piblondin Posted January 13, 2010 Share #1 Posted January 13, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi everyone-- I just picked up a very used copy of this lens for a good price and noticed some eccentricities. I would like to know if any are cause for concern, and if I should look for another copy of this lens. 1) The previous owner had screwed on a filter so tightly that I had trouble getting it off the lens. In doing so, I rotated the aperature ring and the area around the front of the lens that says Leitz Summicron, etc. I was able to rotate the aperture ring back to it's original position. 2) The focus ring is a noticeably more stiff at the close distances, say up to 1m. Then it becomes normal through infinity. It's certainly useable, though. 3) The aperture blades appear o be a little oily, but I'm not sure. How can I tell? What else should I look for? Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 13, 2010 Posted January 13, 2010 Hi piblondin, Take a look here Quick Question re Summicron 40/2. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ho_co Posted January 13, 2010 Share #2 Posted January 13, 2010 Second thoughts, eh? If you got the lens head screwed back in properly, as you say, you've got nothing to worry about. Don't worry about oily diaphragm blades. It shouldn't be that way, but it'll make only a theoretical difference in the image. (Oil in the diaphragm of an SLR lens can hinder its stopping down properly; but on a rangefinder, you're metering at preset aperture.) Focusing stiff close up? So what? When you want to make it like new, send it in for a clean-and-lubricate. I say, quit worrying and use it. It's a wonderful lens. And the reason it was available "at a good price" is just that it was going to give you pause later. So now you've paid your dues. Go shoot! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
piblondin Posted January 13, 2010 Author Share #3 Posted January 13, 2010 Thanks for the quick reply! It is a beautiful little lens. It makes me happy that I got the Summicron version even though I'd guess the Rokkor is basically the same. :-) It wasn't so much the price that gave me pause, but the issue with removing the filter. Anyhow, I'll take it out for some shooting tomorrow and then I'm sending my M8 back to NJ for a rangefinder adjustment, which I'm guessing has been the cause of my back focusing woes. Looking forward to getting it back and finally beginning to use this new camera for real! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted January 13, 2010 Share #4 Posted January 13, 2010 Actually, though some deny it, the Summicron is better than the Rokkor 40. That's a case where Minolta used the Leica design but substituted a less expensive glass in one element. That's the story anyway, told me by someone who probably knew. But--typical reason for Leica's existence--the only time you can see a difference is wide open, so the Rokkor is a thoroughly satisfying lens for anyone. Just not quite as good wide open. Congratulations. I think you'll be happy with it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsrockit Posted January 13, 2010 Share #5 Posted January 13, 2010 Which framelines does the 40mm summicron bring up on the M8 and how are you dealing with the inaccuracies? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 13, 2010 Share #6 Posted January 13, 2010 Actually, though some deny it, the Summicron is better than the Rokkor 40... Did a comparo with the CLE version of the Rokkor some time ago: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/discus_e/messages/2/117163.html Hard to tell an obvious difference at infinity at least. Got focussing problems with the Rokkor on my Epsons though so i don't use the lens any more. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 13, 2010 Share #7 Posted January 13, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Which framelines does the 40mm summicron bring up on the M8 and how are you dealing with the inaccuracies? 50mm framelines normally. Suffice it to file the flange of the lens to bring up 35mm framelines if need be. See How to modify a 40mm Summicron-C (with photos) - Photo.net Leica and Rangefinders Forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yanidel Posted January 13, 2010 Share #8 Posted January 13, 2010 50mm framelines normally. Suffice it to file the flange of the lens to bring up 35mm framelines if need be. See How to modify a 40mm Summicron-C (with photos) - Photo.net Leica and Rangefinders Forum. Yes, I filed mine with no issues and it brings up the 35mm framelines. It is a perfect match at mid distances. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 13, 2010 Share #9 Posted January 13, 2010 ...It is a perfect match at mid distances. You mean with an M9 i guess. Not so sure with the M8.2 but i have no experience of it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
piblondin Posted January 13, 2010 Author Share #10 Posted January 13, 2010 Which framelines does the 40mm summicron bring up on the M8 and how are you dealing with the inaccuracies? It brings up the 50mm framelines. Once I get my camera fixed, I will shoot more with the lens and decide if I'm going to keep it. If I do, I'll probably file it to bring up the 35mm framelines, which I find to be fairly accurate at most distances. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 13, 2010 Share #11 Posted January 13, 2010 ...the 35mm framelines, which I find to be fairly accurate at most distances. Depends on the camera i guess. Beware that the M8.2's RF is set to be accurate at 2 meters contrary to other bodies. So don't file your flange before you make sure it works fine if you use a M8.2. Just my 2 cents advice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yanidel Posted January 13, 2010 Share #12 Posted January 13, 2010 You mean with an M9 i guess. Not so sure with the M8.2 but i have no experience of it. Yes indeed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
piblondin Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share #13 Posted January 14, 2010 1) Yanidel, I love your photography. You do such a wonderful job of capturing the feeling of a wonderful city. 2) B&W seems to make two different 39mm UV/IR cut filters. Which is the one I should get for this lens? This one? Amazon.com: B+W 65-1014112 39mm UV/IR Cut Filter #486: Camera & Photo Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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