Leica M8 + Summicron 40mm F2

[graeme_hutton]

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As some forum members may know I got a new M8 just after Christmas to partner a Summicron 40/2 lens won on ebay for a very modest sum.

 

Upon doing a bit of post-purchase research on the forum a few issues arose regarding the quality and compatibility of the camera and lens and also IR/UV filter necessity and fit.

 

I thought it might be useful to share my experience on this pairing for any other aspiring purchasers - It does afterall make an M8 slightly more affordable for those of us with children to feed and clothe etc etc.

 

1. The issue of viewfinder framelines being incompatible with 40mm. This is true but easily remedied with a few strokes of a file on the lens flange. I am hopeless at this sort of thing and even I managed it - it's easy so don't be afraid. A quick search on this forum revealed this: Leica and Rangefinders Forum: How to modify a 40mm Summicron-C (with photos) - photo.net with photos (thank you). You will now have the 'default' 35mm framelines which are an extremely near match for the 40mm lens.

 

2. The issue of the IR/UV filters - I used the lens for general photography in Bruges without the filter and it had no detrimental effect that I could see. I subsequently ordered a standard 39 IR/UV filter which arrived from Leica within days and, with careful screwing, the thread will bite and hold fast in the 40mm Summicron, just don't overtighten it. This may take a few attempts but it does work - Lie the camera on its back and drop the filter into place, press down lightly and make about 3-4 turns. The lens hood then screws easily into the filter thread.

 

3. In my view the quality of this lens is excellent and for a couple of hundred pounds makes a superb and fast standard 52mm optic for the M8.

 

So, don't be afraid if you spot a bargain!

 

Regards

 

Graeme

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