Second version 50 Summicron-R and Leicaflex

[Shac]

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Hi - I've done some searching but still no definite answer - the 50 Summicron-R with the built-in hood (pre-ROM with 3rd cam) - can this be used on the SL2 without more cams being added?

Thank you in advance

David

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[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello David,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

All Leicaflex models can take most 1, 2 & 3 cam lenses w/ varying degrees of automation except for most protruding rear element lenses which only fit SL2 & R cameras.

 

1 protruding rear element lens both the SL & SL2 cannot take is the 11803, 21mm Super Angulon 3.4 which was made to fit the Standard.

 

The SL & SL2 only require 2 cam lenses to operate fully. The 3d cam is superfluous for all Leicaflex models. It is for R cameras. The 1st cam is for the Standard.

 

None of the various Leicaflex models take the lenses that only have the 3d cam. "R Only".

 

All R models take most lenses regardless of cam configuration but require the 3d cam for automated function. R cameras can also take the "R Only" cammed lenses.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[Shac]

Thank you Michael - so with the 50's that have ONLY a 3rd cam - they can't be used on the SL2 without the 2 cam added - correct?

[ho_co]

That is correct.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Again David,

 

You can use most manual lenses such as the 400mm 6.8 on all of the models of all of the Leitz/Leica Reflex Cameras. You can also use all manual lenses w/ all Leitz/Leica Rangefinder Cameras (more cumbersomely) in some form w/ the appropriate Visoflex & attachments.

 

You must stop them down manually.

 

You need the 2d cam w/ SL & SL2 cameras in order for the meter to interact seamlessly w/ a pre-set lens.

 

I think the only purpose of the 1st cam is to connect a pre-set lens to the external meter of the Standard.

 

The 3d cam is not used @ all by the Standard, SL or SL2.

 

You can use a 3d cam only - "For Leica R Only" - 50mm lens on any Standard, SL or SL2 & meter in manual mode also known as "Stop down mode" if you haven't added a 2d cam.

 

Metering in manual is what every Barnack or M user does everytime they use their camera.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[Shac]

Michael - thank you again - most helpful

Best

David

[wildlightphoto]

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Thank you Michael - so with the 50's that have ONLY a 3rd cam - they can't be used on the SL2 without the 2 cam added - correct?

 

Not always. Some "R ONLY" 50mm Summicron-R lenses were made with a Leicaflex-compatible flange. These lenses can be used on the Leicaflexes but will meter correctly (on SL and SL2) only at working aperture unless the first and second metering cams are added.

[masjah]

Just to say (apologies if this is already entirely clear) that the 50 Summicron with the built in hood (optically the same as the ROM version) was available as a full 3 cam lens, as well as R-cam only. (A Leica R user friend of mine, with mainly 3-cam lenses, who bought an SL2 for nostalgic reasons, acquired one, because his existing 50/2 was R-cam only. I might add though, that, in his quest for one, he found that dealers have been known wrongly to describe R-cam only lenses as "3 cam".)

[jpattison]

Just to be completely clear, The R only mount has a raised area close to the inner part of the mount, and these lenses will not mount on a Leicaflex, SL or SL2.

 

see this example...

 

24mm f/2.8 Leica Elmarit-R 3rd cam lens, E60 front | eBay

 

This is also on ROM lenses (don't even attempt to try a ROM lens on a Leicaflex!)

 

John

[ho_co]

John, the 24mm is a special case. It was a Minolta design that would work on SL2 but not SL or Standard. It actually had a slightly different mount (as you say) to keep it from mounting on the earlier cameras, where the mirror would have hit the back of the lens.

 

But R-only lenses had the black, 3-stepped cam only. Leicaflex models require the sloping cams (ramps) for proper metering.

[wildlightphoto]

Just to be completely clear, The R only mount has a raised area close to the inner part of the mount, and these lenses will not mount on a Leicaflex, SL or SL2... This is also on ROM lenses (don't even attempt to try a ROM lens on a Leicaflex!)

 

With slight modification to the lens and camera, many ROM lenses can be used on the SL (not the SL2 or Leicaflex Standard). My SL bodies and my 180mm f/2.8 APO ROM have these modifications and all work perfectly together.

 

... he found that dealers have been known wrongly to describe R-cam only lenses as "3 cam".)

 

I have purchased a couple of lenses that were described to me as 3-cam but were in fact R-cam, one from a dealer and one from a private seller. It's best to learn what the cams look like and if you can't inspect the lens in person, examine photos of the rear of the lens before purchasing.

[Shac]

Gentlemen - Thank you - I'm pretty sure I understand now and if I find one at a price I can afford I will be sure to ask the seller for images of the lens' rear.

Best

David