Am I correct in assuming that the 50mm summicron DR lens can be used on all M cameras? If that is the case, are the "eyes" limited to only certain models? If so, which ones? I have read many positive things about the DR lens. When people refer to the 50mm "rigid" summicron, are they also referring to a version of the DR? Can anyone clarify the differences and similarities for me? Thanks.

-- Dennis Buss (dbuss@rider.edu), May 27, 2002

Answers

There is a tab on the back of the eyes that prevents them from being mounted on the M6TTL due to the extra height of the body. The tab can easily be removed, as there is a retaining screw in the front. Took mine off, eyes work fine on my TTL. Ive read about the early M6's being incompatible, but Ive never seen it. Love this lens, build is unlike anything else.

-- Marke Gilbert (Bohdi137@aol.com), May 27, 2002.

The DR can be used on all M models, regardless of finder magnification. The M6 and M7 are 2mm taller than all other models, so in order to mount the eyes you need to remove the support pin from the back. A very simple task.

The rigid version of the 2nd generation Summicron does not have all of the fancy close-up mechanics that the DR has. Both use the same seven-element design, making them optically identical. The only optical difference is that the rear element of the DR is slightly smaller in diameter, due to space needs for the close-up mechanics. According to Erwin Puts, this causes edge rays to be cut off, which theoretically should increase contrast. In theory, that is. If I went out and bought a lotto ticket, I could theoretically win. I've never heard of anyone being able to tell a difference between the two. Both versions will focus as close as one meter (range one). Using the eyes on the DR you can also focus from 88cm to 48cm (the second range). I was surprised at how well this actually works.

What it boils down to is that they perform the same and usually you can pick up a rigid for less than a DR. It's my favorite lens. The newest version of the 50 Summicron may be crisper, but to me the DR/Rigid has the best combination of sharpness and contrast.

cheers, feli

-- feli (feli2@earthlink.net), May 27, 2002.

Before I bought this lens, I was told that you need set the focussing to infinity before mounting it on the M6 Classics. This is not true for me, I mount it like any other M lenses on my 2 M6 Titaniums, M4 and M3 with no problems.

-- Greg Choong (greg_choong@yahoo.com), May 27, 2002.

The big issue is to not mount or unmount the DR while it is in its close range mode. Apparently this can damage the RF actuator in the camera. The main reason for the tab was to prevent the lens from being removed while the eyes were mounted, as the only time the eyes can be attached is while in close mode on the lens.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), May 28, 2002.

In a Jubilee publication I saw recently, there was a photo of the Queen using what looked for all the world like an M3 with a 50mm Summicron DR. Both looked in good shape. Didn't notice how HM looked. She may stick them on eBay one day...

-- Paul Hart (paulhart@blueyonder.co.uk), May 28, 2002.

Don't forget that this lens is a lot heavier (this may be important to some of us) than the normal Summicron. This is the reason why I sold it recently. I have to say that I was not interested in the clos- up function and replaced it by a normal Summicron.

-- Michael Bohn (michael.bohn@skynet.be), May 28, 2002.

my dr does not have a tab or any sign of removal on the eyes.

can someone show me the tab in question and its function-what is the reason for a tab?

-- steve (leitz_not_leica@hotmail.com), May 28, 2002.