Pre-Asph 35mm Summilux with digital M

[Perceval]

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I have a (1979) 35mm Summilux which will need modification for use on Digital M models. I currently use film in an M6ttl and don't plan to change. However, would there be any merit in modifying the lens for digital use in order to increase its value, should I ever (most unlikely) decide to sell it? I have no idea what this would cost (although I do know what a friend paid to have a Summicron serviced by Leitz). I could get a quote from Leitz but would first have to send the lens to Solms, which might prove inconveniently time-consuming (and possibly with a cost) should I decide not to proceed.

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[IWC Doppel]

I assume the adjustment will be shimming to set accurate focus to a higher tolerance at a chosen or wide open aperture

 

Setting for digital is no more than that is it ?

 

You could happily do this via any recommended lens specialist. A service and adjustment will probably add cost or near when you sell if by someone well regarded. I doubt you'll get your money back post a Leica adjustment unless it is mint, boxed etc

[philipus]

Are you sure it needs to be modified? It seems some samples do and some don't.

 

I guess the questions really are 1) if you want to sell it, and 2) if there are many digital M users who would buy that lens. From what I have read about 35mm Summiluxes in the lead-up to my buying one, some praise the pre-asph for its aberrations at the wider apertures whereas others really detest it for the same reasons.

 

You could probably have the necessary adjustment done one of the service points in the UK. Some daring individuals do it themselves too (here's a thread which also includes the price of doing the adjustment in Solms).

 

Cheers

Philip

[wim.lon]

It probably needs to be coded.

[rickp13]

It probably needs to be coded.

if you decide you want the lens coded, try one of the independent technicians. mine was done in the netherlands. here's a link.

 

ww.kamera-service.info/

 

good luck

 

rick

[TomB_tx]

Ken Rockwell actually has a useful discussion on this issue, noting it is the shroud around the rear element that can interfere. Not all of them have this issue, and he shows a picture of the back of one that works fine. As mentioned before, this aluminum shroud can be machined to be like the picture he shows after removing from the lens.

[luigi bertolotti]

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Ken Rockwell actually has a useful discussion on this issue, noting it is the shroud around the rear element that can interfere. Not all of them have this issue, and he shows a picture of the back of one that works fine. As mentioned before, this aluminum shroud can be machined to be like the picture he shows after removing from the lens.

 

Yes, this is the real issue : some Lux 35 have this shroud that is a problem on digital Ms (mine, though very old, doesn't suffer of this; it was well documented in the Forum too... 4-5 years ago... search with patience...) : imho, is a modification easy and cheap to be done and with no effects on lens' value... (does not alter the "originality" of the item, being not an official distinctive element).

Of course, if the lens needs re-calibration (which isn't related, in itself to usage on digitals), is another matter, and an adjustment that is worth and, in case of future sale, better to be kept documented by the lab who makes it.

[rickp13]

i wasn't aware of this issue with the summilux pre-asph. for reference, serial numbers 2348022 and 2391902 did not require any modification of the shroud to work properly on the m8 or 9.

[Perceval]

Thanks, everybody. The dealers that sold it to me said something about it not working on digital M's but I can't remember the precise wording; maybe they were being cautious. Serial number is 2992531. I will see if I can find a digital body to try it.

 

I cannot imagine selling it; it is really two lenses in one, sharp and contrasty enough when stopped down; more impressionistic when wide open. I usually try both options, then decide which is most successful after processing.

[menos I M6]

Thanks, everybody. The dealers that sold it to me said something about it not working on digital M's but I can't remember the precise wording; maybe they were being cautious. Serial number is 2992531. I will see if I can find a digital body to try it.

 

I cannot imagine selling it; it is really two lenses in one, sharp and contrasty enough when stopped down; more impressionistic when wide open. I usually try both options, then decide which is most successful after processing.

 

Perceval,

 

The lens, you mentioned, has been produced in slight variations in how far the rear element shroud protrudes into the camera body.

 

The lens shroud from one of the lenses, not working with the newer digital bodies would contact parts of the camera's inner housing and therefore prevent the lens from focussing to infinity.

 

You should do one simple test:

 

- focus the lens to close focus

- mount the lens to the digital body to be used on

- CAREFULLY focus the lens towards infinity

 

NEVER mount an unknown combination of Canadian made version II Summilux 35mm and digital M body with the lens focussed to infinity - you risk misaligning the lens (the 35 Summilux v2 is a notoriously under built lens, held together in it's mount by nothing more than three set screws - same goes for it's focussing ring, held in place by even tinier three set screws only, which by the slightest bit of malicious exercise can be damaged/ misaligned).

Later, German assembled 35 Summilux v2 are not known, to have samples, showing the rear shroud variation, but do share the same abysmal built and lovely rendering and quirks, us lovers of this lens like so much ;-)

 

If you feel the slightest resistance in focussing towards infinity, stop there, focus back to close focus, unmount the lens and have it inspected by a qualified technician for this issue.

 

The actual mod of such lenses involves disassembly of the lens mount,

disassembly of the rear element shroud, machining/ polishing of the shroud and repainting of the shroud + reassembly of the lens.

 

It is a fairly simple and straightforward operation for a good technician and should involve a very fast turnaround with a qualified technician.

 

I would not send the lens to Solms for this type of modification, but get a quote of one of the advertised service persons here on the forum.

[Perceval]

Thanks, Dirk; that is convincing. I actually fell while descending a mountain in Northumberland and landed on the part of my rucsac which contained the Summilux - with enough force to bend the hood. for that reason only it needs looking at, although it seems to be OK. Anyway, I'll also get the M9 mod done. I use Graham Rose of GR Enterprise Services in Surrey. A most meticulous and expert gentleman man.