Tietje
newbie
Reged: 13/04/2008
Posts: 3
Loc: Dublin
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I have just purchased from a very reputable Leica dealer (over the counter) an guaranteed "M Mount F2 Collapsible Summitar". There are no markings ie. the number and type of the lens where they should be, except "Germany" on the lens mount. I've just checked my copy of the Leica Collector's Guide by Denis Laney and it says that the Collapsible Summitar never came in an M mount only a screw mount. So what have I got here a F2 Summicron or a conversion or what I was told in the shop, and the Collector's Guide is wrong.
Thanks for any guidance on this issue
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BrianT
Old Hand
Reged: 16/05/2001
Posts: 5987
Loc: Leeds
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Could be interesting.
A few ' funny' Summitars were made in 1950 primarily for testing. They were in fact prototype Summicrons. The lenses can be identified by an asterisk after the name Summitar.
These are very rare and I cannot understand how or why a " reputable" Leica specialist would have been unaware of what he was selling. Or did he in fact charge you a hefty premium?
I have examined one in the past which had indeed been converted to M mount, a very simple job.
Edited by BrianT (13/04/2008 12:23)
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Tietje
newbie
Reged: 13/04/2008
Posts: 3
Loc: Dublin
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Thanks for that information. The price was very reasonable, which what made it so attractive, so like you say its probably not a rarity. In fact as I look underneath the lens mount there is some un-plated brass, so again like you say it is a conversion. I didn't realise that this kind of thing went that much or that it was a simple job.
Thanks once again, you've saved me a trip back to the shop !
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BrianT
Old Hand
Reged: 16/05/2001
Posts: 5987
Loc: Leeds
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But it is interesting.
Bye the way if you check the first couple of editions of "The Leica Pocket Book you will find Laney was not the author. It was a certain rogue, Brian Tompkins. Laney took over when yours truly got bored.
Screw to bayonet mounts are simple, even today Voigtlander still make them.
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Brian BSRIPN
Oh for the days when Elvis was king and everything else was a 50th @ F11.
Edited by BrianT (13/04/2008 13:14)
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Heric
newbie
Reged: 31/03/2008
Posts: 12
Loc: Milan, Italy
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Hi
No, probably the goal you have bought is fine
Surely it is a variant not registered on the books and manuals
Sometimes the manufacturers enter the market for models (Prototypes)
Where there is no endorsement and caption
Sorry if you do not speak good English ...
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http://newnonsololeica.blogspot.com/
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Tietje
newbie
Reged: 13/04/2008
Posts: 3
Loc: Dublin
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The other puzzling thing for me is why it would no Leitz markings. Did it never have them or have they been lost somehow ? There is a screw thread where according to the aforementioned collectors guide there is a an engraved black ring.
Thanks once again
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BrianT
Old Hand
Reged: 16/05/2001
Posts: 5987
Loc: Leeds
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These lenses were made around 1950, in other words not long after the war. In those days Leitz were very much a family run cottage industry. All sorts of variations occurred, it is a minefield for the student or collector. The two examples I remember both were marked as I said with the * followed by a serial number. In fact if you look in Lager Vol 2 you will find an illustration.
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Brian BSRIPN
Oh for the days when Elvis was king and everything else was a 50th @ F11.
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