Leica LTM Summitar the star...

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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Liebharts | Flickr
Leica II Summitar Agfa Vista 200
 
Getting my summitar back from a recoating and full overhaul tomorrow.... looking forward to using it again after looking at all these stunning images!
 
I was talking with Sherry Krauter 'Golden Touch'
And her All time Favorite lens Is the Summitar
Its the only lens that Always brings a Smile to her face and for Sherry the most Soecial
 
helenhill said:
I was talking with Sherry Krauter 'Golden Touch'
And her All time Favorite lens Is the Summitar
Its the only lens that Always brings a Smile to her face and for Sherry the most Soecial
Click to expand...

I wasn't sure from this if you were talking to Sherry in person. I've known her for over 20 years now, but have never met her in person.

We've had some very long talks late in the evening while she is working. Often not photo talk, but I have heard her wax poetic about the Summitar. She and I often have somewhat different tastes and needs in Leica gear, but she did sort of sway me to getting another M5 this year (with my major M5 gripe fixed by her).

I may have to try a Summitar; a friend has been trying to trade one to me. I've resisted so far since I'm well set for f2 50's.
 
Can anyone answer this? Does your collapsable summitars have a bit of play in them when they are extended? Perhaps this is something that can be tightened up? I know my summar is solid as a rock.
 
ZF1 said:
Can anyone answer this? Does your collapsable summitars have a bit of play in them when they are extended? Perhaps this is something that can be tightened up? I know my summar is solid as a rock.
Click to expand...

Recently had mine serviced by Malcolm Taylor and it's very solid when extended. Check the inside track for corrosion or wear? Like... the thing the barrel locks into inside the screw mount on the rear end of the lens. Hard to explain but maybe you know what I'm talking about, if you don't I'll take a photo.

David
 
djhurley92 said:
Recently had mine serviced by Malcolm Taylor and it's very solid when extended. Check the inside track for corrosion or wear? Like... the thing the barrel locks into inside the screw mount on the rear end of the lens. Hard to explain but maybe you know what I'm talking about, if you don't I'll take a photo.

David
Click to expand...

I see that. The barrel itself seems solid when on camera actually. Off camera its a little wobbly. Also the aperture is a little wobbly too. I assume thats just a tightness thing. I've tightened all I can but I dont have precision screwdrivers to get the little stuff.

A little bit of haze it seems but cleaning marks are fairly low. I hope that this will be a great example. Samples to follow
 
The barrel should be solid when extended and rotated - there are lugs that mate with the focus mount

When collapsed, a little slop is expected - there is a piece of horse-hair felt inside the focus mount that provides friction between the tube and mount. Over time that compresses and wears. Providing it's not too bad it's not an issue, but that's when the barrel can wear against the mount while moving.

Peter at CRR replaced the felt for me as art of a CLA on an otherwise lovely Summar.
 
john neal said:
The barrel should be solid when extended and rotated - there are lugs that mate with the focus mount

When collapsed, a little slop is expected - there is a piece of horse-hair felt inside the focus mount that provides friction between the tube and mount. Over time that compresses and wears. Providing it's not too bad it's not an issue, but that's when the barrel can wear against the mount while moving.

Peter at CRR replaced the felt for me as art of a CLA on an otherwise lovely Summar.
Click to expand...

I'll keep an eye on it. I got the lens for a decent price (around 300$). I see them higher on eBay so I assume that if it needs a little work I won't be too off. My only concern is that the wobbliness could throw off focus. I have a rigid summicron that has a slight wobble that can really throw off focus wide open.
 
Rick, those are delightful images. Wonderfully composed and brilliant colours. Very atmospheric, indeed.

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Another reflective self-portrait | Flickr
Leica II Summitar Tri-X

Speaking of service, perhaps some of you could help me.

My Summitar's aperture ring is occasionally a bit tight (though not always, esp not in colder weather) and I think the lenses may need a bit of clean, too. I contacted Will van Manen who's the closest service point for me and was quoted 85 EUR, 10 EUR handling fee plus 21% VAT.

This would be for cleaning the lenses only, judging by their reply wherein they ignored my specific question about adjusting the aperture ring.

I was also told that "If the helicoid (focussing) needs to be cleaned and re-greased, that will be 25 Euro extra, 21% VAT excluded)".

Does anyone know if Malcolm Taylor or CRR Luton will do this for less?

Cheers
Philip
 
Hi,

The answer is to ring Mr Taylor and have a chat; he'll answer and tell you the truth in my experience. Plus he has a lot of spares for old lenses. last time I had a lens done it was about forty pounds and was in a real mess when sent to him.

Regards, David
 
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