35 Summaron f2.8....what to look out for?

[pippy]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

7 minutes ago, Pyrogallol said:

I have read other postings on the subject of the f2.8 Summaron...

Thank you, Pyrogallo, for taking the time to post it here for further viewing for folks who are interested in these wonderful lenses.

Actually it was me who started that earlier thread............so if it's still useful I'll be a happy person!

Philip.

Edited June 9, 2020 by pippy

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Pyrogallol]

I have got two of the f2.8 lenses and am looking after a third for a friend !

[darylgo]

22 minutes ago, pippy said:

Thank you, Pyrogallo, for taking the time to post it here for further viewing for folks who are interested in these wonderful lenses.

Actually it was me who started that earlier thread............so if it's still useful I'll be a happy person!

Philip.

Thanks Philip, I read these old threads repeatedly when purchasing my 2.8 and 3.5 copies.  The information is rather confusing at first, dealing with mounts and bodies and framelines and  goggles, throw on top of that screw mount adapters that have three different configurations, the infinity lock variations.  For a Leica enthusiast it is heaven, the summarons are the most complex lens variation I have come across.  And I am looking for the next lens type that will be as fun 🙂 

[Ecar]

1 hour ago, darylgo said:

For a Leica enthusiast it is heaven, the summarons are the most complex lens variation I have come across.  And I am looking for the next lens type that will be as fun 🙂 

I'd try the venerable Elmar 😉

[darylgo]

4 hours ago, Ecar said:

I'd try the venerable Elmar 😉

I did find one, like Jeff (OP) I am very concerned with purchases sight unseen.   Tamarkin gained my trust on this one, he under promised and over delivered.  And it is a dangerous lens, so small, so light, smaller than many adapters I place on my M.  After using this lens my other Leica (small) lenses feel large.  The aperture setting lever is teeny-tiny small, close to the optics, no click stops, 1920's design optical imaging, everything to make this lens lovable.    

[UliWer]

+

vor 6 Stunden schrieb darylgo:

...the summarons are the most complex lens variation I have come across.

I found out that different Summarons (1:3.5/35, 1:2.8/35 and 1:5.6/28) really may have something in common, which should be looked at before one buys one: their rear elements may become „foggy“. If one uses a flashlight to look on the glass from the rear side it may look „bad“, which means not clear, like there was condensation on it. This must not necessarily have a negative effect on the photos, my screw mount 3.5 looks foggy but its contrast is not worse than the M-mount, which does not show the fog. The 2.8 looks foggy as well, but the results are fine. Though when I got the 28mm it was unusable at first due to this fog on the rear element. After it was cleaned it is as brilliant as one wishes. 
I haven’t seen this fog on other Leica lenses from the same period. I think Leitz used a certain glass sort for the rear elements of the Summarons which is more prone to deteriorating than other lenses. 

[darylgo]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thanks, good to know as I am starting to look for a 28/5.6.  A dilemma with the 28/5.6 is old copy vs. new (or newer used), the black finish would be nice but hard to source.  I'll have to look at my Summarons with a flashlight, I used to do that but it was sad to see all the debris on an otherwise pristine lens.  Many good sellers say there is slight fog that I barely see, perhaps the flashlight is the difference.  UliWer, what created the fog?  

[ianman]

5 hours ago, darylgo said:

the black finish would be nice but hard to source.

I liked my 28mm so much it was glued to my M9 and I nearly bought a second one for my MP. I lusted over the black one when it came out and then I saw one in reality.... and yuk!! It just didn't look right.

[easy_action]

Don't currently own one, but I've had several of the 35mm f/2.8 summaron lenses in the past.

One had a noticably stiff focus ring - likely just in need of a cla, but something to consider if you're not able to handle the lens prior to purchase.

Also, not sure if this is relevant but I had a hazy v1 35mm Summicron, and this prooved to be impossible to sort.  I sent it to 3 different repair tech's and all gave the same response.

 

[UliWer]

vor 20 Stunden schrieb darylgo:

UliWer, what created the fog?  

I don't know and can only guess it is deterioration of the glasses surface. 

[darylgo]

On 6/10/2020 at 12:38 AM, ianman said:

I liked my 28mm so much it was glued to my M9 and I nearly bought a second one for my MP. I lusted over the black one when it came out and then I saw one in reality.... and yuk!! It just didn't look right.

Ahhh yes, best to put eyeballs on it prior to purchase.  

On 6/10/2020 at 3:54 PM, UliWer said:

I don't know and can only guess it is deterioration of the glasses surface. 

Lately, I am careful about storage.  Plastic and old leather are kept away or watched carefully.