Re: Lens Hood for 50mm DR Summicron

[Edward Meyers <aghalide@panix.com>]

On Fri, 5 Sep 1997 ABreull@aol.com wrote:

> In einer eMail vom 04.09.1997  22:49:45, schreiben Sie:
> 
> >Now, here is my question:  The DR results are also great, but side by
> >side to the ASPH you can definitely see a difference in contrast.  (less) 
> >So, I think I must get a lens hood.
> >
> Why don't you try the original one - most traders of used gear have used
> hoods in an extra box also. I remember, that there was a rather intelligent
> reasoning for the construction of the original lens hood in "Leica
> Fotografie" (late 60s). But, before you ask: sorry, I don't have the magazine
> anymore.
> 
> Besides, the contrast of both the 35 ASPH ('cron & 'lux) are rather strong,
> compraed to the "old" 50 mm Summicron. The new 50 mm Summicron shows the
> stronger contrast also, but looses a part of it's original bokeh by that (the
> unsharp areas are too "blocky" with the impression of "unrestlessness"). 
> 
> -Alf
> 
The lens hood for the 35-mm and 50-mm Summicron lenses (same hood)
which has the hole slots and is angled inwards was the design idea
of Bob Schwalberg, the American who worked for Leitz in the 1960s.
Reason for the "turned in" outer parts is that when you look 
through the finder the shade appears to be only a line through
the viewing area, rather than blocking it out, as would be the
case with a conventional hood. As Schwalberg worked for Leitz, the
design became the property of Leitz. Note that the Mamiya 6 used
a similar hood design. Patents go out of date, as you know.
He's the same Schwalberg reponsible for the best camera-craft
articles in Pop Photo during the 1970s and 1980s. Ed Meyers