Leitz Auction
Starting Price €12,000
Total bids: 0
Estimate
€24,000 – 26,000
€24,000 – 26,000
This item is subject to VAT at the statutory rate of the respective country of destination on hammer price and premium (full taxation), provided it remains in the EU
serial number
II
Condition
B/A
Manufacture Year
c.1954
Product number
A04144
An exceptionally rare, Wetzlar-made prototype of the Summicron 2/90mm, dating from circa 1954 and showing numerous constructional differences from the later Canadian serial-production lens. Among the most distinctive features are the movable aperture index with fixed scale, the different focusing and mount construction, and the unusual engraving “f=9cm 1:2 Nr.”, with both the Summicron designation and serial number omitted.
A hand-engraved Roman numeral “II” appears after the “Nr.” engraving and is also repeated inside the focusing mount, underlining the experimental character of the lens. Preserved in very good condition, with some cleaning marks visible on the front element, and accompanied by the scarce matching Wetzlar-made HMOOD hood.
A closely related prototype, likewise engraved “Nr.” without a serial number, is illustrated in 'Prototyp Leica' book, pp. 76–77 and 79. An important and highly desirable early Summicron prototype from the development period of Leica’s legendary 90mm f/2 lens.
A hand-engraved Roman numeral “II” appears after the “Nr.” engraving and is also repeated inside the focusing mount, underlining the experimental character of the lens. Preserved in very good condition, with some cleaning marks visible on the front element, and accompanied by the scarce matching Wetzlar-made HMOOD hood.
A closely related prototype, likewise engraved “Nr.” without a serial number, is illustrated in 'Prototyp Leica' book, pp. 76–77 and 79. An important and highly desirable early Summicron prototype from the development period of Leica’s legendary 90mm f/2 lens.