Early 50mm F2 Rigid Summicron?

[geejay]

Today i recived my new to me 50mm Summicron from ffordes Photographic,
The listing said early rigid Summicron but how early is early?

The the number on the lens on the front at the bottom of the filter thread is
Nr.1510086 just wondered how old this might be? Hopefully someone out there will know.

The lens is in very nice clean condition no marks on the barrel or the glass
exactly as ffordes description, which was mint-

I don't know if this lens has been cleaned recently its totaly clean inside not a speck of dust anywhere no cleaning marks or anything.
But it smells i know this sounds odd its a sort of sweet chemical smell just wondered if anybody else has had the same thing?

Apart from that its seems great can't wait to try it out!

PS.
Why does the focusing spar have a lock on it when set to infinity?

Sorry Guys for all the questions but i,am still a bit new to this rangefinder lark

 

[FPjohn]

1957 according to the tables in the Hove Pocket Book.

Good light and enjoy your fine lens.

yours
FPJ

 

[Calzone]

I also have a 57 rigid with clean glass, although there are minor scratches on the barrel on mine.

It is reported that it is common to have haze problems, but mine is clean. I also questioned weather or not it is possible that my rigid was in original condition or was cleaned.

I'm not sure about the reasoning of the infinity lock, I don't mind the additional feature, but some can't tolerate the locking. I kinda use it as a referance that aids me in focusing. I kinda use it as a tab also.

I love the smooth focus and the solid build. Leica at its best.

Calzone

 

[Ronald M]

It is an much improved optical formula over the collapsible. Later rigids were improved again.

This makes a collapsible, two rigids and matching DR optics + mounts, 1969 version, 1989 version, or 5 optical variations.

It is a fine lens. I have seen a few 16x20 from it.

 

[David Murphy]

An outstanding lens if the glass is clear and clean (a few scratches won't matter at all). Many vintage RF lenses have an infinity lock - I suppose because this is the most common focus point for many.

 

[venchka]

The lock seems to have been popular through the 50s. I have two lenses, Canon & Nikkor, from the 50s with locks. My DR Summicron from 1961 doesn't have a lock. I attribute such things to cost cutting. Cheaper to eliminate the lock.

 

[raid]

In my 50mm lens comparisons which Roland illustrated, we showed the high resolution of the rigid Summicron Version 1.

 

[geejay]

Thanks to all who replied to this post
your input was most welcome

 

[Erik van Straten]

Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid nr. 1567871, Leica M3, TriX printed on Ilford MGIV fb.

Erik.

 

[ZoomP]

Congrats on the Rigid!!! I have a later version around 2mio +. Got some haze but no deterioration on iQ. Here's some shots taken with the lens:

Here's the lovers. M3 with Rigid.

 

[FPjohn]

Black?

Black?

Congrats on the Rigid!!! I have a later version around 2mio +. Got some haze but no deterioration on iQ. Here's some shots taken with the lens:

Here's the lovers. M3 with Rigid.

This is a beautiful pair. Who did the paint job?

yours
FPJ

 

[photo_trev]

After looking at the serial number geejay listed above, I think my Rigid is really old. The serial number is 1401153, does anyone know what year it was manufactured?

Thanks!

 

[FPjohn]

1956 as per the Leica Pocket Book.

yours
FPJ

 

[photo_trev]

Very cool, thanks FPJ

 

[ZoomP]

This is a beautiful pair. Who did the paint job?

yours
FPJ

It's Shintaro Crackled blackpaint

 

[Tom A]

It is easy to remove the infinity lock. Use a pair of needle noose pliers and unscrew the flat screw with the two dimples in it at the back of the lock - just use the points of the pliers. There is a spring inside that will pop out - so watch for it. Now you can remove the "button" button part and you wont have the problem with the lock. I usually do it on my lenses as there is a law that comes into effect - you are focussing on something that is close to infinity - and the damned lens locks!!
I suspect that the lock was a leftover from the older screwmount lenses as, particularly with collapsible lenses, you had to excert some force to unscrew the lens and the infinity lock took the the brunt of the torque - not the lensbarrel.