Filters for Summicron 50/2 Collapsible

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Asahizuiko

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I've just joined this forum and will celebrate having gained access to this vast pool of knowledge with a very specific question for my first post.

I've recently acquired an M3 with a Summicron 50/2 collapsible. The lens is actually a screw mount copy with an M adapter attached.

The coating on the lens is in not too bad condition. Considering the reputation of the coating and even fragility of the glass itself of the front element, I thought I might put a UV filter on there as protection. Now, the last thing I want is some rubbish flare caused by an un/badly coated filter, so I'd thought to get a decent modern multi coated filter.

Looking at my options in 39mm thread I saw Hoya and B+W were possibilities. I ended up grabbing a Hoya as it was surprisingly cheap after all. The problem with this Hoya filter is that the full diameter of the filter is less than that of the lens barrel. This means that when I put the push-on leica lens cap, it doesn't really stay on as it now only has a couple of mm of lens barrel to grip onto.

Do the B+W (or any other) filters match the lens barrel diameter well enough to allow push-on lens caps to be used?
 
Don't know about the B+W, but the Leica one actually makes the diameter a bit less, so the cap is too loose.

However, if you add the 12549 screw in hood, the diameter of that matches the front of the lens perfectly, so the cap will fit over the hood. I believe this hood was originally intended for the 50mm Elmar (new version).

Rolfe
 
You don't really need a lens cap, since the filter is already protecting the lens. A hood is what I would recommend. It will add contrast to your shots, further protect your lens, and eliminate flare. I never used a lens cap w/ my rangefinder cameras (or any cameras) in AZ, Fl, Hi or NM, all of which are places w/ lots of sun, always carried them on a shoulder strap on my bike, and never had any issues.
 
I have a 50mm f2 summicron collapsible and I agree that the front coating is really weak. I don't use filters often with it but I have a 39mm UV, Y1 and R1 filters that I also use on my goggled 35mm 3.5 Summaron and I can collapse the lens and put the cap back with filter on no problem.
I can confirm with you later on what brand the filters are, I believe they are B+W
 
I keep a 39mm Leica UV filter on the front and an IROOA hood for the most part. (This lens benefits from a hood) You could also get a b+w filter and an off brand pinch cap. The chrome UV Leica filter I use is not deep enough for a pinch cap to grab, but the B+W or heliopans will.
 
Asahizuiko said:
The problem with this Hoya filter is that the full diameter of the filter is less than that of the lens barrel. This means that when I put the push-on leica lens cap, it doesn't really stay on as it now only has a couple of mm of lens barrel to grip onto.
Click to expand...

If you have a filter on there to protect the glass, you don't need the lens cap. This has the extra benifits of always being ready to go and never accidently shooting with the lens cap left on (a common issue with rangefinders).
 
rolfe said:
However, if you add the 12549 screw in hood, the diameter of that matches the front of the lens perfectly, so the cap will fit over the hood. I believe this hood was originally intended for the 50mm Elmar (new version).

Rolfe
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, but the one 12549 I can find online is listed for almost what i paid for the lens! Think I need another solution
 
I had the same set up and did what Rolfe suggested. And I always kept a lens cap on the lens when not shooting. You can burn a hole in the shutter curtains of an M3 by exposing the uncapped lens to the sun.

B+W filter, 12549 screw on lens hood, Leica lens cap.

Best,
-Tim
 
Asahizuiko said:
Thanks for the tip, but the one 12549 I can find online is listed for almost what i paid for the lens! Think I need another solution
Click to expand...

Wow, yes they have gone up in price since I bought mine some years ago!

One of the inexpensive 39mm hoods off the Bay is still a viable solution.

Rolfe
 
Asahizuiko said:
Awesome. Please let me know



Is the Leica UV filter sized so that the push on cap fits?
Click to expand...

just checked and I have the following 39mm filters
B+W 010 UV
B+W 091 Dark Red
Leica 39mm Yellow filter

all 3 fits no problem on either summicron and summaron and lens cap
 
Another hood option is a generic rubber collapsible hood. This has the advantage of cushioning the front of the lens if you bump it into something.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. And apologies for the silence. I've struggled finding a 12549 at a reasonable price. I went into a classic Leica shop and the guy told me even the filters made for the summicron at the time were narrower than the barrel and hence caused the same issue.
 
In real world use, burning holes in the shutter is mostly a problem with wide angle lenses. With your collapsible Summicron I would say, just don't put your camera on the table with the bare lens facing the sky at noon and you should be okay ...

That being said ... I have a dozen or so of the original Leitz metal caps for the early 39mm filter thread lenses and in my experience there is some slight variation in width, depending on the cap itself and the condition of the felt on the inside. I would agree that they do not fit too well on the lens when an original Leitz filter is attached.

My advice to you would be to buy the quality filter of your choice (I personal would prefer one with a brass mount like Heliopan or B+W), get a beater Leica metal cap off Ebay or some local camera fair, and if the fit is too loose on the filter, simply glue in a material of your choice until the cap fits snugly. It will probably be too tight then to fit the lens without filter attached, but that's life ... You can't have the cake and eat it :)

I am personally not a big fan of plastic snap on caps as I tend to lose them much easier than the Leica metal caps. Don't ask me why.
 
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