Summilux-R 50 E55/E48 Focus Throw

[alan.y]

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I handled an E60 recently and was slightly dismayed to find that the focus throw from MFD to infinity is about 270 degrees, even longer than the Lux-R 80 (180) and IMO a bit excessive.

 

Can someone please tell me the focus throw of the previous generations of the Lux-R 50? I'm guessing about 180 degrees?

 

Thank you.

[NB23]

Focus throw is always the same or very, very close.

 

The long lenght happens from 1 meter amd down. For normal subjects(1m. - infinity) all same f.l. Lenses show same throw. It's physics.

[alan.y]

Hi NB, I think I understand how for any given FL, the perpendicular travel towards and away from the imaging plane is determined by physics, but surely the focus throw (i.e. the translation of this perpendicular travel into rotation) is determined also by helicoid design?

 

I say this because one of the things I like my Summilux-R 80 over the Contax Zeiss 85/1.4 is its considerably shorter throw.

 

Anyway, I looked up a Ebay listing for a Summicron-R 50, and it does indeed seem to show a 270-degree throw... For a 50 that's a bit much IMO.

[Rick]

I handled an E60 recently and was slightly dismayed to find that the focus throw from MFD to infinity is about 270 degrees, even longer than the Lux-R 80 (180) and IMO a bit excessive.

 

Can someone please tell me the focus throw of the previous generations of the Lux-R 50? I'm guessing about 180 degrees?

 

Thank you.

 

I have a cherry mint version of the R 50mm Summilux E60 and the focus is 270 degrees and that is perfect for this lens. I was turned on to this Lens by Kristian Dowling, a professional photographer who used it at the time on a Canon 5DII. This combination was really magical when I owned the 5DII back then. I sold the 5DII, but kept the mint 50mm R Summilux. This lens is just one of those amazing Leica R lenses. I found the focus throw to be perfect.

[mmradman]

I have a cherry mint version of the R 50mm Summilux E60 and the focus is 270 degrees and that is perfect for this lens. I was turned on to this Lens by Kristian Dowling, a professional photographer who used it at the time on a Canon 5DII. This combination was really magical when I owned the 5DII back then. I sold the 5DII, but kept the mint 50mm R Summilux. This lens is just one of those amazing Leica R lenses. I found the focus throw to be perfect.

 

I have some experience with R lenses and Nikon DSLRs so just curious; how did you deal with mirror clearance. It is apparently well known problem adopting this R lens plus few others like Lux 35, Elmarit 24mm, Elmarit 19mm mk 2 etc & FF Canon DSLRs.

 

Agree on long focus throw, very desirable feature. If only some of current "Karbe" M lenses have this feature.

[alan.y]

For me about 180 degrees is about right for a standard 50 that focuses down to 0.5m. The key thing is to be able to go between infinity and MFD in one continuous motion, and without contorting my wrist.

 

I now own that E60, and its pretty nice too cosmetically, but I'm a bit worried to use it for that reason... I wish I could find a beat-up copy.

[roguewave]

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I use this lens quite often when shooting in the night. Since this lens is best used wide open, the "throw" should be quite small. Unlike my 80R Lux that has a very long throw. My usual approach is to always shoot wide open, so there is really very little to getting an accurate focus. The difference between 1.4 & 2.0 is worlds apart. If you don't shoot wide open, buy the R Summicron, but shoot that wide open as well. Both of these lenses require that you shoot wide open to get the best rendering from the lens design.

[Rick]

I have some experience with R lenses and Nikon DSLRs so just curious; how did you deal with mirror clearance. It is apparently well known problem adopting this R lens plus few others like Lux 35, Elmarit 24mm, Elmarit 19mm mk 2 etc & FF Canon DSLRs.

 

Agree on long focus throw, very desirable feature. If only some of current "Karbe" M lenses have this feature.

 

You carefully peel the rubber surround from the back of the last element. Also, had it on a 5D with a mount from Leitax. Oh, it wasn't Kristian Dowling it was Jamie Roberts from Toronto, the great wedding photographer. I miss his contributions here.