M10 and 50MM Summicron DR

[BuzzyOne]

I was at the local Leica Boutique the other day. There was a Leica rep there and he called some authority on his cell regarding the question about compatibility of the Dual Range 50MM Summicron and the M10. His contact said it could be used in the normal range only, never the macro range with goggles attached. This is due to the longer throw of the cam mechanism on the lens.

I don't have my M10 yet, but plan to try my 50DR when I get it. Great lens!

If anyone has used the DR in normal range on the M10, please let us know!

 

[JHutchins]

This sounds backwards to me as moving the focus towards infinity pushes the rangefinder pivot in to the body and moving the focus toward near objects lets it spring out approaching where it would lie with no lens on the camera at all.

 

[BuzzyOne]

This sounds backwards to me as moving the focus towards infinity pushes the rangefinder pivot in to the body and moving the focus toward near objects lets it spring out approaching where it would lie with no lens on the camera at all.

I mentioned that it was counter-intuitive, but I was told that it was a cam travel issue. The guy had a Leica logo on his jacket. Seemed legit. 🙄

I should take my DR there tomorrow and ask them to mount it on the M10 demo unit they have...

 

[Ronald M]

I think there are interference issues, not cam follower.

 

[Godfrey]

Right, I was reading something about it recently on one of the Leica forums.

The focusing helicoid is longer or wider diameter on that lens to allow the close focus and it runs into a mechanical interference problem on the M digital bodies. According to the person who was writing about it, he had had the focusing mount internals machined to be able to use it throughout the range.

I'd say if you want to make use of it, discuss altering the lens with Don A Goldberg ... He'll know the story, I'm sure.

G

 

[JHutchins]

Certainly with all previous digital M cameras the problem had been grounding out of the cam on the bits of the body protecting the metering cell. If that's changed for the M10 that's fantastic news. It just seems strange to me that it would be possible to change it in such a way that you could use the far but not the near range.

 

[BuzzyOne]

I would rather get another 50 rigid than modify the DR. I have an M3 for the DR.

 

[BuzzyOne]

Certainly with all previous digital M cameras the problem had been grounding out of the cam on the bits of the body protecting the metering cell. If that's changed for the M10 that's fantastic news. It just seems strange to me that it would be possible to change it in such a way that you could use the far but not the near range.

Yeah, I even commented to the rep I didn't care about using the goggles and that I really like the 50 DR and was glad it would work on the M10 in normal mode. He then agreed they are great lenses.

 

[Lss]

The guy had a Leica logo on his jacket. Seemed legit. 🙄

Hardly legit if it wasn't covered with gaffer tape.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

I don't think it's going to work without irreversibly modifying the lens. If you're not using the goggles then why don't you just get a 50 Rigid anyways?

 

[jaapv]

I was at the local Leica Boutique the other day. There was a Leica rep there and he called some authority on his cell regarding the question about compatibility of the Dual Range 50MM Summicron and the M10. His contact said it could be used in the normal range only, never the macro range with goggles attached. This is due to the longer throw of the cam mechanism on the lens.

I don't have my M10 yet, but plan to try my 50DR when I get it. Great lens!

If anyone has used the DR in normal range on the M10, please let us know!

On digital M cameras, and I suppose the M10 probably won't be any different, the DR Summicron cannot be used without modifying (grinding off) the baffle at the back of the lens as it will run up against the inside of the mouth of the camera.
In theory one can have this flange ground off, but as the value loss of the lens and the cost of modification are far more than the value of a normal Summiron 50, it is better to buy another lens.
In any case, be very, very careful when mounting this lens the first time. And let us know.

The story about focusing at infinity only without goggles is about the goggled 35 Summaron lenses. They have a different helicoid throw. Your rep probably has the lenses mixed up.

 

[a.noctilux]

🙂 yes some SOMNI may focus full range with M10.
See here:
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/269876-m10-can-be-used-with-somni-50mm-dr-full-range/

As Jaapv said, be careful when mounting, set the focus ring about 1.5m to 2m not to interfere with the protuding cams at rear.

In M10 Leica has managed in the "chamber" a small "arc less than 1mm more room" where the DR cam come in contact "near infinity setting".