Need help with my 50 summicron DR

[ckuang]

Hey guys, I just received a 50mm summicron DR as a gift. The lens just feel great in my hands.

However, one thing i did find funny that while all the apertures had no stops at the half stops, the seems to be a half stop click stop between 5.6 and 8.

is this normal or is there something wrong with my lens? Any help would be great. thanks so much in advance.

 

[spyder2000]

Mine does not have detents at any half stop positions. As long as the lens does not "hang" there, I think it will be fine if you move through the detent.

 

[ckuang]

Hi Spyder, thanks so much for the info. My lens doesn't hang there. It just feel funny having an extra click stop. Think I'll bring it in.

Kuang

 

[Shac]

Kuang - none of the rigid or DR's had half stops.

 

[Rob-F]

Why don't you try shooting at that extra click-stop and see how well positioned it is for a half f-stop. I often shoot at that halfway point between 5.6 and 8; I wonder if the previous owner did also, and had the extra detent added?

 

[projectbluebird]

My DR has no half stops, but on closer inspection it does have a small line halfway between 5.6 and 8. It almost looks like a scratch, except that it is perfectly centered and square.
I've never noticed that before.

 

[ckuang]

Thanks for the info guys. that's why I'm wondering about it. It seems too precise to be a result of a drop or knock but at the same time it seems kinda random. does any other owner have some sort of marking between 5.6 and 8? is it something leica would have done? is it possible for owner to put in custom click stops? all very interesting.

 

[hans voralberg]

Nothing on mine, but mine I think is one of the earlier ones made, so that might be the reason

 

[Philippe D.]

Hi,

does any other owner have some sort of marking between 5.6 and 8?

No mark.
The half-stops came with the black aluminium lenses i think, about 1965.
On earlier lenses, not even clicks.

@ projectbluebird: It is a scratch.

 

[RichardB]

My 1963 DR does not have half stops.
That said, you are making a decision that is not based on all the facts. You need to take pictures with your lens. If the focusing ring turns smoothly and the diaphragm looks ok when you stop down the lens and the pictures turn out fine, why pay money to solve a minor problem that does not affect the functionality of your lens. Camera equipment does become damaged, just ask any working professional but as long as it functions, so what?-Dick

 

[Stu W]

f6.3 also called f5.6 and a half was a popular f stop. Maybe the previous owner had the lens modified or maybe it was built that way. Anyway, I wouldn't worry about it. Stu