85MM SCREW MOUNT LENSES


8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex

It was known that Alexander Smakula had filed a patent for the process of vapor deposition of these anti-reflective coatings on glass lenses at Zeiss in Jena in 1935364. During the Second World War, companies involved in the production of war-critical optical equipment were required to share their specialized knowledge with each other so that all manufacturers could ensure the same high quality in their products364. As a result, Leitz was obligated to apply the coating process patented by Zeiss to optical components for war-relevant equipment starting in 1941, which likely included some Leica lenses364.

Dr. Max Berek developed a symmetrical 7-element, 2-pair modified Gauss design, for which he obtained a patent in 1937116. He created the name "Summarex" by combining the well-known Leitz SUMMAR trademark with the name of his pet Alsatian dog, Rex116. 


Prototype

9cm f/1.5 Summarex Prototype

In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of 9cm f/1.5 Summarex lens ("Objektiv Summarex 9 cm 1:1,5 mit E.-Kupplung") as September 9, 1939, and noted himself as designer573. This lens was widely considered to be a prototype of the 8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex lens512.

An example of such prototype, number 541021, dated circa 1940429, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. It was sold for 32000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. The lot was described as "The early experimental models of the famous Summarex were still labelled 9 cm. Leitz designer Wilhelm Albert lists September 09th 1939, as the date of completion of the first prototype in his records. The lens offered here in a significantly different design from the series-produced lenses. A very similar illustration of a 9 cm Summarex can be seen in the Leitz publication on interchangeable Leica lenses from 1943. The optics with haze, minimal cleaning marks on the rear and front element and dust inclusions. Provenance: Property of a European collector."429.

In the production book of Leitz Company, the serial numbers from 541051 to 541100 were reserved for black lacquered prototypes512. It was likely that not all of these numbers were utilized, so the reserved numbers were frequently employed for repairs512.

According to the records, only six lenses were produced, and they were numbered 541053, 541054, 541055, 541056, 541057, and 541058512. These were partially branded under the name "Summar."512 Of these 6 lenses:

  • The 9 cm f/1.5 Summar (as opposed to Summarex) with the serial number 541056, produced in October512 1940439, is still uncoated and was featured in the "Ein unbekanntes Objektiv für die Leica mit Schraubgewinde: Summar 1,5/90" article of Vidom 33, written by it's owner, Daniel Claeyssen in 1986439. In addition to the traditional European f-stop range, this lens also introduced the new international geometrical aperture scale, which is marked with red dots512. This lens was illustrated on page 71 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book542. The photograph was credited to "Bellon photo"542. 
  • The company’s shipping records indicate that on November 25, 1941, the Leitz shipped a prototype 9cm f/1.5 Summarex lens with serial number 541058 to Berlin for testing and evaluation116. This lens was featured in the Leitz brochure titled AUSWECHSELBARE LEICA OBJECTIVE116 published in 1943512.  This early version of the lens was particularly noteworthy because of its straight rear section, which distinguished it from the design of later models512. This lens was illustrated on page 71 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book542.

 

Black paint 8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex 

In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of 8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex lens with differential compensation ("Objektiv Summarex f=8,5 cm 1:1,5 mit Differenzausgleich") as October 4, 1940, and noted himself as designer573.  Introduced in 1941 (by other accounts in 1943364) but not made available to the public until 1949, the 8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex (code-named SOOCX82) (at the time, known as the "Lichtriese"364 ("Light Giant")) was quite expensive and was produced for only a few years in limited quantities360. 

The black lacquered Summarex lens was added to the product range on July 15, 1943512. This model was code-named SOOCX and its production began with the serial number 593001512. A total of only 276 lenses within the serial number range from 593000 to 593349 were produced, indicating that 74 serial numbers were unused512. 

