthetics. It's also easier to clean than black lacquer without affecting the glass elements inside.
- Why does Leica no longer make this version?
- Later versions added six-bit coding for digital cameras and introduced optical tweaks. If you want the original 35mm f/2 formula without digital electronics baked into the design, Version 1 is what you're looking for.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Leica M |
| Filter Thread | E39 |
| Finish | Chrome |
| Version | Version 1 |
| Rangefinder Coupled | Yes |
| Six Bit Coded | No |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Leica |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 39mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 35mm |
| Min Focal Length | 35mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
