28 Summilux - practicality in size and weight

[Kiwimac]

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It certainly is strange to have a ring that blanks the inner threads which are neither visible nor at risk but not to have one for the outer threads which are both visible and at risk. 
 

It’s possible that Leica wanted to guide users not to take the hood off, I suppose. However a simple line in the instructions warning that taking it off had potential consequences for both IQ and front element damage would have covered that. 

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8 hours ago, Kiwimac said:

It certainly is strange to have a ring that blanks the inner threads which are neither visible nor at risk but not to have one for the outer threads which are both visible and at risk. 
 

It’s possible that Leica wanted to guide users not to take the hood off, I suppose. However a simple line in the instructions warning that taking it off had potential consequences for both IQ and front element damage would have covered that. 

They simply chose not to provide their users with the outer thread protection ring even though they had one provided with the first Summilux 28mm which was produced in limited quantities back in 2014 and in a steel finish part of the Leica "M Edition 100" kit (which is very rare and expensive). A year later they released the black anodised version without the ring (only the inner thread filter ring).

Following reports that some users asked Leica to provide this ring (it looks like they built one or two prototypes), I contacted them and was told that their product management department decided not to produce it as an accessory. I asked if it could be done on demand and for a fee, no answer... So officially it existed but only for the first 2014 steel edition limited to one hundred samples.

You can find here the summilux 28 with the ring (you can scroll down and click to see higher resolution pictures)

https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/M-Edition-100/AI-27-32162

So just to say I don't believe that there is a fundamental impact on IQ. Obviously the hood would reduce flare and provide more protection but I wished they gave their users the flexibility to decide between bulk vs better protection.