The first 100 lenses (from serial number 593001 to 593100) were delivered to the Wehrmacht (the armed forces of Nazi Germany) in Berlin during July and August 1943512. Most of these lenses were treated with an anti-reflection coating known as "Brilliant-coating" or B-coating512. In addition to the international f-stop scale, they featured an aperture index marked with red dots512. This series of lenses had a one-piece rear lens barrel, lacking any protrusions or the finely corrugated ring that appeared in later versions512. Among them:

  • Lens number 593001 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593002 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593003 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 26, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593004 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593005 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 26, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593006 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593007 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593008 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593009 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593010 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593011 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 12, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593012 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593013 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593014 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 26, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593015 was shipped as Summarex without focusing mount (?) on July 6, 1943, to Reichspost in Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 11643544. 
  • Lens number 593016 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 26, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593017 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. The lens was sold on eBay for 9000 Euros on January 9, 2025. The lens was featured in "Leica HEAVEN EP 2" of Kevin Fickling's YouTube channel
  • Lens number 593018 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593019 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 26, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. 
  • Lens number 593020 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 28, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544. It was  illustrated on the page 217 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .        
  • Lens number 593021 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593022 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 12, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593023 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 12, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593024 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 26, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593025 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 28, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593026 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593027 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 12, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593028 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593029 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 15, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593030 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 12, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593031 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on July 28, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593032 was shipped as "SOOCX B" (for Summarex Belag (coated)) on August 26, 1943, to Berlin, Germany as a part of order number 29777544.
  • Lens number 593033 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593045 was listed for sale at Classic Connection in December of 2025.
  • Lens number 593053 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593065 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593075 dated 1943 had "SS-KBA300" engraved on the lens mount540. This lens was illustrated on page 89 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The photograph was credited "Schmidt Photo"540.
  • Lens number 593076 dated 1943 had "SS-KBA 297" engraved on the lens mount540. This lens was illustrated on page 89 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. It was illustrated in Viewfinder 15(3)116. Lens was auctioned off at the Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2019.
  • Lens number 593083 was auctioned off on May 08, 2021 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Lens number 593085 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593091 was auctioned off at Flints Auctions on May 21, 2020.
  • Lens number 593096 dated 1943 was discussed on a photo.net post from 2002.

From May 1945, another set of 100 lenses with serial numbers ranging from 593101 to 593200 was mainly distributed to German military bases of the Allied forces512. Among them:

