Eyes for DR Summicron?

[Kyle]

I just picked up a really nice DR Summicron sans "eyes." I would like to use the closer focusing feature if possible in the future and would like to track down a set to use. However, I seem to remember being told that if the eyes are not an original match to the lens, then they will not focus properly. Is this true? Can I just have the lens/eyes calibrated by someone like DAG? Should I just not even bother?

Thanks!

 

[adep]

Yeah, I've got the same situation. I read somewhere that there are two different variations of the DR, and the eyes are slightly different for each version, but it wasn't too clear to me...

 

[Kyle]

Yeah, I've got the same situation. I read somewhere that there are two different variations of the DR, and the eyes are slightly different for each version, but it wasn't too clear to me...

Yeah, there are two different versions, as described by Stephen Gandy here

Earlier DR's have a single feet or meter focusing scale, and clip on eyes with the E. Leitz enlarger condenser logo, as shown on the top photo of this page, and focus to 19." Later DR's have a dual feet and meter focusing scale, with a simpler Leitz logo, and focus to 20." The optics in both versions are generally believed to be identical. There may well be other variations as well. As pointed out to me by Marvin Moss, the ball bearing mount on the earlier lenses is larger than on the later lenses. This results in the earlier close up attachment with the Leitz condenser logo fitting on later lenses, but not vice versa.

http://www.cameraquest.com/m50dr.htm

However, I seem to be remember reading that unless the serial number on the lens matches the serial number on the eyes, the lens will never focus accurately. Is there any truth to this or can I just make sure to get the right set of eyes?

I have the later version which focuses to 20", btw.

 

[adep]

Yeah, there are two different versions, as described by Stephen Gandy here

That must be where I read it.

However, I seem to be remember reading that unless the serial number on the lens matches the serial number on the eyes, the lens will never focus accurately.

Yike! I hope not

I have the later version which focuses to 20", btw.

Mine seems to be an earlier one (1956), looks like it'll focus to 19". Good, because I didn't want to have to arm-wrestle you for a set of eyes 😛

 

[venchka]

Re-read the CameraQuest article. The first version of the goggles work on both versions of the lens. The later version goggles only work on the later version lens. As I recall, I can check tonight, there is no serial number on the goggles. There is, however, a serial number on the lens mount. You can find it by unscrewing the lens head. The serial numbers should match on the lens head and lens mount to assure proper close focusing.

Get the goggles. They are a treat to use.

 

[venchka]

Correct focal length

Correct focal length

By the way, ALL Dual Range Summicron lenses have a focal length of 51.9mm. It says so in hand engraved numbers on the lens head along with the initials (I think that's what the letters are) of the person checking the focal length.

Really really nice lens too. Mine is from 1961. Looks like new. Works like new.

 

[mikeh]

If they have to be matched serial #'s prices for a set of eyes wouldn't be $150-$200....mine isn't matched and works great. I guess I got lucky when I bought the eyes after the lens, I was unaware of any problems with fitting a newer set of eyes on an older version lens. Usually (read; always) I find out about this kind of thing after I've spent the cash......

 

[SteveM(PA)]

gogglefest...

gogglefest...

I need some too, just some beater eyes, to go with my beater DR. I blame Keith for all of this. 🙂

 

[adep]

...The first version of the goggles work on both versions of the lens. The later version goggles only work on the later version lens. ...

So what should I look for to determine whether the goggles are early or late versions?

 

[jja]

Kyle, adep, et al.: To distinguish between the old and new version of the goggles, look at the Leitz logo. On the old version, as Gandy points out, the Leitz logo is fancier, with a border around it (see the cameraquest photo). The newer version is inscribed "Leitz Wetzlar" with no border. There is no serial number that I can find on the goggles.

Kyle, as it happens, I have a set of goggles (later version) but no lens to put it on (they came with a lot of gear I bought a few months ago). I'd been thinking of looking for the lens, but I don't see that happening in the near future. If you are interested, PM me.

 

[adep]

Thanks jja

 

[venchka]

Clear as mud.

Photo of first version from Camerquest:

If you see goggles that look different they are the second version.

 

[JNewell]

As I recall, I can check tonight, there is no serial number on the goggles.

99.495%+ sure that's right, though I haven't had the goggles for mine out of the case in years.

 

[dadsm3]

Ok, I knew it, here we go....I have a V1 lens (1532523, 1957, in feet only) and a new set of bugeyes (no border around the Leitz logo).
It fits fine, and locks and won't pull off unless the max focus distance is set in the short mode, just over 32" (in other words rotating tab tight to fixed tab). And it works too, and I can prove it with my biggest tomato shot, but I can't figure out how to attach a thumbnail from my gallery here. Since Steven can't be wrong (that infallibility thing), it must be an anomaly worth $10k.....

 

[dadsm3]

Works fine with a V1 lens and V2 bugeyes....