Leica Eyes/Goggles and Leica Hoods

[msbarnes]

1. How do you feel about goggles? I'm interested in a Summicron and Summaron but I haven't decided whether I want the goggled or ungoggled versions. I have an M2 and an M3 so I can go either way. There are pros and cons for having both. I know it comes down to things like close-up abilities (Summicron) and 35mm framelines (Summaron), then price, bulk, weight, and digital M compatibility, etc. My gut feeling is to go with non-goggled versions because of the viewfinder and bulk.

2. How do you feel about Leica hoods? Heavy stars are cheap and easy-to-find. Is their an advantage of having a Leica hood or is it mostly to make you feel better? lol. They are clip on, I think, but do they stay put pretty well? I was interested in the ITDOO or IROOA. I have no experience with these types of hoods but I really like the bayonet-action on my Rolleiflex's. I'm wondering if leica hoods are inherently easier to put on. Are they reversible?

 

[Rob-F]

One advantage of a goggled Summaron is that you could use it on both the M2 and M3. If you wear glasses, it will even make the 35mm framelines easy to see without shifting your eye position. But of course, they are bulky . . .

The Leitz hoods attach by depressing two pushbuttons at the base of the hood. It couldn't be simpler. I have a Heavystar hood for one of my lenses--40mm Rokkor, I think. It threads into the filter threads. Simple and adequate.

I would not (personally) use the ITDOO on the Summaron. I do occasionally use the IROOA, which I prefer as it seems more "right" than the ITDOO for the lens. Mostly I use the 12575 because I like the greater visibility afforded by the vented design.

 

[summaron]

The bulk of the goggles with the 35mm focal length lens doesn't bother me - it actually is well balanced. The view through it, however, is a bit distorted and nowhere as nice as that of an M2.

Also my particular set shifted out of alignment so the rangefinder patches didn't match. After they were adjusted, which is supposed to be difficult to do, the distances were off.

 

[Vics]

When you say Summicron, are you talking about a 50 or a 35? I have the goggled Summaron 2.8/35 and find it works great on my M3, but it does make the VF darker. I use the IROOA on both that and my collapsible 50. That hood stays on like it's welded, but it's easier to put on and take off than my 12538.
If by Summicron, you mean 35, the only goggled one I think, is the V.1. The only advantage I can see to that one (over the Summaron) is the extra stop. I can't see any reason to own both, unless you're a collector.

 

[msbarnes]

Sorry, let me clarify some things:

The two lenses that I'm talking about are:

35mm f2.8 Summaron (Goggled or ungoggled)
50mm f2.0 Summicron (DR or Rigid)

I've decided upon these two lenses for the drawing, build quality, and price. The V1 35mm f2.0 Summicron is a lot more expensive so I don't think it is worth the extra stop. Some people even report that the Summaron is better, but I'm not interested in discussing this here. I feel that they are both better lenses than i am a photographer.

I'm leaning towards the ungoggled versions for both of these lenses mainly because:
-I don't care about close-up abilities that much and I don't think that I'd want to lug around a set of goggles (Summicron).
-I feel that a dimmed viewfinder would get annoying after a while and I don't want to worry about getting the goggles mis-aligned (Summaron).

Ungoggled versions also have more flexibility with later film and digital M's. My priority is film, but having the option to go digital is not a bad option at all.

I'm not sure about the lens hoods though. I'll look into the hood options.
-What are the preferable hoods for these lenses? Is there a reason to use Leitz filters? Do they clip-on too? I don't take on and off my lens hood that much because it is a bit cumbersome but if the Leitz hoods and filters are easier, then maybe I would.

 

[Vics]

If you don't care about the close focusing, get the rigid, as the DR is quite a bit heavier, even without the goggles. My Summaron is at this moment making its way back to me from DAG because the goggles got out of alignment, so that's a very real consideration. Rigid for the M3 and ungoggled Summaron for the M2. Perfect combo!

 

[venchka]

D.R. Vs. Rigid: Condition. Condition. Condition. I own a D.R. & goggles. The goggles can stay at home and often do. I see many D.R.s sold without goggles. I have Leica hoods on the 50 and 90. They work. They don't fall off. They reverse.
Ps: If I ever buy an M camera that won't accept the D.R., I'll buy another 50 for the new camera. Or buy a NEX/micro 4/3 camera for the D.R.

Wayne

 

[msbarnes]

D.R. Vs. Rigid: Condition. Condition. Condition. I own a D.R. & goggles. The goggles can stay at home and often do. I see many D.R.s sold without goggles. I have Leica hoods on the 50 and 90. They work. They don't fall off. They reverse.
Ps: If I ever buy an M camera that won't accept the D.R., I'll buy another 50 for the new camera. Or buy a NEX/micro 4/3 camera for the D.R.

Wayne

I think that you are right and that it is probably not a bad idea to buy another 50 if I were to go digital (I don't think I'd get another film M body).

I'm trying to build my b&w kit but eventually I would probably add more modern lenses if I were to go digital/color. I don't think it is necessarily wise to use the digital forward compatibility as a decisive factor if my current interest is 100% film and 90% b&w.

 

[venchka]

My Dual Range Summicron excells with both color and B&W. In fact, I think it performs best with color. Probably a toss up. But I would not trade it for another lens for color.
I would use my Nikkor 50 if a digital body would not accept the Dual Range Summicron. That is a crime.

Wayne