  • Lens number 593101 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag - coated)544  on January 29, 1946 as a part of order number 487544. According to one source, this lens was shipped  to  Ernst Leitz in New York on January 29, 1946116. 
  • Lens number 593102 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593103 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on June 30, 1945 to Lt. Thomas S. Noble as a part of order number 8143544. Lt. Thomas S. Noble was likely Thomas Satterwhite Noble III (1914 - 2005), who during World War II was "First Lieutenant, Combat Photographer, Signal Corps, attached to the Third Armored Division “Spearhead” in England, Belgium, France, Germany" and after World War II was "in charge of getting the Leica camera factory, in Wetzlar, Germany, back into production. He was honorably discharged from military service as a First Lieutenant" (source).
  • Lens number 593104 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593105 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593106 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on May 16, 1945 to a Captain of US Army as a part of order number 8068544.
  • Lens number 593107 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on December 19, 1945 as a part of order number 14205 (or 14206)544.
  • Lens number 593108 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on January 16, 1946544.
  • Lens number 593109 was shipped as "Summarex" on October 6, 1945 to Lt. Snyder (likely Lt. Paul C. Snyder, judging by engraving on the lens) as a part of order number 13263544. According to Leica Society International web article titled "Snyder at Wetzlar", "Indiana native Paul Snyder served with the United States Army in the European Theatre (France from 1944). A few days after Wetzlar, Germany was liberated, Lt. Snyder was assigned to be the U.S. Army representative in charge of Leitz Wetzlar operations. After the War ended, then Captain Snyder was separated from the Army in 1947 but remained at Leitz Wetzlar as the U.S. State Department Representative. During his tenure at Wetzlar, he purchased Leitz photographic equipment including the Leica IIIc, numerous lenses, and many small accessories." The Summarex lens was later auctioned off 31st WestLicht Photographica Auction.
  • Lens number 593110 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593111 did not have an entry in the delivery records544, but later was auctioned off the 30st WestLicht Photographica Auction.
  • Lens number 593112 was shipped on June 9, 1949544.
  • Lens number 593113 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593114 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on December 19, 1945 as a part of order number 14203 to "Capt. G.G. Amsterdam" (?) 544.
  • Lens number 593115 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on December 19, 1945 as a part of order number 14205 to "Col. E. S. Gilsburg" (?) 544.
  • Lens number 593116 was shipped as "Summarex" on July 31, 1945 as a part of order number 81903 to "Col. H. B. Lotta" (?) 544.
  • Lens number 593117 did not have an entry in the delivery records544 but it was mentioned in uglyhedgehod.com post.
  • Lens number 593118 was shipped on December 21, 1948 as a part of order number 13328544.
  • Lens number 593119 did not have an entry in the delivery records544 but was mentioned in Leica Forum post. It was housed in the Leitz museum and showcased an all-chrome rear section and a reversible black enamelled brass hood; it is most likely a "BITZA"116. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
  • Lens number 593120 did not have an entry in the delivery records544 but was auctioned off at Yahoo Auctions Japan.
  • Lens number 593121 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593122 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on May 16, 1946 as a part of order number 14593544.
  • Lens number 593123 did not have an entry in the delivery records544.
  • Lens number 593124 was shipped as "Summarex" on May 16, 1945 as a part of order number 8074 to "Lt. H. Parker"544.
  • Lens number 593125 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on January 26, 1946 as a part of order number 296(?) to "Capt ..."544.
  • Lens number 593126 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on December 13, 1948 (?) as a part of order number 13175 544.
  • Lens number 593127 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on November 27, 1945 to a Colonel "H. C. Mulvaney Jr" (?) of the US Army as a part of order number 13469544.
  • Lens number 593128 did not have an entry in the delivery records544. 
  • Lens number 593129 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on  January 17, 1946 to Sergeant of the US Army E. A. Haley as a part of order number 7180 (?)544.
  • Lens number 593130 did not have an entry in the delivery records544.
  • Lens number 593131 was shipped as "Summarex B" (for Belag (coated)) on March 25, 1946 to a Major C.E. Nelson as a part of order number 1161 (?)544.
  • Lens number 593132 was shipped as "Summarex" on July 30, 1945 to a "Major Smitto ?"  as a part of order number 8183544.
  • Lens number 593133 did not have an entry in the delivery records544.
  • Lens number 593134 was shipped as "Summarex" on March 25, 1946 as a part of order number 1123544.
  • Lens number 593135 was shipped as "SOOCX" on December 9, 1949 as a part of order number 23677?544.
  • Lens number 593136 was shipped as "Summarex" on September 19, 1945 to Mr. Walter Campbell as a part of order number 13233544.
  • Lens number 593137 was shipped as "Summarex" on July 19, 1944 as a part of order number 10066544.
  • Lens number 593137 was shipped as "Summarex" on July 18, 1945 to Major Bengel ? as a part of order number 8173544.
  • Lens number 593139 did not have an entry in the delivery records544.
  • Lens number 593140 was shipped as "Summarex" on June 15, 1945 to Lieutenant ? T. Hollcraft as a part of order number 806?544.
  • Lens number 593141 was shipped as "Summarex" on March 15, 1949 as a part of order number 34 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593142 was shipped as "Summarex" on February 13, 1946 as a part of order number 1085 to a US Army Sergeant544.
  • Lens number 593143 was shipped as "Summarex" on November 4, 1945 to a US Army Major544.
  • Lens number 593144 did not have an entry in the delivery records544.
  • Lens number 593149 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593150 appeared in the @365daysofcameras's Instagram video in August of 2026. According to the owner of the lens at the time, the lens "came out from a storage unit that was near Chicago".
  • Lens number 593155 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593160 was auctioned off 44th Leitz Photographica Auction.
  • Lens number 593174 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593176 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593181 was illustrated in Viewfinder 15(3)116. 
  • Lens number 593186 is known to exist116. It was illustrated in Viewfinder 15(3) and belonged to Charles Messer collection116. 
  • Lens number 593192 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593193 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.

The remaining 76 lenses ranging from 593201 to 593327 (author's note) in the series were likely sold to private buyers through the end of 1949, primarily to journalists and professional photographers512. Among them:

