M3 lens

[SteveHicks]

Hello to all,

I am a newcomer here as I have just recently taken the plunge and obtained a Leica M3 to use for candid and street photography. My experience is primarily with MF and LF, so this is taking a little adjusting to get used to.

I love this camera, but the lens that came with it (Summicron f2 50mm sn 1281556) is severely scratched on the front element; so much so, that sharpness is compromised.

My question for you folks has two parts:

1. Are there people that can replace the front elements on these older lenses?

2. What recent lenses (make/model) would you recommend for this camera? I am hoping to find something in the $500 to $750 range.

Thanks for considering my question.

[ed_oneal]

Hello Steve and welcome to the Forum.

The answer to your question depends on whether you are shooting color or B&W and under what lighting conditions you will work.

For B&W, the older lenses (which will be in your stated price range) will work just fine. If you anticipate low light conditions, then obviously you'll need a large diameter lens. For B&W on my M3 and IIIf (screwmount), I use a 50mm Summarit. For color, you probably need to go to a Summicron.

Good luck. You'll love the M3.

Ed

[TimF]

That's a pain Steve.

1. The good news is there are companies out there who will regrind the front element (assuming the damage isn't severe enough for that). You'll likely get their generic coating applied afterwards.

2. I agree with Ed on lens choice. Any are fine for b&w, but more modern coatings (perhaps from 1970s on) will improve rendition for colour. That's not to say older lenses can't be used with colour film of course, but the appearance will differ a bit from what you get from a modern lens.

Welcome to the forums.

[Philippe D.]

Hi,

Originally Posted by SteveHicks

I love this camera, but the lens that came with it (Summicron f2 50mm sn 1281556) is severely scratched on the front element
2. What recent lenses (make/model) would you recommend for this camera? I am hoping to find something in the $500 to $750 range.

Your Summicron lens was made 1955. The front element is well known to be very sensitive to scratches. Unfortunately.

I would advise you to get another Leitz Summicron, but better choose one with googles, for close focusing distances. They are extraordinairy sharp and looks very good on a M3.

[doubice]

Hello Steve,

And welcome to the forum. Many of the early 1950's and 1960's Leica lenses suffered from soft coatings and are often found with scratched front elements. Depending on the severity of the scratches, many times just fine coating scratches will not affect the results at all.

From your description however, I assume that your scratches are more severe. The only place that I know of in the US is The Focal Point / John van Stelten. Here is the info:

The Focal Point
1017 South Boulder Road
Louisville, CO 80027
John Van Stelten 303.665.6640
john@focalpointlens.com
Welcome to Focal Point - Lens Repair, Lens Cleaning, Camera Repair

A good condition 2/50mm Summicron can be found on eBay between US$300.00 to US$500.00; get an estimate from John and make your decision based on the cost of the repolishing.

John can replace the front element of a 2.8/50mm Elmar with an original Leitz part (!!) for about US$150.00, if I remember correctly. He does come highly recommended and has been in business for many years.

All the best,

Jan

[luigi bertolotti]

Originally Posted by SteveHicks

Hello to all,

I am a newcomer here as I have just recently taken the plunge and obtained a Leica M3 to use for candid and street photography. My experience is primarily with MF and LF, so this is taking a little adjusting to get used to.

I love this camera, but the lens that came with it (Summicron f2 50mm sn 1281556) is severely scratched on the front element; so much so, that sharpness is compromised.

My question for you folks has two parts:

1. Are there people that can replace the front elements on these older lenses?

2. What recent lenses (make/model) would you recommend for this camera? I am hoping to find something in the $500 to $750 range.



Thanks for considering my question.

Welcome on board ! And Enjoy Leica use! M3 is always a pleasure to have in hand.

1 - I See that other people have advised solution in the US: in my opinion, it is worth if work is WELL done and costs in the range of 300$ or so. Have no experience about this kind of repairs.

2 - You quote "candid and street" : i should suggest some 35, but suppose You get the 50 repaired, too similar, and M3 has no frame for 35 (but one can find a 35 2,8 with "goggles" at rather good price). So, go for a 90 ! M3 has a comfortable frame for 90, and for outdoor street pics you can find a light Tele Elmarit 2,8 (not the Elmarit, say, the TELE Elmarit) in the 450-600$ range. Some more if You want the Summicron 90 f2: but you pay one stop more in money, weight, transportability (the Tele Elmarit, mounted, fits in the standard camera case)

[SteveHicks]

Thanks to all for your great advice. This gives me a number of things to work on over the next few days.