35mm F2.8 Summaron with goggles

[thawkins]

Considering buying this lens from KEH for use on my M3. I understand the goggles allow one to use the 50mm framelines in the M3 viewfinder. Is that fact or fiction? How does lens compare to the Summicron? Is there a notable difference? Anyone out there use this lens? All responses appreciated.

Tom

 

[Tom A]

Indeed, the Goggled 35/2.8 keys in the 50mm frame and enlarges it to a 35 field of view. The lens is clumsier to handle because of the googles, but if you are leaving it on the camera most of the time, it is no problem. Putting it in a pocket or bag, the goggles thends to tangle up in straps or pocket flaps. As you are looking through another set of optics, the view is a bit "dimmer" though that to some extent depends on the condition of your M3 finder and the glass in the goggles.
As for performance - the 35 Summaron is a very good lens. I find it equal or marginally better than the Summicron's from the same era. It is particularly good in close up. Optimum aperture seems to be around f5.6 -8. Because of its age, you will find slightly lower contrast when shooting color, not entirely bad as some of the modern "over" coated lenses tend to be harsh in its rendition. Great lens for black/white too. Get a hood though for it - they can flare if provoked!

 

[John Elder]

I believe the one at KEH is US415, bargain condition. I have one I am going to sell in ex + condition for less than 415. Email me or pm me if interested. Lens looks almost new. Very sharp. Very slight haze in goggle glass. Selling because i have a cron on a M6 and the 50 mm lens stays on he M3.

 

[payasam]

Good luck with the lens. The borrowed example I used twenty years ago gave very satisfying results. Handling, as Tom A says, can be a bit of a bother.

 

[Rob-F]

I agree, the Summaron is a fine lens. I regret having parted with mine. A good thing about the goggled version is that in addition to making the 35mm field available in the M3 finder, it will also display the 35mm field within the 50mm framelines of the M2, M4, M6, etc. even though these cameras all have their own 35mm framelines, those who wear glasses will have an easier time seeing what the lens is covering, when displayed within the 50mm frame. That way, you don't have to guess where the edges of the picture are!

 

[maddoc]

I had this lens and as Rob states, the googles have an advantage if used with a modern M and wearing glasses. Here is one example, M3 + Summaron 35/2.8 (Tri-X):

Cheers,

maddoc