  • Lens number 593212 was auctioned off at Christie's on November 25, 1999.
  • Lens number 593232 was auctioned off at Christie's on January 14, 1999.
  • Lens number 593239 was auctioned off at 23rd WestLicht Photographica Auction.
  • Lens number 593244 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. 
  • Lens number 593248 was auctioned off at 47th Leitz Photographica Auction.
  • Lens number 593253, dated 1943, and featuring a different than that of earlier lenses base configuration was illustrated on page 68 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 2 - Lenses - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book542.  
  • Lens number 593258 was auctioned off at Christie's on March 6, 1997.
  • Lens number 593259 was auctioned off 27th WestLicht Photographica Auction.
  • Lens number 593263 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.
  • Lens number 593264  was shipped in December of 1949 as a part of order number 24088 to Leitz544.
  • Lens number 593265 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593266 was shipped on December 23, 1949 to Alvarez, Madrid as a part of order number 1669544.
  • Lens number 593267 was shipped on August 1, 1949 to Wykeham, London as a part of order number 763544.
  • Lens number 593268 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544. It was later auctioned off at an American auction on November 14, 2020.
  • Lens number 593269  was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593270 was shipped on September 10, 1949 as a part of order number 1067 to APO 633, US Army544.
  • Lens number 593271 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593272 was shipped on December 22, 1949 as a part of order number 1575 to Kleiner, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil544.
  • Lens number 593273 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593273 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593274 was shipped on December 20, 1949 as a part of order number 18749544.
  • Lens number 593276 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544. It was auctioned off at 25th WestLicht Photographica Auction.
  • Lens number 593277 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593278 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593279 was shipped on January 3, 1950 as a part of order number 24534 to Bemberg, Wuppertal544.
  • Lens number 593280 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593281 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593282 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593283 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593284 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593285 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544. The lens was illustrated in Viewfinder, Volume 55, Issue 3, and engraved "Red Richards".
  • Lens number 593286 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544. It was auctioned off at an American auction on November 12, 2016. The lens was engraved "Red Richards", according to the lot description.
  • Lens number 593287 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593288 was shipped on February 25, 1950 as a part of order number 24002 to Grimminger544.
  • Lens number 593289 was shipped on September 10, 1949 as a part of order number 1067 to APO 633, US Army544.
  • Lens number 593290 was shipped on August 1, 1949 to Wykeham, London as a part of order number 764544.
  • Lens number 593291 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593292 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593293 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593294 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544. It was auctioned off at an American auction on November 14, 2020.
  • Lens number 593295 was shipped on December 23, 1949 as a part of order number 1635 to Odin, Nijmegen, Netherlands544.
  • Lens number 593296 was shipped on October 31, 1949 as a part of order number 22628 to Wiesbaden544.
  • Lens number 593297 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593298 was shipped on July 20, 1950 as a part of order number 27186544. It was auctioned off at Christie's on November 21, 1996.
  • Lens number 593299 was shipped on August 1, 1949 as a part of order number 519 to Leitz New York544.
  • Lens number 593324 was mentioned in Leica Forum post and auctioned off at the Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020. According to the lot description, the lens used to be part of Dr. Bahman Bawendi collection.
  • Lens number 593327 was mentioned in Leica Forum post.

Lenses following the serial number 593101 were coated and featured only the international geometrical aperture markings512. Additionally, in this version, the rear part of the lens barrel is constructed in two parts, featuring a protrusion and the finely corrugated ring, which was originally painted black but later chromed512. The aperture index is displayed as an engraved arrow shape within a half circle, inlaid with white paint512. Notably, unlike the chromed Summarex lenses, the black lacquered lenses indicate the aperture index increasing from left to right512. Therefore, to close the aperture, the aperture ring had to be turned clockwise512. Additionally, the rear portion of the one-piece mount lacked the fine knurled ring found on later two-piece mounts116. An 85mm parallax-corrected saddle-type bright-line finder, designated SOOCB, was cataloged in 1943116. A special clamp-on, non-reversing black brass lens hood was provided, along with a uniquely sized black brass cap that fit the lens directly. In contrast, later chrome lenses featured reversible bayonet hoods and slightly larger chrome caps that fit the reversed hoods116.

The black lacquered post-war Summarex 8.5 cm lens can be seen as a transition between the prototypes and the later chrome versions512. The patina finish on the distance scale was replaced with brushed chrome116. The dual f-stop scale was removed around serial number 593200116. The rear portion of the focusing mount was simplified to a two-part design featuring a fine knurled ring116. This two-part design was available in black (serial number 593186), patina (serial number 593299), and chrome versions116. 

Fewer than 500 lenses with a black finish have been produced in total360. Black finish lenses are extremely rare82. A lens hood produced especially for the black finish 8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex by Ernst Leitz, New York107. The original black 8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex was shipped in a red tubular box and did not include a lens hood107. It came with a specially designed black-painted lens cap that fits directly onto the lens107. This cap is slightly smaller in diameter than the later chrome version, which was designed to accommodate the reversible lens hood107. 

