List of Lenses NOT to use on M8

[dshfoto]

I just purchased an M8 and awaiting delivery. I know that at one time there was a lot of discussion about some Leica lenses that could not be used on the M8 -- collapsibles, etc.
Anybody know where I can get some more info on this. I am concerned about the 50mm collapsible and the 50mm close-up.

 

[J. Borger]

- 50mm DR Summicron can not be used!!
- Old 90mm/4.0 elmar collapsibe can not be collapsed: risk of damage !! Better not to use

- All 50mm collapsibles can be used, but better not collapsed (just to make sure it does not hit something). Most however can also be collapsed.
- Current 90mm Macro and 50mm elmar can be collapsed with faith
- 21mm Angulon, can be used, but metering is off
- some early versions of the pre-asph 35mm 1.4 summilux (not all!) can not focus at infinity with the M8, this can be adjusted by Leica

I am not 100% sure this listing is complete, but it is not far off.

 

[stefan-s]

dr summicron can be used,but not till infinity!

 

[dshfoto]

35mm 1.4 summilux

35mm 1.4 summilux

"some early versions of the pre-asph 35mm 1.4 summilux (not all!) can not focus at infinity with the M8, this can be adjusted by Leica"

I have one of these, any way to know other then trying it out?

 

[dogberryjr]

First, congratulations on a wise purchase!

I'm sure others will be along to amend this list, but for starters, here is what the M8 manual states:
Cannot be used:
Hologon 15mm f8
Summicron 50mm f2 with close focusing
Elmar 90mm f4 with collapsible tube (produced 1954-68)

And they caution against collapsing any lenses into the M8 body, but I know some folks do this regularly.

 

[J. Borger]

"some early versions of the pre-asph 35mm 1.4 summilux (not all!) can not focus at infinity with the M8, this can be adjusted by Leica"

I have one of these, any way to know other then trying it out?

As far as i know trying it out is the only way. Just chech if you can focus to infinity.
I had two late german made versions which had no problems at all.
I hope yours works because it is a great performer with the M8!

In any case all 35 pre-asph luxes can be fixed to work with trhe M8!

 

[tbarker13]

dr summicron can be used,but not till infinity!

That's interesting. My old DR summicron would not physically mount on my M8. I thought it required some sort of modification to make it fit.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

There's a thread here about the DR Summicron on the M8.
It WILL work, but only if you mount the lens with the cam in close-focus mode. So you can use the DR for its close-focus ability from 19" to 3' with goggles just perfectly. I do it all the time.

Me in my bathroom mirror with the DR mounted to my M8 at close-focus of 19" http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/210428-2/M8withDR.jpg

Don't be scared, just don't switch the lens to normal focus range. The DR is much better built than the M8 and I think it would pull the camera right apart if you really tried.

The Jupiter 12 is out too. But if you use a big enough shoehorn, you might be able to squeeze that rear element in there.

Phil Forrest

 

[jay_kay]

There's a thread here about the DR Summicron on the M8.
It WILL work, but only if you mount the lens with the cam in close-focus mode. So you can use the DR for its close-focus ability from 19" to 3' with goggles just perfectly. I do it all the time.

Me in my bathroom mirror with the DR mounted to my M8 at close-focus of 19" http://gallery.leica-users.org/d/210428-2/M8withDR.jpg

Don't be scared, just don't switch the lens to normal focus range. The DR is much better built than the M8 and I think it would pull the camera right apart if you really tried.

The Jupiter 12 is out too. But if you use a big enough shoehorn, you might be able to squeeze that rear element in there.

Phil Forrest

Jupiter-12 will mount just fine if you show a little care, it does clear the shutter and sensor - just. I love my '64 Jupiter-12.