50mm Summicron DR - will it work with my cameras?

loquax ludens

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I've been considering getting a 50mm f/2 Summicron for a long time. I'm certain I'd be happy with any version, but the DR is particularly appealing to me because of the dual focusing range, sharpness, and lovely rendering in black and white. (The one I'm next most interested in is the V3.)

I've read that the DR Summicron won't fit on the M6 TTL or M7, and won't focus properly on digital M cameras other than M10.

I don't have any of those, but I have an M3, M6 Classic, and an MP. I know it will work on the M3, as it was designed for it. My other two cameras appear to have identical dimensions to the M3, so I think the DR should work with them, but I'd like know for sure.
 
I found that an early DR will only mount on an M6 when set to infinity. Once mounted it can be used just fine. I don't know why that is, I assume the lens cam hits something on the inside. I suggest you be careful when first mounting it.
 
I've used it on M2, M9-P and Monochrom. These can only be focussed optically. It works perfectly. I was puzzled to hear that others found it fitted their M9s without modification. I had to remove a small bakelite notched stabilizing bar from the top of the goggles. On the M2 this notched bar sits applied to the top front corner of the top cover, applied to the front and the top. The M9 and Monochrom are too tall. It is not possible to seat the goggles properly with the bar kept on so I've removed it for the duration of my ownership. I suspect that those who say the googles work fine with these taller cameras, including the M7 and the TTL, either have not got such an attachment, or it's already been shortened.
 
I saw that one in the classifieds, dourbalistar. Looks sweet. I'd be surprised if it were still available by the time I'll be ready to buy though.
 
My DR will not focus on my M9M. It will mount but the focusing ring won’t turn. I understand it needs to be modded to work. Film bodies are ok though.
 
My DR will not focus on my M9M. It will mount but the focusing ring won’t turn. I understand it needs to be modded to work. Film bodies are ok though.
You can mount the DR and only use it safely in close focus range. If you focus to infinity in normal range you risk deforming the mount as the lens will begin to pry it off the camera.
If you want to use the optics of the DR on a digital Leica, get a V2 Rigid Cron. Exact same optical unit.
Phil Forrest
 
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