Leitz Summicron 50mm f/2 Dual Range!!

Leica M3 + Leitz Summicron 50mm f/2 Dual Range, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Recently acquired the famed Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0 Dual Range.

This is a really interesting lens and it's basically a Rigid Summicron (which is known for it's resolution) with close focusing capabilities! As we all know, macro photography and rangefinder cameras aren't exactly the best match.

The 'spectecles' are actually removable. Without it, the lens works just like a regular Summicron lens. Once you clip it on, it can go below the usual 1m minimum focusing distance, in this case, to about 48cm. Also interesting to note is that this setup allows parallax corrected viewing in the close focus range! The way the whole setup comes together is amazing and the quality of the construction is top notch.

However, do take note that to mount or remove the lens, you have to remove the 'specs' first. If you don't have any where to put it, it might just end up missing sometime later or be damaged when it falls out of your hands accidentally. There was some like of a carrying case for the lens and spec setup, but it's bulky. There's also a leather holder for the spec alone, but it's not easy to find.

Whilst the len was made for the M3, the close focusing function also works on most of the other Leica cameras (except some M6 with a different film chamber). It won't work on M mount cameras from other brands with the exception of the Konica Hexar. Of course the lens on its own works just fine on any M mount cameras.

Anyway, let's see how this lens performs!

Cheers,