50 Summicron DR question

[ardbeg]

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Forgive the duplicate posting as I also posted this in M10 forum but it may be more suited to the lens forum.I recently acquired a mint condition 50 Summicron DR. I am able to mount it on my M10 based on findings from other discussion threads and it will turn but is very stiff but willl travel to somewhere between 10 meters and infinity on normal range if I move it very slowly. I was also able to mount the goggles and do close focusing through full close range. My question is there a way to distinguish between “acceptable” stiff focus caused by lack of use / the need for the grease to get worked around (the lens looks like it has never been used; been sitting in a box untouched) versus stiffness due to machine tolerances / alignment issues as the DR is not officially supported on any digital M, i.e. keep turning at your own (and the camera’s) risk? I don't want to modify the lens or damage my M10.

Also, since this particular lens is in the serial number range (2279###) under the Summicron (II) Wiki link https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summicron_(II)_f%3D_5_cm_1:2, rather than the Summicron (I) serial number range, can someone advise which model number that would be (11918?). Thank you.

Edited March 5, 2020 by ardbeg

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[david strachan]

Hello

Older lenses will all improve with new grease.  So a CLA is advised.  I thought I'd get away with a perfect Summicron 50 mm f2 ltm which felt good initially.  It soon froze due to old lubricant...now works beautifully.

 

If your lens is a struggle, it needs a clean, lubricate and adjustment...CLA..😉

[DwF]

From my understanding and experience in a store trying a DR on an M10 body, your stiff focus here is normal behavior for that lens on the M10. The lens is likely fine if the stiffness kicked in toward "infinity".

David

[Guest Nowhereman]

ardbeg - I would assume that, if the lens gets stiff when you're reaching towards infinity, it's not a matter of needing lubrication but that it's the area where it needs to be "filed down" that is hitting against the M10 body. I had the same problem and "filed down" — actually I used a sharp chisel — the area shown in the picture in the thread you're referring to.
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Edited March 5, 2020 by Nowhereman

[adan]

1 hour ago, ardbeg said:

My question is there a way to distinguish between “acceptable” stiff focus caused by lack of use / the need for the grease to get worked around (the lens looks like it has never been used; been sitting in a box untouched) versus stiffness due to machine tolerances / alignment issues

Simple - try turning the focus ring with the lens OFF the camera.

If there is no stiffness or limited movement focusing the lens alone, then the problem is due to an interaction with the camera.

If there is stiffness with the lens not mounted on anything, then the lens needs cleaning or other work done.

[ardbeg]

58 minutes ago, Nowhereman said:

ardbeg - I would assume that, if the lens get stiff when you're reaching towards infinity, it's not a matter of needing lubrication but that it's the area where it needs to be "filed down" that is hitting against the M10 body. I had the same problem and "filed down" — actually I used a sharp chisel — the area shown in the picture in the thread you're referring to.
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Thank you. I reread the M10 thread and missed in my earlier skimming the details on page 3 regarding the filing option. I had incorrectly thought doing so would impact performance on a film M. That said, the seller was quite accurate in describing the lens as mint/near mint based on glass and cosmetic condition so I am loath to modify it (nor do I really have that skillset) since I can get within 1-1.5mm of infinity. The DR is one of three 50s I own and I was planning to use it in close to medium range focus scenarios anyway. Any guidance on the model number (I didn't get the original box just the original leather case for the lens and googles, the matching filter, and the lens cap) as the Wiki was a bit unclear on which DR was scattered within the Summicron (II) serial number range?

[ardbeg]

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49 minutes ago, adan said:

Simple - try turning the focus ring with the lens OFF the camera.

If there is no stiffness or limited movement focusing the lens alone, then the problem is due to an interaction with the camera.

If there is stiffness with the lens not mounted on anything, then the lens needs cleaning or other work done.

Yes, the simplicity of that struck me after I posted the original question. That will teach me to post questions while partially distracted on a train.

[ardbeg]

Thank you all for your responses. One followup - how do I determine whether the lens is a 11318 (DR) or 11918 (DR), i.e. what is the difference between those two models, as that information is not called out in the serial number Wiki? 

[adan]

Could simply be how the focus ring is marked, in feet, meters, or both.

Remember that those numbers are stictly catalog listings (nothing to do with serial numbers), so that a dealer could order a "11318" and be sure of which item would be shipped (silver, black, titanium, feet, meters, both - all the "models" offered).

[ardbeg]

1 hour ago, adan said:

Could simply be how the focus ring is marked, in feet, meters, or both.

Remember that those numbers are stictly catalog listings (nothing to do with serial numbers), so that a dealer could order a "11318" and be sure of which item would be shipped (silver, black, titanium, feet, meters, both - all the "models" offered).

Lens is in both feet and meters and has 10 blade aperture. Which model / catalog listing is that?

[jdlaing]

11918

1968 I believe.

[ardbeg]

49 minutes ago, jdlaing said:

11918

1968 I believe.

Thank you.

[a.noctilux]

I was curious about "11318", so my searching has found this,

on same box of Summicron DR markings "11918M" and at other side of same box " CAT. N° 11318" under Leica !

this link

 

[ardbeg]

19 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

I was curious about "11318", so my searching has found this,

on same box of Summicron DR markings "11918M" and at other side of same box " CAT. N° 11318" under Leica !

this link

 

Curious indeed. Mine definitely looks similar to the one pictured. Related, is the model number also 11918 for the DR version with the (I assume) older style Leitz Wetzlar logo engraving on the googles?