Summicron IV Aperture blades; Is this normal?

[everyXnewXday]

Hi, new owner of a 35mm Summicron iv. Is it normal for the aperture blades to show this much when wide open? Bokeh highlights aren't round.

Thanks!

 

[pyeh]

Mine looks like it shows that much blade too, when fully open. I wonder what others will say.

 

[Fraser]

i'm pretty sure mine is the same, the question has been asked a few times in the past I think its quite normal.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Its actually an f1.85 lens but Leica has crippled it by installing a measly maximum aperture opening of f2! Sheesh! 😱

Seriously though, I suspect its a deliberate design policy by Leica to reduce vignetting at maximum aperture.

 

[benmacphoto]

I've owned two 35mm f2 version IV Summicrons.
One from 1984 and the other a late chrome German one.
The 1984 did not show aperture blades wide open, but the later German one did.

 

[bucs]

Now I know why they released a Summarit 35/2.4

😀 😀 😀

Kidding aside, Had a v4 and at f/2 i can also see the aperture blades

 

[Jan Pedersen]

It is normal.
I had the same concern about my IV and was told by a Leica expert to look from behind the lens where the film or the sensor will peak from and the aperture blades will not be visible.

 

[rodt16s]

Mine is the same, often wondered if it was supposed to be like this

 

[eia41]

Same here. Looking at my 35 Summicron V4 from the rear, no blades are visible - but they are just about, seen from the front.

 

[Richard G]

No aperture blades visible in mine at any angle at f2. Just kidding. Mine is German, a chrome one, and I can see this much aperture blade at a slight angle. This photo is a close up wide angle shot. If I hold mine at arm's length and look at the front you can barely see these aperture blades.

 

[arthur berger]

Just checked my outstanding 35mm Summicron 4th and it is the same- no worries!

 

[everyXnewXday]

Thanks everyone! While I'm at it, is it also normal for there to be an extra 1/3 stop or so after f/16? I.e., after f/16 the aperture ring turns a bit more (but less than 1/2 stop) and the aperture opening then becomes perfectly round. It is not quite round at f16.

Thanks again!