35/2 Summicron-M IV - Canada vs. Germany

[dpetrzelka]

Is there a difference optically/mechanically between the German and Canadian IV (fourth) version 35/2 Summicron-M?

Was one produced in significantly fewer numbers?

[M. Valdemar]

The German one was made by elves in the Black Forest using a secret ritual which makes the lens much sharper.

Otherwise they are identical.

[Joe]

Time to wake up M. Valdemar

[pfoto]

Is there a difference optically/mechanically between the German and Canadian IV (fourth) version 35/2 Summicron-M?They shouldn't be. I don't have this lens but the Canadian-made Leica lenses I've used have all been excellent.

[Steve Bellayr]

There is no difference between Canadian & German in quality. For collectibility German runs higher in price. Condition is the main consideration in price.

[dpetrzelka]

I had no concerns about quality differences- more a question of if they are the same optical formula, and is the unser interface the same -, tabbed, concave tab, same non-circular apature ring.

Thanks to all for the quick replys!

[M. Valdemar]

Don't I know it. Waiting for the mesmeric passes.

Time to wake up M. Valdemar

[dadsm3]

The German one was made by elves in the Black Forest using a secret ritual which makes the lens much sharper.

Otherwise they are identical.

Apparently, they are the Silmarillions.

[ferider]

The German ones were designed in Canada by a Canadian :)

[gertf]

The ones made in Germany are newer, right? So the only difference is age, if that matters to you.

[Nikon Bob]

The German ones were designed in Canada by a Canadian :)

From what I have read the 35mm Summicrons up to version IV were designed by Dr. Walter Mandler while working at ELCAN in Midland Ontario. I would think that the ones manufactured in Germany were the same optically and may have even been assembled from parts brought in from Canada. Dr. Walter Mandler and other key staff came to Canada from Germany to set up ELCAN. I wonder if he ever took out Canadian Citizenship? Sure would make me proud if he did considering his stature as a lens designer. I would also think that mechanical quality is the same aside from the fact that we do not have the benefit of the Black Forest elves here.

Bob

[ferider]

Dr. Walter Mandler and other key staff came to Canada from Germany to set up ELCAN. I wonder if he ever took out Canadian Citizenship?

Yes, he did, Bob. Most of the modern Leitz lenses are his/his staff's
creation, including the Noctilux.

Best,

Roland.

[venchka]

The Canadian made examples are better.

How's that for starting a myth on Al Gore's internet?

I doubt that matters to the film anyway.

[Steve Bellayr]

How about this: Parts were shipped to Germany and assembled there with the made in Germany stamp to avoid import taxes?

[xayraa33]

From what I have read the 35mm Summicrons up to version IV were designed by Dr. Walter Mandler while working at ELCAN in Midland Ontario. I would think that the ones manufactured in Germany were the same optically and may have even been assembled from parts brought in from Canada. Dr. Walter Mandler and other key staff came to Canada from Germany to set up ELCAN. I wonder if he ever took out Canadian Citizenship? Sure would make me proud if he did considering his stature as a lens designer. I would also think that mechanical quality is the same aside from the fact that we do not have the benefit of the Black Forest elves here.

Bob

According to the wikipedia, Mandler did become a Canadian citizen.
he died in Midland in 2005.

[Hacker]

The Canadian made examples are better.

How's that for starting a myth on Al Gore's internet?

I doubt that matters to the film anyway.

If you are referring to the ones before Chernobly, yes, the cleaner air in Canada produced better lenses. But post Chernobly, the radioactivity in the glass seems to induce a property very akin to using lead.

I have to check my old measurements. It will take quite a while to look up though. :D

[pkreyenhop]

... the radioactivity in the glass seems to induce a property very akin to using lead.
:D

But radioactivity is responsible for the "Leica Glow"!
;-)

[Rob-F]

The radioactivity pre-flashes (fogs) the film, raising the exposure in the shadows to produce better shadow detail. ;)