Hi,

I'm fairly new to Leicas and have an older 50mm Summicron (with round, metal, vented hood #12585) and a new 35mm Summicron ASPH (with the rectangular plastic hood #12526). I prefer the rectangular hood because it doesn't need to be turned around to use. My question is, will the rectangular hood cause vignetting on the 50mm lens?

Thanks, Angus

-- Angus Macniven (angus_macniven@hotmail.com), November 14, 2001

Answers

Angus: I have used and continue to use the rectangular lens shade with both my 35mm Summaron and my 50mm Summicron and have not noticed any vignetting. I also have the circular hood, and like yourself, prefer using the rectangular shade.I have used my 50mm Summicron wide open and have not experienced any vignetting. I think the rectangular hood looks better than the circular hood. Do you agree?

-- John Alfred Tropiano (jat18@psu.edu), November 14, 2001.

Thanks, John. I've only had the 50mm and round hood until today. I've just received the 35mm - hence my question. The rectangular hood just seems easier, the round one's a bit of a fiddle! As for looks - I hadn't thought about it in terms of looks, I don't think I've got a preference. I like the rectangular one because it's got a cap that fits on the front (when it's the business way around), it's smaller and I think it would absorb a bump thus protect my camera better.

Anyway, must get out there with my new lens - how exciting! :o)

Thanks again, Angus

-- Angus Macniven (angus_macniven@hotmail.com), November 14, 2001.

Hi Leica fans,

Excuse me (and my deficient English) but I'm a bit astonished by your opinions. Yes I agree with you, a rectangular lens hood is more aesthetical and probably more logical. But be careful: the latest version of 'Cron 2/50 mm, with attached circular lens hood has the reputation to have a too short lens hood. I had this sad experience shooting with mine against light to have a thin red parasite light on my picture; this problem was confirmed to me by a Leica fan on their customers forum. So, permit me to have some doubt: I imagine the 35 lens hood is shorter and larger than the 50 one; are you sure it will give you a sufficient protection if mounted on a 50 lens? If I'm wrong, I shall be interested to know it. With my best regards

Alain

-- alain.besancon (alain.besancon@chu-dijon.fr), November 14, 2001.

Hi Alain, you make an interesting point. Side by Side, the round one is a little longer and would probably offer better cover for the lens so I guess there's some trade off - more convenience against better glare protection.

Only one way to find out, I guess, shoot some film and see how it comes out!

Cheers, Angus

-- Angus Macniven (angus_macniven@hotmail.com), November 14, 2001.

Thanks Angus for your answer, and you're a lucky man: I hope to have soon enough money to buy the 'Cron 35 A. Enjoy with it and tell us/me what you think about it; indeed, I never heard something bad on this topic :-) Alain

-- alain.besancon (alain.besancon@chu-dijon.fr), November 15, 2001.