Summicron-C on an M

[raytoei@gmail.com]

Hi,

I am thinking of getting either the cheaper 40/f2 or the 50/f2. (Sadly, I don't have the option of the Summicron 35/2). I do have the following questions:

a. What design is the 40/f2 ? I read that it has 6 elements in 4 groups. But I am unsure which of the Summicron family it is based on (35 or 50mm).

b. I read that it is made by Leitz for the CL; when mounted on the M cameras brings up the 50mm frameline. Does this mean that it mounts on all 'M's ? Is composition difficult.

Are they any 40mm/f2 users who care to share their experience. (I also read the 40mm Action thread with interest)

raytoei

 

[rya]

In regards to part b. of your question,

It will mount on all Ms and focus fine. Accuracy depends on which camera you are using.

I would recommend filing down the mount lug that triggers the 50 framelines to appear if you are using a later M such as the M6 or M7--this will stop it from triggering and lets the camera stay at its default 35/135 setting. The later Ms have smaller 35 framelines and are very close in use to what a 40mm lens captures. At minimum focus the difference will be noticeable, but from my experience the 35 framelines are too small (in later Ms) when focused beyond a couple of meters. Between it and 35mm lenses I have no preference in composition.

I hope that helped. A bit of research with google will tell how to modify the framelines and will surely show you much praise for this lens.

 

[biakalt]

I use the 40 cron with the filed down flange. I use it with M6 35mm frameline and the composition seems perfect. I used to compose it with 50mm frame but its too tight. Its a nice little lens and very sharp. Decent bokeh too.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

thanks biakalt and rya!

 

[Rob-F]

I had the 40 Summicron-c but was annoyed by the oddball filter and hood thread. I changed it for the 40mm Rokkor, which uses a more available filter size (40.5mm). You can still get those. Then I bought a 40mm Nokton, which is what I actually use these days. Good lenses, all. A 35mm lens is best for M2, M3, M4, M5. The undersized 35mm framelines of the M6 and MP are a better fit for the 40, when filed to bring up the 35mm frame. Actually, I grind the bayonet lug with a tiny Dremel grinding stone mounted in my drill press; the glass and mount being protected with carefully cut and applied bits of masking tape.

 

[Richard G]

After all the posts I've read here and the other place on "just filing" the tab, finally Rob F answers the question of technique and protection of the rear element.

 

[tbarker13]

I just used (last night) a small metal file and a can of compressed air to blow away any metal fragments. Took about 5 minutes.

 

[Tompas]

I had the 40 Summicron-c but was annoyed by the oddball filter and hood thread. (...)

FWIW, Heliopan still manufactures filters in that size and thread.

 

[Gary E]

Nothing but good things to say about this lens. Almost everything you can say about the 35 Cron IV you can apply to this lens; ex bokeh, small compact size, etc. And before you ask, yes, I use both.

The only bad things you can say has already been said; filter thread incompatibility and brings up the 50mm frame line on all bodies except CL.

It lived on my M4-2 since I got it, except now it lives on a R3a only because I found AE useful in some situations.

 

[Ghiom]

Hi to everyone,
I did ask the same question on another poll about the summicron-c 40, but it may seems that this is the best place...

" I am wondering as I read regular rendition comparison between this Summicron-c 40 and Summicron 35 V.4... According to production years, shouln't this 40mm be closer in terms of rendition to Summicron V.3 ?"

Thanks for feed back

Cheers

 

[kiteboy]

Hi

I have used the Summicron -C 40 mm for five years on both M6 and M7. I find it to be the perfect travel lens - I rarely use any other.

The filter size problem is, in my view, overstated. A standard E39 filter can be used with care - as long as you do not overtighten!!

The link below is helpful in guiding you on how to adapt the mount to bring up the 35mm frame lines (it took me around 10mins). The best way to protect the rear and front elements when doing this is with cling film (or Sarin wrap in the USA - I think)

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00CcwG

Good luck

Andrew

 

[ERV]

I also have a 40-C and it is the one lens I would never sell. Perfect walk-around lens.
I have a 35 cron V4 and the 40C is just as sharp with a little less contrast.
In strong light the lens will produce deep shadows.
In neutral even light, the lens has a more muted tone across the image.
The lens is from the 1970's so it could be similar to a cron V3.
Filing the lug is a simple- protect the rear element and two swipes of a small metal file, done.
i've also adapted the ring on the rubber hood to accept a 35 cron rectangular hood.
You have to sacrifice the rubber hood to do this.
For the price, the 40c is the bargain Leica lens.

 

[shyoon]

" I am wondering as I read regular rendition comparison between this Summicron-c 40 and Summicron 35 V.4... According to production years, shouln't this 40mm be closer in terms of rendition to Summicron V.3 ?"

This is what Erwin Puts has to say on the performance on the Summicron-C:

"Overall performance is between the Summicron 35 type 3 and type 4. The 6-element Summicron 35 has a slightly better performance at full aperture, but stopped down is a bit less good in the field. The 7-element Summicron 35 is better in the field, but it suffers more form strong zonal errors."

This was quoted directly off his Leica Lens Compendium. An incredibly in-depth look into the design and performance of Leica lenses. It is available to download as a pdf from his website.

 

[atlcruiser]

Love mine....the size is perfect; almost as small as my CV 21/4. I found little or no issue with the thread pitch. I bought a 39E uv filter and hood from heavystar.Screwed the filter till snug then screwed hood onto filter. Feels great. Mine came filed down so it brings up the 35 lines.

I have a 35, 40 and 50 right now. While that is a bit redundant I find the 40 is almost always on day to day and the 35/50 go out when I am planning to "shoot" a few rolls.

Hard to go wrong with this guy. I pd $220 for mine off of the RFF classifieds. Sure it is old and beat to hell......as am I 🙂

 

[Ghiom]

This is what Erwin Puts has to say on the performance on the Summicron-C:

"Overall performance is between the Summicron 35 type 3 and type 4. The 6-element Summicron 35 has a slightly better performance at full aperture, but stopped down is a bit less good in the field. The 7-element Summicron 35 is better in the field, but it suffers more form strong zonal errors."

This was quoted directly off his Leica Lens Compendium. An incredibly in-depth look into the design and performance of Leica lenses. It is available to download as a pdf from his website.

Thanks, that is exactely the kind of information I needed before to make up my mind !

😉

 

[Gary E]

If was able to accept a hood like the 35 Summicron IV or current Asph version plus had a standard cam surface, you'd be hard pressed to say it wasn't a 35 Summicron III.5 that looked like a IV. Such a deal in the Leica world, but now that the gig is up we'll see prices pushed up to cult status like the IV has. 🙁

Think about it, it's good enough for people to put a file to a Leica lens and for some to buy a new body (R3a/m) to use it. That has to say something about this lens, no? 🙄