Summicron 40

L

lscaglio

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I looking for a 35 40 mm for my M6 - the 35 mm crono and the hexanon are too much expensive so I searched for other options...does the summicron c 40 (built for the CL, I think) work on the M6? Why is it so cheaper?

Thanks
Luca :confused:
 
Does the M6 have 40mm frame-lines?

Also check the Rokkor 40mm lens.
 
The M6 does not have 40mm frame lines and the 40mm Cron C uses the 35mm frame lines, so its a bit of guess work. Its a nice lens tho :) It works fine btw.
 
The 40/2 Summicron is a great lens. It brings up the 50mm frame lines on M bodies, but a tiny piece of black tape under the selector lever will hold it on 35. Then, when you're happy with the lens, file a tiny bit of metal off the lens mount and it will bring up the 35 frame lines. The lens takes Series 5.5 filters held in place by the rubber lens hood or a retaining ring. Don't overlook the 40/2 M-Rokkor. It's just as good as the Summicron and takes 40.5mm filters and hoods. They're cheaper because, umm, I don't know.
 
What Victor said! Pay particular attention to the filter size difference between the Summicron and the Rokkor. Because of that, the Rokkor is an easier lens to find filters and shades for.

I use a 40 Rokkor(CL) with my M6.

There are 2 versions of the Rokkor: one built for the CL, the other for the CLE. You can tell the diff. by the location of the serial number. CL: number on front ring, CLE: number on lens barrel. Both lenses are great, but if you have a choice, the CLE Rokkor has better lens coatings and a RF coupling arm identical to other M lenses.

I totally agree with you about the high cost of 35mm Summicrons! The CV 35 is no slouch of a lens - very sharp and contrasty. For a more vintage look, the Canon 35 f2.8 is another possibility.

For really cheap, a Russian Jupiter-12 lens will work with an adaptor (like the Canon also requires). You'll have to experiment with the M6 internal meter readings though, because the J12 rear element sticks out so far, it may block some of the reflected light from the white dot on the shutter curtain. I've read athat a +1 stop adjustment compensates for this.

Good luck!
 
Oh, I just remembered this: for a bit more cost than the vintage Canon 35 f2.8, the Canon 35 f2 probably comes closest to the 35mm Summicron, and still much cheaper. Rover, do have one of these available?
 
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lscaglio said:
I looking for a 35 40 mm for my M6 - the 35 mm crono and the hexanon are too much expensive so I searched for other options...does the summicron c 40 (built for the CL, I think) work on the M6? Why is it so cheaper?

Thanks
Luca :confused:
Click to expand...

The 40/2 is a fine little lens - as to why it is cheaper I cannot explain. It's certainly better than the prices indicate.

As manufactured, it brings up the 50mm lines - at close focus one can get a reasonable estimate of framing by using the outer edges of an M6's framing lines; at longer range use the inner edges.

The oddball filter size and hood size is noted in this thread and it's correct. I don't use filters much and for a cap I have something I found in the local camera shop's junk box. Hey, it works :)

And finally, if you can find one, buy it and try it. It won't be hard to resell.
 
they're cheaper because of "perceived quality". the focusing ring on all of them turn as lightly as the pre-asph 'cron, which i directly compared at the camera show today, but it feels a bit dry. other samples might be different. the shape of the aperture ring and focus tab also contribute to the delicate, lightweight perception of the 40mm lenses. the aperture ring is sort of narrow and pointy, and the focusing tab is a bit oversized and angled in the center so it doesn't feel "grippy" like the pre-asph's crescent. it doesn't seem like you can fling it around. not that i want to, but other people do.
 
I think the consistently low prices are because of the frame line issue and maybe the 40's association with the CL. (I snagged the companion 90/4 for $200 with original hood and case).
The Series filters are a little scarce, and the 40.5 mm size on the identical M-Rokkor 40/2 are easier to get. Sometimes the Rokkor prices are a little lower, too.
Either lens is about as good as you can get and 40 is a very adaptable focal length.
 
The happy owner of a 40 Rokkor (CLE type), I concur with all the above - plus two further advantages:
> the rubber collapsible hood is very convenient (if not beautiful)
> a 'cheap' 40 cures the envy both of a 35 and a 50 !
 
dropped my 40mm down 2 flights of stairs. It survived. Enough said about built quality and my dexterity. I use the summicron C btw. Use a 39mm filter and don't screw it in too much.
 
I had been thinking about getting a 35mm but hadn't found one at anywhere near what I was willing to spend. Then you guys start going on about this great Rokkor 40mm lens so I start reading all the good things about them on the net. Then I see one on ebay at what looked to be a reasonable price. (7564899176) Now look what you've gone and made me do! You guys are a bad influence... :)
 
richard_l said:
Looks like you got a really nice one!
Click to expand...

Thanks richard_l and Alec (and FrankS and szekiat and Joe and, and, and... :) ). I sure hope it is. I wanted a wider angle lens to use over the holidays to get those indoor shots of the family where a narrower angle lens would frame too tightly. I have used a Canonet QL17 which also has a 40mm lens so I figure this should work well for me (and it's a heckuva lot less expensive than a 35mm Cron). Thanks again guys!
 
Andrew Touchon said:
Vrgard,

Now that you have the 40mm you really need to get the 90mm F4 Rokkor to keep it company. ;)
Click to expand...

Oh, you guys are evil. EVIL, I say!

Fortunately, I already have a 90mm 2.8 Tele-Elmarit so the 40mm Rokkor already has company. But thanks for trying to tempt me further.
 
lscaglio said:
does the summicron c 40 (built for the CL, I think) work on the M6? Why is it so cheaper?

Thanks
Luca :confused:
Click to expand...

Does it work on M6 ... yes

Why is it cheaper .... shhhhhhh don't say it too loud :D

It is a great lens with great bokeh. It is cheaper I suspect because most people don't have the 40mm frameline on their Leica (non-CL non-CLE) cameras. You'll like it :p
 
vrgard said:
Oh, you guys are evil. EVIL, I say!

Fortunately, I already have a 90mm 2.8 Tele-Elmarit so the 40mm Rokkor already has company. But thanks for trying to tempt me further.
Click to expand...

No, no. You need a 75mm also. :angel:
 
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