SOOKY-M (SOMKY) Question(s)

vrgard

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I recently picked up a SOOKY-M (aka SOMKY?) close focus adapter. I've read that it works with the original collapsible Summicron 50, the collapsible Elmar 50/2.8 and, with a further adapter, the removeable lens head from a rigid Summicron 50. Having just received the SOOKY-M, I have only tried it out with my Elmar 50/2.8 on my M3 camera. Would like to be able to use it with the lens head from my rigid Summicron so if anyone has a UOORF adapter they would be willing to let go please let me know.

Using the SOOKY-M adapter seems easy enough. The bayonet mount on the back end of the collapsible lens barrel mounts on the SOOKY-M and then the SOOKY-M mounts on my M3 just like any other M mount lens would. Turns the whole thing into something akin to an M3 with a Dual Range Summicron mounted on it with the big difference being one only gets close focusing ability with the SOOKY-M adapter which must be removed if one wants to focus on anything beyond the close focus range limit (something like 3+ feet).

Anyways, the SOOKY-M adapter I got did not come with any instructions so if anyone has any I would appreciate a scanned copy. Obviously, I've already figured out how to use it but any additional details would be great to know.

But I do have one question. There is a relative scale of some sort created by a marking on the main body of the SOOKY-M as it aligns with markings on the corresponding rotating focusing element on the SOOKY-M. I've included pics below to highlight what I mean. The first pic shows a front view of the SOOKY-M with a marking of "1:" just above an arrowhead shaped marker pointing towards the rotating focusing element. The second pic shows the corresponding marking of "15" on the focusing element. The corresponding markings have a range of 7.5-15. What I don't know if what, exactly, do these markings mean? Is this simply a gross relative scale with no correlation to anything in particular? Or do these markings really indicate something useful? Any thoughts or info would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Randy
 

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Hi,
vrgard said:
Ahh, I hadn't considered that Roland. So the 1:7.5 is a macro enlargement of 7.5x (and 1:15 is 15x) full size or real life?
1:1 is full size real life. 1:15 is 1/15th or 0.15x.
Look out, the rectangular google of your SOMKY is broken, or not in place. Look at both screws on the sides, maybe they are missing?
I have this SOMKY/16507 with the UOORF adapter (not for sale sorry), but if you're serious about close-up photography, i would suggest to use the Dual Range Summicron instead.
 
Thanks Philippe for the further explanation. Isn't 1/15 more like 0.067x and not 0.15x? And isn't that a fairly significant amount of enlarging magnification?

And not to worry about the rectangular goggle. Those pics weren't from my SOOKY-M (which is just fine with the screws intact).

Lastly, can I ask why you advocate the DR over use of the SOOKY-M? I'm not planning any serious macro work so I'm happy with the SOOKY-M but am curious about your thoughts on the subject.

Thanks,
Randy
 
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so, which lenses can this be used with?
Nobody really talks about this equipment in this forum - am getting one for christmas

Both the SM and M coll crons and old elmars 2.8.

the rigid cron with a special adapter (locks in the SOMKY's bayonet and accepts the threads of the "rigid" optical block)

Apparently the new elmar 2.8, with some kind of adaptation (I reead somwhere that you may have to dismantle a baffle). If thats true, that may be a helluva way to get excellent close ups...

I'm pretty curious to know if it accepts the SM elmars 3.5 and the M Elmar 3.5.
I may be looking for a good collapsible 50 and I just bought a SOMKY too...
 
The above close up adapter looks to be for a "collapsible" Summicron - those of which I've handled were LTM. The collapsible barrel has a three bayonet at the back of the barrel that locks into the helical.
 
If you're planning on attending the LHSA event in Seattle this fall AND also have a SOMKY device, please let me know. I have a collapsible CV 50mm Heliar that I'm eager to try on this close-up device on my M8. Perhaps we can conspire to see if this combo might work.

-g
 
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