Summar lens focus adjustment

[yossi]

I think so, but then it would be impossible to align the engraved infinity mark with the engraved index! And the three (sometimes five) big screws on the bottom of the helicoid could not be replaced either.

An interesting small book (and a great help) on cleaning the old lenses from Leitz is written by Kuramochi Noboyuki (Nobbysparrow) from Japan and is available on eBay in the English language: "How to clean old Leica lenses and accessories". Recommended!

Erik.

Thanks Erik for the insights. I am now convinced that this is really not a DIY job for me, so I would send it to a reputable repairman to see if it can be fixed.

I also managed to find and buy from eBay that book which you recommend. It seems to be interesting and useful but alas of all the vintage lenses Kuramochi Noboyuki mentioned, Summar is not one of them! However, I believe that I may still find some useful info. from the Summitar lens cleaning portion as the rear lens cell assembly seems similar to that of the Summar.

In any case, thanks all for the help. I have learnt a great deal here.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Summar is in the book of Noboyuki; it is in the chapter of the Summitar: the same construction.


Erik.

 

[yossi]

The Summar is in the book of Noboyuki; it is in the chapter of the Summitar: the same construction.


Erik.

Oh, that's great.

By the way, I sent a PM to Noboyuki and he told me that there is no provision for fine tuning of focusing in Summar lens assembly and that it is quite common (from his experience) that a Summar lens focuses a little 'short' (his word). Given this situation, maybe I should just leave it as it is. When I shoot with it in close range, I would just compensate for it by moving forward a bit.

 

[addled]

I've not seen anybody mention the fact that the Summar has appreciable focus-shift on stopping down. Mine is spot-on at f4 but front-focusses wider open. Many older lenses seem to have been calibrated this way - to be correct at more common apertures. It's perfectly possible that your lens is exactly as it was when leaving the factory.

And note that if you can calibrate it wide-open, you'll have some back-focus at smaller apertures.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I'm happy that mine focuses correct.

Leica M2, Summar 50mm f/2 nickel, 400-2TMY/Adox MCC 110.

Erik.

 

[yossi]

Wide open. Leaned slightly forward 😱

49012741166_b771fc19b1_k by anxin muzi, on Flickr

 

[yossi]

I've not seen anybody mention the fact that the Summar has appreciable focus-shift on stopping down. Mine is spot-on at f4 but front-focusses wider open. Many older lenses seem to have been calibrated this way - to be correct at more common apertures. It's perfectly possible that your lens is exactly as it was when leaving the factory.

And note that if you can calibrate it wide-open, you'll have some back-focus at smaller apertures.

Thanks. That certainly sounds reassuring. I will just use it as it is.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Wide open. Leaned slightly forward 😱
49012741166_b771fc19b1_k by anxin muzi, on Flickr

Great shot!

Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Leica M2, Summar 50mm f/2, 400-2TMY.

In fact the Summar is a lens with a great bo-keh.

Erik.

 

[yossi]

Yes, really smooth bokeh. Very nice!