Let's get a statement from Leica on the DR and the M8

[wparsonsgisnet]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I would like to use the 50mm f2.0 DR lens on my M8 (if it ever comes).

 

In another thread one of the regulars said his Leica contact told him that the problem with the DR and the M8 was with the goggles and not with the lens itself.

 

Can we get an official statement from Leica on this? Or can Leica update the online manual for the M8 to make this clear?

 

Or, does anyone know that this lens can be mounted on the M8?

 

Thanks to all --

[craigrmurray]

Bill:

 

The Dual-Range Summicron cannot be mounted on the M8 -- I've tried it, and it doesn't fit.

 

Here's the problem: if you look at the bottom of the DRS, you'll see that is has a double set of focusing cams, the longer of which protrudes much farther out from the bottom of the lens than do other, regular Leica lenses. So the lens won't mount onto the M8 when in normal focusing position (ie, non-close focusing).

 

The lens can be mounted in close-focusing postion onto the M8 --however, this seems rather absurd, because the goggles cannot be properly affiixed to the lens when it is mounted to the camera, and therefore unfocusable.

 

Unfortunately, as much as I love the DR Summicron, it will have to remain with (as well as the 135's and the non-meterable 21mm SA) the film cameras. Reminds me of a Damascus-barrelled shotgun I had that couldn't make the transition to steel-shot -- no longer a fowling piece.

 

Later today I'll try to photograph the DRS and M8 and show you the problem more graphically.