Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron Lens for M-Mount with Rangefinder Optics, Chrome {E39} 11108, SAMWO (Version 1)

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.