Got my special offer Summilux 35mm Friday

[michael friedberg]

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This was the lens I chose as part of the Leica special offer for 2006 M8 purchasers. Although it’s a little close to my 28/2.8 ASPH, I wanted a really fast lens for available light work. So far I love it, although I almost wish there were a 28/1.4.

 

For those who are wondering “how long did it take”, I sent in my documentation to Solms on February 26, 2007, and they acknowledged the order on March 6. On April 26 Leica told me that it would be shipped to the U.S. the next day. On May 10, Leica US told me it would arrive early in the week of May 14, and it made it to me on May 18. I can only compliment Leica –Solms and New Jersey–for keeping me informed and responding to a few polite but possibly pestering E-mails.

 

The lens was registered directly by Leica so I didn’t need to fill in any cards.

 

Now, if I can ask one dumb question: how do I remove the lens shade on this lens? It says in the manual to press on either side, but really that doesn’t work. I was able to put on my UV/IR filter by screwing it on with the shade on, but I should be able to do better. I’ve never had any problems with other lens shades, but this one is different. Are there any tricks here?

 

Thanks,

Michael

[Eoin]

The lens shade has a white dot which lines up with the aperture marking when locked home in place. This ring needs to be turned anticlockwise when looking from the rear of the lens, I think the red arrow then aligns with the set aperture. Squeeze the tabs and pull straight off. It's a tight fit.

[gravastar]

If you look down on the lens shade from the camera side there is a white dot (for aperture reference) and to the right a red arrow pointing backwards and another arrow pointing to the right. Grasp the ring with the dot and arrows and turn it about a quarter of an inch to the left until it stops. That releases the hood. Now squeeze the two retaining tabs and pull the hood off.

 

To put the hood back reverse the procedure. Although I don't have the hood instructions I think it's been previously reported that the printed instructions are incorrect, causing much nashing of teeth.

 

Bob.

[george +]

Congratulations Michael, I got the same lens a few weeks ago. Two questions:

 

1: How is your focus? Mine focuses better about 2mm to the right (if looking from the back) of the center mark.

 

2: How does your aperture ring function? Mine is on the loose side. Less positive than any other Leica/Leitz lens I have.

 

Enjoy and thanks,

[michael friedberg]

Two questions:

 

1: How is your focus? Mine focuses better about 2mm to the right (if looking from the back) of the center mark.

 

2: How does your aperture ring function? Mine is on the loose side. Less positive than any other Leica/Leitz lens I have.

 

Thanks, George. As luck would have it, the lens arrived Friday but I was out of town until yesterday. I've had only a few hours to play with it. My aperture ring is on the loose side, and a couple of times it didn't stay at a full stop. I can't tell fully on focus yet, but initial impressions are that mine's pretty accurate. I need to check out the dreaded back-focus possibility for this model lens more.

 

Regards,

Michael