Questions about Leica filter threads

[scottgee1]

Guess I haven't been paying attention, but only recently learned that Leica 'M' lenses require Leica specific filters because the threads are somewhat different.

Are adapters available to use standard filters? Did/do others manufacturers make 'Leica thread' filters? How are they differentiated? Is that what 'E39' means, rather than just 39mm?

I'd also be curious to know how they tried to rationalize this. Something like, 'nobody else makes filters to Our Specifications'?

😕 /ScottGee1

 

[mr roberts]

i'm not sure what lenses you're referring to but the 2 Summicrons that i'm using accept standard 39mm threaded filters. b&w, hoya, etc.

 

[scottgee1]

Hmmm . . . that's good to hear!

Kris mentioned the thread issue in a PM exchange we had. Kris, are you reading?

😀 /ScottGee1

 

[richard_l]

I have a 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit, a 50/2 Summicron, a 50/2.8 Elmar, and a 35/2.8 Summaron. They all take standard 39mm filters.

 

[dll927]

Let's face it - 39mm is 39 mm. What diff does the brand make?

I have Leica filters on my 3 lenses for my M, (M4-2) , but that's just becasue I bought them at a store that could order them - several years ago. Said filters are the 1A type.

 

[doubs43]

I've not heard of any such issue with the M mount lens. The only Leitz lens that I know of that takes a "special" filter is the f/2 Summitar. The threads on the Summitar lens are recessed and normal filters won't work.

While there are still manufacturers who release propriatary items that can only be purchased from them, most have long ago realised that people avoid most things that won't utilize standard accessories such as filters, flash units etc.

Walker

 

[scottgee1]

Let's face it - 39mm is 39 mm. What diff does the brand make?

SNIP!

But of course!

I should be more specific. What Kris said was the thread pitch on the Leica lenses was slightly different.

Hey, if it ain't true, that makes sense and it's a good thing!

Thanks for the responses!/ScottGee1

 

[Designer]

As I know, most of the recent M lenses use common screw mounted filters, E39, E46, etc. There are also Series filters manufactured by Leica for use w/. a adapter or hoods for some lenses. And some old slip-on A36 filters for those old lenses such as 5cm Elmar, Heklor, etc.

 

[rover]

I think the older lenses had some funky filter threads, but the most recent ones take standards. I threaded my yellow 39mm on all 3 of my Summicrons today, 35 (4th), 50 (penultimate, what ever version # that is) and collapsible 50 from 1955.

 

[Kris]

Scott, I measured the pitch for my filter thread; it's 0.5mm.

As far as I know, standard filters use 0.75mm pitch. That Nikon filter I'm sending you fits nicely on Pancake II but not on the Leica.

 

[peter_n]

I have an E43 medium yellow B+W filter that won't go on my CV 35/2.5 P1 because the CV lens has a 0.75mm pitch and the filter has a 0.5mm pitch.

I think I'll sell the filter...