Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 II

Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 II

The second version of Leica's 35mm Summicron is best understood by what it followed: the celebrated eight-element original of 1958. For this revision Leica simplified the optics, and the lens left the factory with a six-element design in four groups, a formula attributed to Walter Mandler and his team at Leitz Canada [1]. Produced only from 1969 to 1971 in a run of fewer than about 12,400 examples, it sits between the mythologised first version and the longer-lived later types, which has left it comparatively overlooked among collectors and users[3].

Mechanically it is a compact M-bayonet lens with rangefinder coupling, a ten-blade diaphragm running from f/2 to f/16, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 m. It is small and light at 170 g, measuring 33 mm long by 51 mm in diameter, and takes E39 (and Series VII) filters. A practical identifier of this version is the protruding aperture-control lever fitted to the barrel, a feature noted by sellers familiar with the type [2]. The clip-on hoods listed for the lens are the 12504 and 12585.

Most examples carry Leitz Canada engravings, though a smaller number of Wetzlar-made lenses exist and are considered rarer. The lens was offered in black (order number 11309) and chrome (11311), with chrome examples beginning from serial number 2316001. Collectors also distinguish thick-lever and thin-lever variants, the latter being less common.

Optical qualities

Rendering Documentation of this specific version is limited, and much of the available description comes from experienced users rather than formal test reports. Owners report that it retains some of the character associated with the first version, including a gentle glow and pronounced flare when used wide open, while still being acceptably sharp. At f/2 the out-of-focus rendering is described as mildly swirly with a distinctive signature; stopping down to f/2.8 increases central sharpness noticeably and reduces the glow, and from f/4 the lens is reported as crisp across the frame. These observations reflect user consensus rather than measured data and should be treated accordingly.

History

Development and Launch Leica replaced the original eight-element 35mm Summicron with this six-element design in 1969, with production concluding in 1971. The optical change from eight to six elements marked a shift toward a simpler, more economical construction while keeping the f/2 maximum aperture and the established M-mount handling of the line. The design work is credited to Walter Mandler at Leitz Canada, the engineer associated with much of Leica's wide-aperture lens development of the period.

Production Evolution The run was short and the total output modest, fewer than roughly 12,400 lenses according to collector records. Within that period Leica produced both Leitz Canada and the scarcer Leitz Wetzlar examples, along with ELC variants, and changed the chrome finish in from serial number 2316001. The differing aperture-lever profiles, recorded as thick and thin types, are the other notable production variation.

Special editions No widely documented factory special editions are specifically tied to this six-element version in the consulted sources; commemorative and anniversary 35mm Summicrons are generally associated with adjacent model types rather than this one.

Collector Notes The clearest identification points are the six-element optical formula, the production years of 1969 to 1971, and the order numbers 11309 (black) and 11311 (chrome). Because this version is sometimes confused with the neighbouring eight-element first version and the later third and fourth versions, buyers should confirm the engraving (Leitz Canada versus the rarer Leitz Wetzlar), check the serial number against the chrome cutoff, and verify the aperture-lever type. As with any rangefinder lens of this age, inspecting the elements for haze or coating deterioration and confirming smooth, accurate rangefinder coupling is advisable, and the correct period hoods (12504 or 12585) and E39 or Series VII filters are worth checking before purchase.