50/2 Summicron built-in hood : Godsend or nightmare?

[ocean7]

Hello folks,

I am about to pull the trigger on a used 50/2 Summicron, current version with built-in hood.

I believe I read here in the past that it was not a much loved feature, looks like it's too small, wobbles and does not stay extended.

Your views?

Cheers,

Philippe.

 

[bob338]

i have a 50 summilux with a built in hood and i like it. my only gripe is that the lens cap is not very secure, but i find most of the modern lenses have this same problem.
it's definitely not enough of an issue to not buy the lens in my opinion...

bob

 

[mh2000]

I had two different mint used copies of this lens in R-mount and I am very happy with the built-in hood. Great lens! No problems with flare.

 

[bryon]

Built is hoods...

Built is hoods...

I have a Summilux 1.4 with the built in hood. I have used it extensively in some environmentally harsh conditions (desert, remote tropical) - and have dropped/bagged it up pretty good. The end of the hood isn't perfectly round anymore, but it still retracts just fine. I do find that sometimes I forget to pull it out and lock it in place, so I may be shooting without the hood - or vise versa - when I stuff it back into my rucksack, I forget to retract the hood. In the latter situation, I really doubt that this stresses out the lens. I don't use lens caps. Rather, I work with UV filters to protect the front lens element. Just my two drachmas on the retractable hood!

bryon

 

[Stoneaxe]

I use an O-ring stretched over my 50 Summicron hood up against the lens body when extended and keeps it there unless bumped in which case it rolls out a little, letting the hood absorb shock. When I want to retract the hood I just roll the O-ring back toward the body up and over the diaphram ring where it sits until next shoot. Works great.

 

[__hh]

Whilst the built-in hood is handy, I miss the physical protection provided by the conventional hoods.

 

[ocean7]

Thanks for the replies so far. Just to help me understand there is no built-in mechanical way to lock the hood in extended position. Am I right?

 

[__hh]

Thanks for the replies so far. Just to help me understand there is no built-in mechanical way to lock the hood in extended position. Am I right?

That's correct. it only pulls/pushes in/out and is quite loose (at least my new one is). A small bump will push it back in.

 

[pkuglin]

I find it rather small and shallow compared to the detachable hood version which has the same optics.

 

[AlanK.]

The summicron with the retractable hood also won't allow you to use the less expensive 13352 swing out polarizer. The lens diameter is too large to allow it to clamp on.

 

[35mmdelux]

the summilux asph hood locks into place, but not the cron. I prefer the sliding hoods so I don't have to go looking for it.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

You guys place too much weight on something like a hood.

Must admit that I am a fan of the things, but won't choose to buy or ignore a lens based on its having a hood.

Now... Philippe, be aware that while some hoods are very loose, there are others that aren't. And, in any event, you'd like having a hood that won't become one more piece to lose or drop. As for the lens cap being a bit insecure, just buy a generic one and don't carry your Leica about. Problem solved! 🙂

 

[peter_n]

Still, practicality should rule and that means a locking hood. Leica have the concept, the 75/2 hood locks very nicely. Why they can't apply it to all the lenses they put hoods on is not clear.

 

[bryon]

retractable hoods....

retractable hoods....

Yeah, the Summilux hood does lock - not sure why they didn't do that on the ..cron.

 

[Red Rock Bill]

the built in sliding hood was distracting...the answer was" heavy star" just my solution to what may or not be a problem....Bill

 

[J J Kapsberger]

The 'cron's built-in hood doesn't offer as much protection from stray light or from knocks that the cheap vented hood available on eBay does. I use the tilted vented hood: 220285003774

Much better--sturdier, offers better shading and looks cooler.

 

[Jonathan R]

I don't see how that 220285003774 hood can work effectively for BOTH the 35mm and 50mm. It must be insufficient for the 50, or cause vignetting on the 35, surely?