Leica Summitar 5cm f/2 doesn't bring up the right frameline

[fredus]

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Hi there! 

I have an old Summitar 5cm f/2 on my old M3 and I wanted to try it out on my M10. It works perfectly and is sharp! But the lens doesn't bring up the right frameline. It stays on the 35mm frame. I tried on the M3 and same behavior. What could cause it? Is there something I could do to fix it? Other 50mm bring up the right frameline on hte M10 and M3.

Thank you for your help!

Fred

Feel free to delete ... I had a 35mm adapter on the lens .... 🤪

Edited May 7, 2023 by fredus

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello fredus,

Welcome to the Forum.

5cm f2 Summitar lenses were made as screw mount lenses. In order to be used on an "M" camera, film or digital, the lens needs an adapter so that it can be attached to the "M" camera. Your lens has 1 of those adapters.

Different focal length lenses activate different frame line sets in "M" cameras.

Because of this, Leitz, & other manufacturers have made different adapters to activate different frame line sets.

It appears that the adapter that is on the lens is designed to activate 3.5cm & 13.5cm lenses. Using an adapter that activates a different frame line set does NOT damage the lens or the camera.

It is possible to remove this adapter & replace it with an adapter that activates the 5cm (50mm) frame line set.

Adapters simply screw on & stop. Snug, but not tight is considered appropriate.

To remove the current adapter: Hold the base of the lens & then turn the bayonet portion counter clockwise. It should not take much effort to unscrew this. If it does NOT unscrew easily come back here & tell us. Do NOT force it.

A proper replacement should not be hard to find. Leitz/Leica adapters will be engraved: 50mm or 5cm. There may other engravings which include 5cm or 50mm. Other manufacturers such as Novoflex also make appropriate adapters.

With digital cameras there is also the issue of compatible coding with digital cameras which has been discussed in various Threads on this Forum.

Best Regards,

Michael

 

[fredus]

Thank you Michael! I'm just stupid. Indeed I had a 35mm adapater on the lens so no wonder it brought up the 35mm frameline. Thank you!

 

[Michael Geschlecht]

5 hours ago, fredus said:

Thank you Michael! I'm just stupid. Indeed I had a 35mm adapater on the lens so no wonder it brought up the 35mm frameline. Thank you!

 

Hello fredus,

I wouldn't use such strong language. I would simply say that you overlooked that possibility.

Best Regards,

Michael