Re: [Leica] Summarit Haze...and M3/suggestions wanted

[Shel Belinkoff <belinkoff@earthlink.net>]

Hi ...

I've an M3 and a Summarit, which came with the camera.  Mine was in
pretty good shape having never been off the camera (it was the only
lens the PO had) and having always had a UV filter over the front
element.  Even so it needed a little work, and Sherry charged me
$50.00 for what she called a "half overhaul".

I've used the lens a few times and I don't care for it too much as a
"general shooter", but there are times its reduced contrast and
softness is appropriate and welcome.  Since the lens is already pretty
soft, the haze may make it unacceptable for your photography. IMO,
it's worth it to have Sherry have a look at it - if I recall
correctly, she had some "new" front element groups available, so a
good CLA and a replacement of the front group (if needed) may really
do wonders for that puppy.  At least have her give you an estimate.
- -- 
Shel Belinkoff
mailto:belinkoff@earthlink.net
"Why should I use a meter?  What if the darn thing broke on me
when I was out making a photograph? Then what would I do?"

"CHANG, CHUNG" wrote:
> 
> Deal all,
> 
> i just got a Summarit / M3 with a 7-day return policy. aside from my own
> testing i could use some suggestions:
> 
> 1. the vulcanite is dry and brittle. not that i care much for it but is
> there any way to prevent it from further completely drying out? i am
> thinking about keeping the button case on all the time anyway since the
> vulcanite feels popping out in pieces anytime...
> 2. the Summarit: it has very minor cleaning marks on the front element as
> many other lenses from the same vintage. the one thing bothers me, though,
> is the haze. i can see it with my naked eyes. how will this affect the
> result? will it be like adding a soft filter in front of the lens and good
> for portrait? or simply decrease the contrast of the picture? i guess it
> could be cleaned if i sent it to Sherry. is it worth it?
> 3. shutter is firing at all speed settings, even the B. however, the
> accuracy is unknown.
> 4. second focus image is dimmer than my M4, but still usable.
> as you can see the Summarit haze is my main concern. I'd appreciate any
> input on that haze effect. BTW, if it does have negative effect on the
> picture, what kind of lighting condition will bring that out most?
> regards,
> 
> chang