Highly sought-after vintage wide-angle lens for Leica L39 screw mount cameras.
The Leitz Summicron 35mm f/2 8-element design is a highly sought-after early version of the Summicron 35mm, produced from 1958 using a unique 8-element optical formula. The L39 (Leica Thread Mount) variant was produced for use on Leica screw-mount cameras (IIIg, IIIf, etc.) and Leica M cameras via L39-to-M adapter. The 8-element formula produces a distinctive rendering character.
35mm focal length, f/2 maximum aperture, 8-element optical formula (unusual design), Leica Thread Mount (L39/LTM) chrome finish, rangefinder-coupled.
The Summicron 35mm 8-element is among the most collectible Leitz lenses ever produced, prized for its distinctive rendering — complex aberration correction in the 8-element formula produces a unique character, particularly in the bokeh transition zone. Optically different from all subsequent Summicron 35mm designs. Chrome examples are rarer than black paint versions.
Inspect all 8 elements carefully for fungus, haze, and coating condition — this is a critically valuable collectible where optical condition drives most of the value. Verify L39 thread engagement is clean. Test rangefinder coupling. Check aperture blades. Authenticity verification by a Leica expert is recommended for high-value examples.