Due to high manufacturing costs, its production was ultimately halted with the introduction of the first chrome Summarex, starting with the serial number 593350512. The lens number 593350 was shipped to Ernst Leitz, New York on December 8, 1949116. The reversible lens hood and chrome cap were introduced with the lens number 593350107.


8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex in chrome finish

There were 6 different variants of chrome version, according to Dr. Bahman Bawendi's research512: 

Version 1 - The first chrome Summarex, with the serial number 593350, was exported to the Leitz branch in New York on December 8, 1949512. The production of this series concluded with the lens having the serial number 593500 on March 17, 1950512. This means that only 150 of these lenses were ever produced, making them even rarer than the very hard-to-find black lacquered versions512. The distribution records provide the shipping date and destination but do not indicate the production date512. However, the serial number sequence of 593xxx suggests that the first chrome lenses were assembled from parts that had been prepared earlier512. All lens barrels of the this version featured the highly reflective 'wartime chrome' plating512. 

The source of the following images is the "The Summarex 8.5 cm f/1.5" article written by Dr. Bahman Bawendi published in 7/2011 Leica Fotografie International magazine512:


Version 2 - The serial numbers for the second chrome version, produced between 1950 and 1951, range from 732001 to 732500512. Apart from that, all characteristics of the first chrome version also applied to the lenses within this sequence of serial numbers512. All lens barrels of the this version featured the highly reflective 'wartime chrome' plating512. Interestingly, one of these lenses, number 732072, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018 and was described as "8,5 cm Summarex f/1.5 in Leica M mount"596.

Version 3 - The serial numbers for the third version began with 823001 in 1951 and concluded with 824000 in 1952512. The depth of field index featured more widely spaced numbers512. Additionally, the distance setting marker was redesigned to be linear and was inlaid with red paint512. In the third version, the casing's surface was matte chrome. The front ring's abbreviation for 'number' changed from 'No.' to 'Nr.'512.

The source of the following images is the "The Summarex 8.5 cm f/1.5" article written by Dr. Bahman Bawendi published in 7/2011 Leica Fotografie International magazine512:


Version 4 - This version had serial numbers ranging from 940001 to 941000 and was manufactured between 1952 and 1954512. Rear section of the lens barrel had been redesigned resulting in the removal of the finely corrugated rings512. Lenses of this variant featured a smooth double ring beneath the depth of field scale, where the tripod mount protruded512. Beginning with the fourth version, the middle section of the front ring, which was located in front of the aperture, had a shiny chrome finish instead of the matte finish seen in version 3512. This shiny chrome matched the front part to which the lens hood was attached512. Lenses of this version had a red R-index for infrared film512, a feature that had been eliminated by Leitz on their early post-war lenses due to the unavailability of infrared film116.

Version 5 - Lenses of this variant had serial numbers ranging from 1008001 to 1009000, produced between 1954 and 1958512. Lenses of this version had a red R-index for infrared film512, a feature that had been eliminated by Leitz on their early post-war lenses due to the unavailability of infrared film116. This batch also introduced an improved lens hood and the bright-line 85mm finder, designated SGOOD, in 1952116. The number of slots in the post-war hood was reduced from four to two for increased manufacturing efficiency116. A change in the color of the lens coating occurred at this time, shifting from light blue to magenta116. 

Version 6 - The sixth variation was produced from 1958 to 1962, spanning serial numbers 1151001 to 1151450512. However, instead of 450, only 375 lenses were believed to have been built onto which those serial numbers were distributed irregularly512. The step beneath the aperture, over which the tripod mount protruded, was in the form of a compact ring512. 

In 1967, the last four lenses in this block of serial numbers were delivered512. Some of the lenses of this variant were equipped with the SOOCX-ISBOO adapter straight from the factory512. The engraved depth of field markings, as well as the markings for infrared film (R), were low in red paint512. The index line for distance setting was marked in black and shaped like a wedge at its end512.

The source of the following images is the "The Summarex 8.5 cm f/1.5" article written by Dr. Bahman Bawendi published in 7/2011 Leica Fotografie International magazine512:

Closing Remarks

The 8.5cm f/1.5 Summarex was last listed in the catalog in 1962, with a retail price of 360.00 USD116. According to Helmut Lagler, however, overall, there were 4550 lenses produced between 1943 and 1954, with serial numbers ranging from 593001 through 1151450439. The production of this lens came to an end due to the introduction of the more versatile and less expensive 9cm f/2 Summicron (model SOOZI) in 1957116.