Leica LTM Phenomena

[Ash]

I decided, in anticipation of the Canon 50/1,8 that I should hopefully be receiving shortly, that I'd swap around my only two existing ltm lenses (on my only two existing ltm cameras!).

Subjectively the collapsible summicron f/2 looks fairly well suited to the IIIc, and the Industar-50 looks well suited to the Standard. A larger lens on the bigger body, and a tiny lens on a tiny body.

So I switch them over..

WOW! A collapsible summicron feels as heavy as the Leica Standard body! The big bright and shiny silver lens stands out a mile on the dull black camera. The Industar-50 looks tiny on the IIIc now!


The most interesting thing, however, that I'm sure was not true of the summicron on the IIIc is that when looking through the little viewfinder on the Standard, I can see the front of the lens when pulled out, and what I see is the current aperture! It's as if the placement of the lens/viewfinder on the camera means that without moving the body it's easy to check what aperture is selected.

Has anyone else noted something like that with their lenses on cameras??

 

[MizBrown]

Yes, with a IIIf BD and a Summitar. Rather neat.

 

[John Shriver]

The amount of "collapse" on a collapsible Summicron is pretty pathetic.

(Another reason I like my Summar.)

 

[Ash]

John I agree. It gives it a little extra pocket value though, and will probably go back on the IIIc if I ever find a Summar/Summitar at a fair price!!

 

[John Shriver]

I was extraordinarily lucky on both my Summar and Summitar. But, the key is patience and self-discipline on eBay.

 

[Ash]

I nearly bought a Summitar on ebay last night, but it had balsam separation or something. It went for £42.. Hopefully another will come along in better condition soon

 

[john neal]

Ash,

I was watching that one too, wondering if it was worth the effort of getting it refinished by Oleg or someone nearer home. In the end, I decided that I could not be bothered with the hassle.

Last lens element I sent to Oleg came back in super condition with a nice new multi-coating, and saved my collapsible Summicron M, but that didn't need recementing and still took 2 months (OK Kiev is a long way and the post is slow, but I'm impatient!).