Newbie question about Leica Lens

[Designer]

Dear all,

Is about the old Candian 35mm Summicron f2 (for M3) w/. "eyes". Does this "eyes" permanently attached to the lens body? Is this lens designed for M3 only?

Many thanks!!

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Camerquest doesn't exactly address this but there is some information here: http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm. He talks about the eyes being built in but I have seen eyes sold seperately on Ebay so maybe they do come off. let us know what you find.

Todd

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Apparently, you can take off the eyes for the Summaron and Summicron, as they were designed for the M3 (the eyes!). That means that if you use the lens with a M2, a M4 and any of the later cameras, you don't need the eyes.

In fact, as you probably know, the eyes provided the framelines and view field for the 35mm lens, whose framelines the M3 didn't have. Only cameras made after the M2 carry the 35mm framelines.

I hope this answers your question.

 

[Designer]

Thank you very much for your information!😀

 

[Doug]

There are "eyes" for the Dual-Range Summicron 50mm that need only be attached when focusing closer than otherwise possible, and this lens with/without eyes is usable on any M body, but...

The "eyed" 35 needed to keep its eyes on, didn't it? I understand that while it's possible to remove the eyes, the lens was not designed to work without them, and would not focus accurately. It was usable on the M2 and M4 as well, but brought up the 50mm framelines, which were appropriately morphed into a 35mm field of view by the eyes.

So, while intended for the M3 that had a .93x viewfinder and no 35 frames, it could also be used on other Ms, but the eyes needed to be present for accurate focus. I have never had a lens with "eyes" or "goggles" so this is just what I've read. 🙂

 

[Designer]

Thanks a lot, Doug!