summilux 35 mm compatibility help plz

[r1noa]

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I am going to buy a summilux 35mm (previous version), serial number 325xxxx,

 

I own leica m8 and Sony next 5 which i usually use leica asph glass through an adapter.

 

My seller said this glass i am going to buy might not work with my leica m8 due to the milling of the metal of the bayonet mount, and that he didn't know if this lens will work with sony product.

 

Can anyone tell me what does this mean?

why it will not work with my m8?

 

Thank you.

[ho_co]

Welcome to the forum!

 

Some but not all of the pre-aspheric 35 Summiluxes need a minor adjustment by Leica to fit on the digital M cameras.

 

To test the lens on your camera: Set the lens to closest focus distance, then mount it on the camera. That will probably work. (If you can't mount it, see next paragraph.)

 

Now focus the lens toward infinity. If you run into resistance, stop turning toward infinity and return the lens to closest focus, then remove it from the M8. Ship it to Leica with the note "won't work on M8," and they will adjust it.

 

If you don't run into resistance and you focus all the way to infinity, you're home free: the lens works.

 

It is not the mount, and it's not milling that's involved. It's the plastic shroud that protrudes from the rear of the lens. Leica will make a minor adjustment to the shroud and the lens will work properly on all M series cameras.

 

I don't think the shroud would run into any part of the Sony M-to-Nex adapter, so I don't think you would have any trouble using the lens on your Nex 5 in either case.

 

Here's an excerpt from the M8.2 instruction book in regard to this lens. (Ignore the misprint "f/4".):

 

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[r1noa]

Thank you very much ho_co,

just the answer i'm looking for.

 

Will Leica fix this problem for free?

and how long it approximately takes?

thanks

[jaapv]

Why don't you just buy the camera and try if the lens works before buying it. If not you can inquire about adaptation with Leica, or a local Leica-savvy technician (I'm sure there are one or two in Indonesia) or decide to buy another lens - despite the present shortage it is not hard to pick up older lenses at acceptable prices, and the Voigtlander 35-2,.5 Color-Skopar is another happy combination with the M8.

[ho_co]

...

Will Leica fix this problem for free?

and how long it approximately takes?

...

It's a quick-turnaround adjustment, since the shroud is separate from the optics. Including paperwork, maybe a week or week-and-a-half in the plant.

 

As for price, I can only guess. At one time the adjustment was free, since everyone having it done had a new camera under warranty. It may still be free. The only way to know is to let them see the lens to be sure it doesn't need other service as well.