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1956 Summicron 50 collapsible


mustafasoleiman

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Just got back this little beauty I gave to a friend of mine a couple of years ago.

I traded it with my cv15 which I don't like on the M9.

 

It's in perfect condition and the lens is clear... Can't wait to play with it.

First few images seem better than I expected, if maybe a bit soft wide open.

 

Does anybody have any experience with the summicron 50 collapsible (mine is 1956), on the M9?

 

As a bonus it just looks so cute on the M9...

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I would use caution -- are you sure the 50mm collapsible will collapse on the M9 without hitting the sensor? If I recall correctly, Leica issued a warning about at least certain collapsible lenses on the M8/M9. I'd check to be sure.

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The Summicron is shorter than any other collapsible Leica 50mm lens, so you run no risk when you collapse it in the camera. You should take care not to mount it, when it is collapsed but it's impossible that it will cause any harm on the shutter.

 

I know this has been discussed on this forum before, but there is a risk of damage to the camera with the collapsible 50mm Summicron.

 

The M9 Instruction Manual (p. 110 of the English version) says" "Lenses with retractable tube can only be used with the tube extended, i.e., their tube must never be retracted into the LEICA M9."

 

As I understand it, Solms may be able to make some modification to the collapsible 50mm to allow it to be used on the M9 safely.

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I have the lens, but haven't tried it on the M9 yet. Eventually I'll get around to trying all my screw-mount lenses. I'll check the body-flange-to-shutter distance with a depth guage and then measure the extension of the collapsed tube from the inside of the lens flange...that should tell me if I can safely collapse it or not. If not it's no big deal, the lens can still be used without collapsing it. One can always put a strip of tape around the tube to prevent accidental collapsing.

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I just measured (lenses, I don't have the M9 here). With an M-adapter on it, the collapsible 50/2 focused to infinity intrudes 13.5mm into the camera. My 21/4 Skopar intrudes 14mm and it works fine on the M9. I'm certain the 21/3.4 S/A must intrude even deeper (since it interferes with the meter path) and yet it too doesn't damage the M9 (I don't have one anymore to measure). As a contrast, my 50/3.5 Elmar intrudes 22mm. As I recall, the flange-to-focal-plane distance of an M camera is around 28mm, so that would allow only another 6mm all the way to the bottom of the sensor wells. Without measuring the actual distance from the body flange to the shutter blades I'd say that's calling it too close for comfort. But the collapsible Summicron I'd have absolutely no issue with.

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I would use caution -- are you sure the 50mm collapsible will collapse on the M9 without hitting the sensor? If I recall correctly, Leica issued a warning about at least certain collapsible lenses on the M8/M9. I'd check to be sure.

 

Only the old collapsible 90mm can't be used. The 50 is no problem at all. I don't advise the screw. Not that it doesn't fit, but more that it can be out of focus easy...

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Only the old collapsible 90mm can't be used. The 50 is no problem at all. I don't advise the screw. Not that it doesn't fit, but more that it can be out of focus easy...

 

Exactly my experience. Near focusing is not accurate with my screw mount lens and adapter.

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Here is the picture of it mounted on the M9:

 

What if any, would be an alternative to this lens?

Any more modern version, that is collapsible, 50mm and f2?

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Hello to you all.

As I own a Summicron 50 collapsible I followed this thread with interest. That's why I sent a mail to Leica Support to ask about the possibility of collapsing this lens.

I received the answer in which Leica Support tells me that it is possible to collapse the lens. But watch it, it says: Elmar 2,8/50mm is another problem. This could damage the camera. For testing, the lens has to be sent to Leica.

 

Peter

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mustafasoleiman, congrats to you on your purchase of such a fine kit. I have a much older version, S/N 1190307. I use this lens with my M2, M3 & M8. It really shines when using it to make portraits of older people. It is a little soft, but also forgiving. I almost always use it wide open and still get most of the facial features in focus, Those elements that tend to be evidence of advanced aging, are rendered softly & in a gentle way. Enjoy.

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More collapsibles, go here and scroll down: Voigtlander Lenses Leica Mount

 

Yes I saw that thank you.

It's a pity Leica does not sell a new version of a collapsible 50 summicron.

I would imagine there is a market for a small lens, that is still fast enough not to be just for daylight.

 

Most if not all new Leica lenses are huge compared to the older versions. I understand the need for quality is driving this, but portability is also something to be appreciated every now and then.

I for one would buy a small and lifht summicron 35/50 and would be willing to shed some super stellar quality in trade.

 

I know the old 35 summicron is available on the used market, and its success to this day proves my point.

 

I also know I can buy a cv lens, but hey I want a Leica lens, I cannot be bothered with coding, different looks, different feel, etc.

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