Lens hoods for IIIf/5cm lenses

[Humphrey (Jpn)]

I was wondering whether anyone might be able to recommend a lens hood for my 1952 IIIf with 5cm Summitar. If possible I''d like to know what might have originally been specified and, assuming that these are expensive collectors's items, whether modern (cheaper) alternatives are available. I use the camera rather than stash it away.

[doubice]

Humphrey,

The proper, original hood for the Summitar was a so-called 'barndoor' collapsible hood, Leitz code SOOFM. Very ingenious design, this hood can be collapsed flat when not in use - hence the name 'barndoor' hood. The hood clamps onto the Summitar and has a cut-out in its upper portion so that it blocks as little of the finder view as possible.

Not particularly diificult to find on eBay or in stores specializing in old Leica gear. If you're lucky, can be found for about US$30 - US$50.

The problem with the Summitar is, that it uses a special, conical filter mounting thread. That is why aftermarket screw-in hoods will not fit. Leitz used to make an adapter (code SNHOO), which would allow regular E-39 (39mm) accessories be mounted on the Summitar. This would include filters, as well as clamp-on hoods. Unfortunately, this adapter is scarce as hen's feet and would be even more difficult to find than the SOOFM hood.

Some of the later Summitar lenses had a groove in their outer filter mount, which would accept regular vented or non-vented E-39 hoods (IROOA or 12585). Those hoods use a clamping mechanism and often, if careful, can be used on the Summitars which do not have the groove.

I hope this makes sense - Leitz accessories and adapters are an immense subject. Leitz used to make adapters to adapt just about anything to anything........

Best,

Jan

[Humphrey (Jpn)]

That's a very authoritative reply Jan, thank you. I will start keeping my eyes open for a SOOFM and if anyone else reads this and has one they'd be prepared to sell I'd be interested.

-Humphrey

[jc_braconi]

Humphrey, have a look of this post and what was my last answer
External Viewfinder for 111c
Cheers
JC

[Humphrey (Jpn)]

Curiouser and curiouser! So, to summarize: originally SOOFM hoods were specified but IROOA or 12585 hoods will suffice so long as there's a groove (mine has this cut into the bezel) OR one for a Summicron 2:50. The OD of the bezel appears to be 42mm so I presume that I should be looking for a hood to fit this, no? I think I'm starting to fall into a confused state here!

[Theodor Heinrichsohn]

Originally Posted by Humphrey (Jpn)

Curiouser and curiouser! So, to summarize: originally SOOFM hoods were specified but IROOA or 12585 hoods will suffice so long as there's a groove (mine has this cut into the bezel) OR one for a Summicron 2:50. The OD of the bezel appears to be 42mm so I presume that I should be looking for a hood to fit this, no? I think I'm starting to fall into a confused state here!

I am using an old lense hood marked "Elmar 50" bei Leitz Wetzlar on my Summitar 50/2 with the cut in the bezel. It works fine.
Teddy

[luigi bertolotti]

Uhm... Jan... your first statement I think is not perfectly correct... the code for the folding hood for Summitar was SOOPD... the SOOFM (almost identical) was marketed as the hood for the 1st Summicron 50, which could also accept the late-version SOOPD... (indeed, my SOOPD is engraved both "Summitar" and "Summicron").
It's a tricky question... the original SOOPD had a clamping screw, so it could be fitted to the first Summitars with the "plain" (not grooved) front rim, then, when the grooved Summitars entered, the SOOPD lost the clamping screw and was made with a spring to fit the groove... so becoming de facto identical to the SOOFM (FWIK, the only difference is the engraving... "Summicron" only for the SOOFM)

Anyway, these kind of hoods are a little annoying... fold-unfold... cannot be kept on with camera in std. case... better to use, as you say, IROOA/12585 or the item quoted by Theo : it must be the clip-on ITOOY/12580, made for the last-version Elmars 50 (3,5 & 2,8, not for the old Elmars with 36 diam., who required the clamp-screw FISON).

Sorry for the pedantry but... like a lot these tiny (and mostly cheap ) collectibles...

[rtphotos]

I recently won a Summitar (ca.1949) in really nice condition. It didn't come with a hood, but I wanted to protect the lens' glass which I understand is quite soft and also prone to flare. The SOOPD's large size does not appeal to me.

So here's what I did. I found a SNHOO which is Leica's A36 to E39 adapter ring. It was not cheap, but still less expensive than the usual alternative Leica-brand hoods (IROOA or SOOPD).

Using the SHNOO adapter allows me to use an after-market E39 screw-in hood, and optionally with the E39 filters I already own in my kit. I can't say for sure how effective this setup is in preventing flare, but I will certainly be testing it out.

I'd like to add that my Leica 12538 plastic hood (for 50mm M-Summicron) did not fit securely onto the Summitar or the SNHOO. I've also read elsewhere that some 12585 hoods also do not fit so well on some Summitars. YMMV.

Here's Ritz Collectibles' website for A36 filters, hoods, adapters, etc:
http://www.ritzcam.com/catalog/index.php

Search eBay seller "heavystar" who sells new, after-market, screw-in hoods. The one I bought was metal, round, and vented. I've no connection with these two businesses, except to be a satisfied customer.

good luck!
rt

[Stan Yoder]

[quote=rtphotos;452726]I recently won a Summitar (ca.1949) in really nice condition. It didn't come with a hood, but I wanted to protect the lens' glass which I understand is quite soft and also prone to flare.

I dunno how soft the glass is, but the coating surely is soft. Leitz had to use the drip method of coating, since Zeiss had the patent on the vacuum-deposition process, which produced a harder coating. When the patent expired (I believe c.1960), Leitz turned to vacuum coating.

The drip coating is the cause of the "cleaning marks" so often found on older lenses. Also, drip coating dried out in time, and, under magnification, the surface looked like parched earth.

[Humphrey (Jpn)]

Thanks to everyone who assisted - my shade should be arriving next week sometime!

-Humphrey

[rtphotos]

Originally Posted by rtphotos

So here's what I did. I found a SNHOO which is Leica's A36 to E39 adapter ring. [edit: should be tapered E36 to E39 adapter ring].

Using the SHNOO adapter allows me to use an after-market E39 screw-in hood, and optionally with the E39 filters I already own in my kit.

rt

And here are the IIf and Summitar finally back from an overhaul, sporting a SNHOO, E39 yellow filter, and hood.

rt

[@bumac]

I have read in another forum, that the lens-hood from Industar 61 fits. I have bought the lens with the hood for 12 Dollar on ebay, but I am still waiting for it.

FED lens hood fits Summitar - Photo.net Leica and Rangefinders Forum

hood.jpg