Help with 35mm lens

[Monz]

Dear RFFers,
I am thinking about getting a 35mm lens and have been looking at the following item...

LEICA Leitz Summicron f2 35mm Lens with eyeglasses
Serial no: 1746223

I looked it up in Erwin Puts’ "Leica Lens Compendium." From this source, I found out that the serial number makes it a series I lens (1958); Puts’ write up of this lens sounds a bit mediocre with mention of flare, vignetting and coma.

Has anyone here used this lens and is it any good? Or should I get something more modern? With the specs removed, will it fit on a M6?

I want something fast (preferably f2 or faster) and sharp. Bulk isn’t that important.

I’d be grateful for any advice.
--
Monz

 

[raid]

Hi Monz,

Dan just put up his revised pricing table for the 35mm M lenses, and he mentions in his write-up on the Version I lens that some claimit is best B&W film lens ever made. It can't be that bad. I have one like it and I love it.

Raid

 

[Monz]

Thanks Raid. Do you know if the version 1 lens (with specs) fits onto a M6 (with the specs removed)?
--
Monz

 

[Santafecino]

You need to be careful using the M-mount lenses with goggles, which were designed for the M3. I suspect--but don't know for sure--that the lens brings up the 50mm frame and reduces the virtual image so that it is the 35mm field of view. If you remove the goggles--you may get only a 50mm frame and field of view. You should try it on your M6.

 

[Monz]

You need to be careful using the M-mount lenses with goggles, which were designed for the M3. I suspect--but don't know for sure--that the lens brings up the 50mm frame and reduces the virtual image so that it is the 35mm field of view. If you remove the goggles--you may get only a 50mm frame and field of view. You should try it on your M6.

Thanks Santafecino; that makes sense. Unfortunately I don't have the lens in the flesh to try out on my M6.

--
Monz

 

[raid]

Monz: The lens can be mounted [with goggles] on any M body, but you would see the 50mm frames. Do not remove the goggles.

Raid

 

[Monz]

Thanks Raid. I think I am going to pass on this lens after all and keep my eyes open for something more modern.

--
Monz

 

[Xmas]

The J12 and a LTM/M adapter can be real cheap, I use one when there is risk of damage, as I cannot afford a replacement lux, it flares about the same as the lux.

Noel

 

[BillBingham2]

I do not know about removing gogles from such a WONDERFUL lens. I almost would look at alternative lenses or bodies. Perhaps swap out the M6 for a body with a M3 magnification finder. Perhaps a preasph 'Cron or even a 40/1.4 CV with a bit of a modification to bring up the 35mm frame lines on an M6.

That sort of modification just does not sound good long term (for the next owner of the lens).

B2 (;->