Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 I 8-element with Goggles (M3)

Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 I 8-element with Goggles (M3)

The Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 I 8-element with Goggles is the M3-specific version of the first 35mm Summicron, introduced in 1958. The chrome production lens became catalogue number 11108 and carried the Leitz code SAMWO, having initially been designated SAWOO-MW. Its integrated optical viewing attachment allowed the 35mm lens to be used with the Leica M3, whose finder did not contain native 35mm frame lines. The goggles alter the apparent finder magnification so that the M3's existing framelines provide the appropriate field of view.

Optically, the lens uses the celebrated first-generation Summicron construction of eight elements in six groups, designed under Walter Mandler at Leitz Canada. It takes E39 filters and uses a 16-blade diaphragm. The M3 version focuses to approximately 0.65 metres, slightly closer than the 0.7 metre non-goggled M version. The lens remains mechanically rangefinder coupled, with the viewing attachment forming an integral part of its intended M3 operation.

The standard 11108 is normally encountered in silver chrome and was manufactured in both Wetzlar and Midland. Some examples were constructed around a screw-mount-type chassis fitted at the factory with a secured screw-to-bayonet adapter. This is a documented production construction and should not automatically be interpreted as a later private conversion. The goggled 11108 should remain separate in a collector database from the non-goggled 11308 and the 11008 LTM lens because the mechanical configuration, focusing limit, aperture mechanism and catalogue identity differ.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The first 35mm Summicron uses a largely symmetrical eight-element, six-group optical design. Contemporary optical analysis describes relatively low overall contrast at f/2, with good fine-detail reproduction near the image centre but softer definition toward the outer image field. Contrast and definition improve noticeably when the lens is stopped down.

Sharpness

At maximum aperture, centre detail is stronger than the outer zones. Performance improves markedly at f/2.8 and continues to become more even through the middle apertures. Erwin Puts' analysis found the eight-element version particularly strong at moderate apertures, although the extreme corners remain less well corrected than the central image field.

Flare resistance

The design shows a noticeable tendency toward flare at wider apertures. Condition is especially relevant today because haze, cleaning marks, coating degradation and separation can further reduce contrast in surviving lenses.

Distortion and vignetting

Distortion is documented as negligible, one of the notable characteristics of the nearly symmetrical optical formula. Vignetting is substantial at f/2, with published optical analysis placing light falloff at approximately 2.5 to 2.6 stops. It decreases as the lens is stopped down.

History

Development and Launch

Leitz introduced the first 35mm f/2 Summicron at Photokina in 1958. Its optical design originated with Walter Mandler and the Leitz optical department in Midland, Canada. The lens represented a major increase in speed over Leica's existing 35mm rangefinder lenses while remaining unusually compact.

Because the Leica M3 did not provide 35mm framelines, Leitz created a dedicated version fitted with an optical viewing unit. This version was initially known as SAWOO-MW and later as SAMWO, with catalogue number 11108 for the standard chrome lens.

The viewing attachment allowed M3 owners to use a 35mm lens without fitting a separate shoe-mounted finder. This made the goggled Summicron a distinct factory model rather than merely the standard Summicron supplied with an optional accessory.

Production Evolution

The 11108 was produced in both Germany and Canada. Wetzlar and Midland examples share the same eight-element, six-group optical formula, although coating appearance and minor mechanical details can differ across production.

Some bayonet lenses were assembled using a screw-mount-derived chassis with a factory-secured bayonet adapter. These should not be automatically classified as converted LTM lenses.

The goggled version remained associated with the first-generation eight-element design throughout its production. Leica references place bayonet production of the first version broadly between 1958 and 1969, although the 11108 continued to appear in Leitz catalogues after active production had largely ended.

Special Editions/Variants

The principal rare factory variant is the black-finish M3 version, catalogue number 11104. Several mechanical and engraving subvariants of the black 11104 are documented, including differences in bayonet finish, infinity-lock construction and scale coloring.

Pre-production and prototype goggled lenses are also documented. Known experimental examples include lenses carrying very low prototype serial numbers from the development period around 1958.

Collector Notes

The most important distinction is between the 11108 goggled M3 version and the visually related non-goggled 11308. The viewing unit is not simply an optional hood or finder accessory. It forms part of the dedicated M3 configuration and is associated with different focusing mechanics.

Collectors should inspect the optical viewing unit as carefully as the taking lens. Haze, separation, scratches or misalignment in the goggles can compromise the finder image even when the photographic optics remain clean.

Factory construction can also create confusion. Some genuine bayonet lenses use a screw-mount-derived chassis with a factory-fitted adapter secured by a small screw. The presence of this construction alone does not prove that a lens has been privately converted.

The optical cell should be checked for haze, coating damage, separation and cleaning marks. Original infinity locks, focusing tabs, engravings and scale colors are useful when determining originality. Period hoods include the IROOA/12571 and later 12585.

Special editions

11104, black finish: Rare factory black version of the goggled M3 Summicron. Multiple production subvariants are documented.

Prototype and pre-series goggled lenses are also known, but these do not have a normal production catalogue number.