50mm Dual Range
The near focus Summicron
Leitz 50mm Dual Range Summicron (Dual scale version) & 12585 vented hood.
The near-focussing range Summicron is a unique product, it brings a seudo close up capability (as close as 48 cm) to the Leica range finder system. Rangefinders are not well suited to close focus work due to the lens flange to film plane distance and because of the parallax error at close distances.
There are two modes to the lens, one is ordinary use like any other Summicron, however when you attached the SDPOO goggles and adjust the focus to the close range mode, you are now able to focus down to 48 cm rather than 100cm.
The goggles correct the view and parallax and an interlocking mechanism ensures that you can only attach them in the appropriate focus zone.
The SPDOO close up goggles have a small alignment tab on the rear to prevent you from removing the lens with them attached, this will not work on some model cameras that have a higher top plate, the M7 and M9 for example. The tab can be removed to enable use on the M7. Earlier cameras and the MP that have a standard height top plate require no modification.
This lens may not work on some cameras, however it has been proven to work on M6s M7s and MPs (as above) but care must be taken to ensure that the focusing cam doesn't foul anything inside the camera. Focussing the lens to infinity before mounting and dismounting makes things easier.
It is possible to have the focussing cam modified for use in cameras where the lens wouldn't otherwise work, however this isn't the best solution as the operation isn't reversible. You are going to decrease the future value of the lens and forever remove its ability to focus in the near focus region.
In the case that you have a camera that isn't suited to an unmodified DR Summicron, you could get a rigid Summicron. Some say that the optical formula is the same (Leica for example), however some say that they differ.
There a numerous Leitz shade/hood options for the Summicron DR, the earlier version being the IROOA, that was suitable for both the Summicron 50mm and 35mm, or the later 12585. The IROOA doesn't have view vents where the 12585 does, so for utility the 12585 is probably a wiser choice.
The Summicron showing the 12585 reversing capability.
DR Summicron with 12585 ready for use.
With hood reversed for storage or carrying
Reversed hood with cap fitted for storage. Shown is the specific lens cap that mounts to the reversed shade # 14033, there is also a thin version, however the thin version doesn't work if you have a filter mounted on the lens, (notice compactness compared to the fully deployed hood).
All images below: Leica MP; 50 DR Summicron and B+W yellow filter.
Ford V8, Capital all Ford Day
Telstra Tower from the National Library
Melbourne Laneway
Former Victorian Police Headquarters building, Melbourne.
Queen Victoria Women's Hospital Building, Melbourne.