Jump to content

Leica Screw lenses on M8?


hunz

Recommended Posts

thanks julian :D

 

does this lens have the similar annoying problem with the vintage 50/2.8 collapsible lens, where after you lock it in place (extended), the lens still moves/rotates when you try to change aperture settings? - i found this really annoying as you have to hold the front of the lens to twist the aperture ring, hence needed both hands to do it. can anyone confirm this is the case with the f3.5 elmar?

Link to post
Share on other sites

does this lens have the similar annoying problem with the vintage 50/2.8 collapsible lens, where after you lock it in place (extended), the lens still moves/rotates when you try to change aperture settings?

 

That is just a poorly serviced lens. With any of the collapsible LTM (or M) lenses turning the aperture ring should not turn the lens barrel. The aperture ring should be free to turn without much friction, and the focusing mechanism should be tight enough not to wander.

 

Steve

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

hmmm... i remember checking out at least 2 of these a few years back at secondhand shops and both moved when I tried to change aperture. the shop assistant (quite vintage himself, speaking like a leitz expert) retorted that it was normal. and the only ones that didn't exhibit this behaviour was the M6J 50/2.8 and ones made after it :rolleyes::eek:

Link to post
Share on other sites

The only lenses I can go on are my 50mm Elmar M, 50mm Summitar LTM, and 5cm f3.5 Elmar LTM, and none of them turn the lens barrel when adjusting the aperture.

 

That said when I got my Summitar the aperture ring was very stiff indeed. So I carefully ran some naphtha (lighter fuel) into the gap and worked the ring back and forth. This worked for a while until the old grease firmed up again, so I reasoned I need some proper lube in there. I repeated the naphtha treatment and then followed it with some 3-in-1 oil. Just a little on the gap and work it back and forth and its been slick and smooth for over a year now. You just need to re-invigorate the grease, but don't overdo the oil.

 

Steve

Link to post
Share on other sites

As for the lens focusing mount moving when adjusting the aperure on collapsible lenses - the Summar, Summitar and Summicron collapsible 50mm lenses have non-rotating (sometimes called 'rectilinear') mounts so there's never such a problem with them.

 

As for the Elmars, whether A36 or original E39 mounts, I think it's very, very rare to find one which avoids the problem of altering the distance when changing the aperture, whether in 'perfect' condition or not. The focusing movement would need to very stiff, I believe. Maybe 250swb has a happy combination on his lenses! The click stops on the E39 designs actually add to the problem, I think.

 

The shop assistant Hunz spoke to was actually quite correct based on my own encounters. The 'late' collapsible Elmar-M design is a rectilinear design not unlike the Summar, Summitar and Summicron collapsibes..

 

Over the years I've handled enough them to claim some relevant experience. The only certain way to avoid the problem on the A36 mounts is to hold the front rim with a finger and thumb while using another finger to slide the aperture lever. (Try thumb + middle finger to hold, forefinger to slide lever:))

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...