Collapsible Elmar 50 on M8

[ibogost]

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Despite all the previous discussions, I still felt the need to PM jaap before picking one of these up for use on my M8 after reading the dire warning against using collapsible lenses in the M8 manual.

 

I figured I'd do the service of documenting just how safe this lens really is in case more folks have the same question in the future. So here you go.

[Basal Skull]

cool thanx for documenting

[luigi bertolotti]

Yes, not only the "modern" Elmar, but also the "old" Elmar 5cm f 3,5 can be collapsed into the M8 (the old SM Elmar, with BM adapter, of course, is even more compact than the modern). I think that Leica warning is related to the risk of firing the shutter with the lens collapsed (which is absurd, but, as an accident, can indeed happen) : I noticed that, when firing the shutter, there is a small mechanical component that makes a quick movement in front of the shutter blades... obviously, is difficult to evaluate the distance from the shutter, but my idea is that THERE is the risk that it can interfere with the collapsed tube.

Another collapsible old Elmar, the 90 f4, cannot be completely collapsed for the lens tube has a too large diameter... doesn't fit the rectangular body "entrance".

[jaapv]

Well done. That definitely disproves the manual. I feel that it is yet another example of the bad communications that existed between the design department and the marketing department at Leica back in 2006.

I am confident that the thingy Luigi noticed is not 5 mm thick, so there should not be a problem firing the shutter with the lens collapsed. I fact it has happened to me several times without detrimental results.

[luigi bertolotti]

Well done. That definitely disproves the manual. I feel that it is yet another example of the bad communications that existed between the design department and the marketing department at Leica back in 2006.

I am confident that the thingy Luigi noticed is not 5 mm thick, so there should not be a problem firing the shutter with the lens collapsed. I fact it has happened to me several times without detrimental results.

 

Really ? Thanks for the info... I did not dare to try... to use sometimes my good old Elmar Red scale is a thing I like to do : it's sharp, focuses perfectly, and above all is a fantastic compact combo for pockets... and in my collection of small devices I have also the A36 adapter for E39 filters !!

[cbretteville]

The Summarit 50/2 can also be collapsed on the M8, I've done so several times without any ill effects.

 

Anyone try a collapsible 50 'cron?

 

- Carl

[ibogost]

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The Summarit 50/2 can also be collapsed on the M8, I've done so several times without any ill effects.

 

Anyone try a collapsible 50 'cron?

 

I have a Summar 50/2 I can try if I can find my lost LTM adapter. The test is easy to do on your own, though, given my measurements of the lens cavity, which seems to be 25mm deep.

[ibogost]

I think that Leica warning is related to the risk of firing the shutter with the lens collapsed (which is absurd, but, as an accident, can indeed happen) : I noticed that, when firing the shutter, there is a small mechanical component that makes a quick movement in front of the shutter blades... obviously, is difficult to evaluate the distance from the shutter, but my idea is that THERE is the risk that it can interfere with the collapsed tube.

Another collapsible old Elmar, the 90 f4, cannot be completely collapsed for the lens tube has a too large diameter... doesn't fit the rectangular body "entrance".

 

Interesting about the mechanism in front of the shutter. I'll try to look into that. As for the old Elmar 90/4, you are right of course, although that lens is listed specifically as a "do not use" in the manual.

[monza]

Mine worked fine on the M8 until I sold the 'cron last week.

 

The Summarit 50/2 can also be collapsed on the M8, I've done so several times without any ill effects.

 

Anyone try a collapsible 50 'cron?

 

- Carl