Design changes to 35mm Summicron v1 and Summaron f/2.8

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I currently have a couple of examples of each of the above lenses.  From the serial numbers I believe the Summicrons are separated by about 6 years, and the Summarons 7 years.

 

In both lenses, the earlier model has a focus tab that is moulded into the focus ring and the thread of the focus helicoid is 'course' .  The later examples have a focus tab that appears to be a separate piece, and the focus helicoid has is a 'fine' thread.

 

The focus tabs

 

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Helicoid threads

 

   

 

   

 

There doesn't appear to be any difference in the build quality of earlier and later iterations.

 

Does anyone have any insight into why Leica might have changed the design?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[a.noctilux]

Hello,

 

I can't comment on the one piece focus ring/tab, as all of mine are in this case.

 

- By the way, the one with coarse threads is "M3" variant with ocular attachment and focus to 2'2" or 0.65m.

This is the case of Summicron or Summaron in my possession.

 

- Fine pitches are on all the "M2" variant, "no goggle".

 

Please look if those with coarse threads have 0.65m focus.

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Interesting, minimal focus distance is 0.7m on all four of the lenses.

 

I did notice that the 1958 Summicron in the above photos has a tiny screw on the edge of the lens mount (directly above '35mm' in the first image).

 

I read somewhere that this might indicate it is a variant with an ltm mount under the M mount, that can be accessed by undoing this set screw.

 

However, I have never tried this as the screw is so tiny that I am wary of damaging the head.

[a.noctilux]

Yes the set screw is tiny and very hard to unscrew (in the hole sometime), if one has the wrong size of screwdriver.

I use watch screwdriver for that.

 

Then after unscrewing the M mount, the lens is suitable for LTM camera with full use of coupling rangefinder.

Four of mine can be unscrewed and using them on my II or IIIg is a joy, but not coupled under 1m.

[Shac]

Not sure if this helps but I have the following:

Summaron (LTM) 1959 (Wetzlar) moulded tab, coarse thread, min. focus 1m

Summicron (M) 1963 (Wetzlar) moulded tab, fine thread, min focus 1m

Seems latter might indcate an overlap btwn the thread types and the focus tab types??

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Thanks Shac.

 

Looking at all of my Leica lenses, the more recent ones all have fine helicoid threads.  Is this preferable owing to better reliablility perhaps?

 

As for the focus tabs, i've no idea.  I prefer the moulded ones for asthetic reasons (but I wonder if i'm over thinking this )