I've got a 50/3.5 Elmar (coated) that I like. I also have whatever clamp-on Leica hood is the one that extends to cover lenses from 50 to 135 (I think it's a FIKUS?). But I'd really like a hood that was lighter and meant for the 50.

1. What is the correct hood for a 50/3.5 Elmar?

2. Are there other clamp-on alternatives? I don't know the right moniker for the size of the lens that the hood clamps onto.

3. Are there screw-in alteratives?

Skip

-- Skip Williams (skipwilliams@pobox.com), May 14, 2002

Answers

I have a clamp on one that actually couples to the apeture ring so you can set it on the hood. Must be madeout of solid brass. Think they called it a "valoo".

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), May 14, 2002.

I have the same lens, and have started using the 12585 which is pretty good. Its light, small, has cut outs so it doesnt block your view, and it looks cool (well, I think it does). Phillip

-- Phillip Silitschanu (speedin_saab@hotmail.com), May 14, 2002.

OK, so the VALOO is one one that couples to the aperture, huh? I found this modern version in Japan http://www.mediakyoto.com/camerashopper/O_products/hood/elmar503.5sen_ hood/index.html.

But it's $140! Too much for me. I'm still hunting for a better solution. Perhaps the 12585?

Skip

-- Skip Williams (skipwilliams@pobox.com), May 14, 2002.

I have the 12585, and it has a list on the outside of the lenses that can be used with this hood. The 50mm f/3.5 is on the list as are the 50mm f/2.0, 2.8 and 35mm f/2.8 and f/3.5.

I have been using this lens on my next to last 50mm Summicron even though I have the "correct" 12538 which is the same hood but is made out of plastic rather than the metal of the 12585.

I mention this only because you may have an easier time locating the 12538, and it should work also.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), May 14, 2002.

If the 50mm Elmar is the screwmount version, the 12585 hood will not fit on the lens. The FIKUS or FISON are the proper hoods. Cosina Voigtlander makes hoods to fit the 36mm Leica mount. The VALOO also works great on the 50mm Elmar. The VALOO has a ring that allows you to move the apertures with the hood on the lens.

-- chris a williams (leicachris@worldnet.att.net), May 14, 2002.

Hang on.........it's in the car, I'll be right back....... The one I have has straight sides, black with chrome ring that says Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzler Germany on one side and Elmar 5cm on the other side. It has the 2 spring loaded releases and will reverse to take the 42mm plastic lens cap with the 2 cutouts so it can stay mounted on the camera (cap with cutouts also fits the vented hood #12585 that reverses for late 60's - 70's Summicron and DR Summicron). I use the old straight sided one on my old 2.8 Elmar. I think that this is the proper late model hood for both 3.5 & 2.8. There are also 2 flared lens hoods with no vents, one with wide chrome band and the other with narrow band. I use this one (wide band) with my collapsible Summicron. When using these hoods in reverse for carrying in your bag you can't collapse the lens completely but it's still a small package and you protect the lens in your bag. Sorry I don't have the #'s for either the straight or flared hoods handy.

Good Luck finding these old hoods. I got lucky yesterday digging around a used camera store lens cap bin and found one of the Leica 42mm plastic caps with cutouts for only $6.00 US. I saw this on a Leica dealer for $45.00 US the last time I looked. Also a no-name 42mm plastic cap that with a pair of small scissors now has 2 cutouts. 50¢ for this one!! Also some old Riteway 4x5 holders (the good ones with the metal slide handle) for $8.00 apiece. If anyone is interested, the same shop had several Leica cassettes complete with the aluminum can for $10.00 US apiece. I haven't loaded bulk since the 60's myself but E mail me if you can't live without them and I'll make another trek to the used shop. All the Best, FWB

-- F. William Baker (atelfwb@aol.com), May 14, 2002.