Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/04/26

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To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: Re: 50 Summicron DR
From: Marc James Small <msmall@roanoke.infi.net>
Date: Fri, 26 Apr 1996 19:35:19 -0400
Cc: Charles E.Dunlap" <Charles E.Dunlap" <cdunlap@rupture.ucsc.edu>">"

At 02:58 PM 4/26/96 -0700, Charles E. Dunlap" <cdunlap@rupture.ucsc.edu> wrote:

>1) What is the close focus distance for these lenses?

In normal range, infinity down to 1m (40").  In NF, 1m (40") to 48cm (19" or
so).

>2) What does the conversion from normal focussing to close focussing 
>inolve? Do I have to remove the lens and put in a spacing ring (ie. a 
>small extension tube) or is the adjustment accomplished internally?

It's quite easy.  Without the 'eyes', it's a "normal" Summicron (though NO
Summicron is normal:  they are the finest of their focal lengths ever made).
Slip on the eyes, slip the lens around by pulling it out and tweaking it
over a tad, and, voila!, the close-focusing range is in place.
>
>3) Can I achieve the same thing with a normal 50 Summicron-M using an 
>extension tube, or are the optics of the DR corrected better for work 
>close up?

Yes and no:  the optical quality by using extension tubes is nowhere near
the quality of the closeups with the NF lens.

I'm an attorney.  I take my close-up pictures of facial scarring either with
a 2/50 NF Summicron or with a 5.6/120 S-Planar on a Hassie.  Nothing else
comes close:  these 20" by 24" blowups scare the HELL out of the jury!  (and
thus allow me to buy yet one MORE Leica item ... )

msmall@roanoke.infi.net  FAX:  +540/343-7315
Cha robh bas fir gun ghras fir!