Using a 35 Summ on an M3

[amorteguy]

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I own an M3 (DS) with a 50mm Summicron DR. I love the combo, but I prefer using a 35mm lens (with my other cameras) I would like to pick up a 35mm Summicron for this M3. Here's the question:

 

With the viewfinder on this early M3, is it possible to effectively use a 35mm lens without having to use one of those hotshoe finders?

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[luigi bertolotti]

It depends on your experience and on what kind of 35 mm you can find in the marketplace:

 

- M3 has the 50 frame and a little margin around it: if you do not wear spectacles and have not problems of superprecise framing, can take the effective limit of the M3 VF as a reference for 35mm framing; simply, have a margin you can count on: frame precisely on the VF, no risk (M8 is so, with its "pessimistic" frames...)

 

- You can find in the market a 35mm lens in the "goggled" version, that means the standard 50 mm frame of M3 "transforms" into a 35 mm frame. Problems:

a) The VF is a little darker, for more glass in front of your eye

The goggled lens is larger, less easy to store & carry, even if a very nice specific leather bag existed (ECOOG / 14552, used also for the Cron 50 DR you have)

c) If you would like to have a "modern" Summicron 35, you cannot have it in the goggled version, that, I seem, was available only for the first (rare) and second optical design.

 

By the other side, goggled lenses are not rare, and rather easy to find at prices generally not higher than the same lens "ungoggled": besides the Summicron, also the Summarons (2,8 & 3,5) and the Summilux were built in the goggled version: Summarons are rather cheap, good, easy to find; goggled Summilux is much more costly and in the opinion of many does not worth the price, for its flare when used at 1,4 - 2 (personally, I use a lot my old Summilux 35 on M4 and like a lot, but I shot wide open almost never)

[budrichard]

The Leitz RF(otherwise known as 'goggled' lenses) were built for the M3. The Summicron is a much better lens than the Summilux and at f2.0, quite usable. I've had one for a long time with my SS M3 and only a few years ago has my Aspherical Summilux supplanted it for strictly visual results but I use that lens on an M6 or M7..-Dick

[Shootist]

The whole viewfinder on the M3's works OK for the Summicron-C 40mm but it will be a little small for a 35mm.

You will capture more then what you can see through the M3 viewfinder.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Why don't you wish to use a hotshoe finder? To quote Jonathan Eastland in his Leica M Compendium, " The effect for those who have never used this type of viewer previously, is stunning" ... he refers to the Leica Albada finders in various focal lengths. The Leica 35mm finder is quite scarce because of demand but the Voigtlander equivalent is easily obtainable and is also gives a superb view.

 

Dunk

[amorteguy]

Why don't you wish to use a hotshoe finder? To quote Jonathan Eastland in his Leica M Compendium, " The effect for those who have never used this type of viewer previously, is stunning"

 

Well, I just thought it would slow down an already slow process. I'm not "against" it, I just have reservations. I also shoot a Canon which fires off a roll in about 4 seconds, so using the Leica really slows me down (a good thing.) Having to focus in one viewfinder and then frame in another seems very slow.

 

But, I am will to give it a go. I have my eyes on a finder right now, I may go ahead and give it a try. I suppose it would help me get used to the framing as I can quickly go from one finder to the next. One thing I do know for sure is that I don't want to use the goggles thing. That's definitely not for me.

[dkCambridgeshire]

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This link is very useful for choosing and using finders

 

Leica View Finders

 

And the Voigtlander Konturs are excellent ... and cheap

 

Dunk

[earleygallery]

I chose an M2 because I wanted to use a 35mm lens - you can pick up a decent M2 body for not much more than the price of a Leica 35mm finder!

[amorteguy]

I chose an M2 because I wanted to use a 35mm lens - you can pick up a decent M2 body for not much more than the price of a Leica 35mm finder!

 

I was thinking of getting an M4 for a while, or an M7. But, I am having so much fun with the M3, why spend the money? I decided to send the M3 in for a CLA (Sherry Krauter has it as I type this) and get a 35 Summicron for it. It will still be less than a used M7.

[amorteguy]

This link is very useful for choosing and using finders

 

Leica View Finders

 

Thanks! I read the info on the page. It sold me. I just picked up a Leitz 35mm brightline finder on eBay for a reasonable price about 15 minutes ago.

[amorteguy]

Why don't you wish to use a hotshoe finder? To quote Jonathan Eastland in his Leica M Compendium, " The effect for those who have never used this type of viewer previously, is stunning"

 

I hope that's true because I just bought one! Now I've got to find a good 35 Summicron. Thanks for your helpful info.