Some problem with Frameline switch in M5 -- serious?

[roundg]

I just bought a nice condition M5, everything is fine except,

When I install my Summaron 35mm/3.5 on it, the frameline turns out to be the 50mm/135mm instead of the 35mm it should be. The frameline preview handle works correctly.

So I guess it's just a minor problem and some simple adjustment will works, is it?

 

[the lobster]

The only aspect of your post I can really help with is that the 50/135 aren't framed together. The 35 & 135 are. What those four rounded lines are in the 50mm frameline is the metering area, not that much smaller however from the actual 135 frameline.

This part is speculation:

It may not be the M5, since you said the preview lever works fine.

There were early 35/3.5 Summarons made with eyes for the M3. Since the M3 has no 35 framelines, these lenses might just bring up the 50mm framelines. Have you ever used this lens with another M, besides an M3? Maybe you could try it out on a M2 for example to see what happens.

I know that adapters can be altered to bring up different framelines from what they originally did, maybe contact Sherry Krauter and see if your Summaron can be altered to, if that is something you'd be interested in.

 

[roundg]

Thanks, lobster. You are right there should be the 35/135 frameline and 50mm frameline.

Yes I am using an old Summaron 35/3.5(non-eye glass version) made in 1957. Maybe I should do more test with other lens or camera bodys.

Thanks so much........................

 

[the lobster]

I did a quick search on google and think that this certainly is the case.

Try searching for a serial number cut-off for the different framelines and compare yours to it.

Congratulations on the M5. I love mine! Enjoy.

By the way, chrome or black?

 

[former member]

Does the Summaron have fastening points on it that were for "goggles"? Is it an LTM lens on an M adapter? 1957 preceded the M2 (well, there were 300 pre-production units in 1957) and I would expect it to bring up the 50mm lines. If it is on an M adapter, you can just get athe M2 adapter to bring up the 35mm lines.

 

[the lobster]

Apparently there were 3 M-mount versions of this lens. I found this quote by John Collier on leica-users.org:

There were three different focusing M versions of this lens:

SOONC-M bought up the 50mm framelines and required the use of a separate
finder (SBLOO).

SOONC-MW brought the 50mm framelines but had the "bug-eyed" optical eyes to
modify the field of view so that it covered the 35mm field.

SOONC-MT brought up the 35mm/135mm framelines so it worked with the M2 but
you needed the separate finder (SBLOO) for the M3.

It is very easy to modify the SOONC-M to bring up the 35mm framelines. You
just file off material from the bayonet ear that controls the viewfinder
masks until it does not engage the mechanism. The procedure can be reversed
with some careful silver soldering.

...

It sounds like you have the version mentioned first- no goggles, but it required a separate finder.

 

[roundg]

Thanks so much, Lobster and Brian Sweeney. I think that's the problem. Your answer will help me to have a good sleep tonight. Thanks ++++++++

I noticed only need to file off very small part to make the lens bring up 35mm frameline, but I would rather keep the lens unchanged. The 35mm frameline covers almost the whole area of the viewfinder on M5, so I think I can just use the out frame of the viewfinder instead.

And Mine M5 is a black 3 lug one. Yes, it's a really nice camera, I love the speed show and the needle in the viewfinder.

 

[the lobster]

And Mine M5 is a black 3 lug one. Yes, it's a really nice camera, I love the speed show and the needle in the viewfinder.

Excellent that you have a late model. It have a black 2-lug. I have read & been told by Sherry Krauter that the key with M5s is to get one above serial # 135xxxx. Apparently the ealier ones had a few kinks to be worked out and may be prone to certain problems, which of course I cannot recall now.

The one thing I have learned with the M5 is to be mindful of the meter. It is excellent, but it is in practice, a spot meter. I was used to using an old Weston Master II and when I used the M5 meter for the first few times I got some over exposed backgroud when photographing dark subjects, etc. Just be mindful and take a general survey if possible. You'll get used to it quickly.

When you choose to CLA it, I recommend Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch. She did an excellent job on mine.

 

[roundg]

Lobster, Thanks for the useful tips. I think I will get used to it after several rolls. Actually I have
already found the spot (maybe call it central area) metering is more convenient for me in some situaltions. Great Leica!!!