@yukosteel has recently published a new article detailing a close-up modification for the Leica Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 v2 Canada lens. This modification specifically enhances the lens's minimum focus distance, allowing the Leica Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 v2 Canada lens to focus closer. One of the most appealing aspects of this modification is that it can be reversed if needed.
Similar to the recently reintroduced Steel Rim version, the Leica Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 v2 Canada lens originally has a minimum focus distance (MFD) of 3 feet or approximately 0.9 meters. This article explores an experimental adjustment of the lens's focusing mechanics, aiming to extend the close focusing range to around 0.78 meters.
According to Yukosteel, the modification to achieve a closer focus for the Leica 35mm F1.4 Summilux-M lens v2 is not overly complex. In his own words:
"The most challenging aspect involves accurately unscrewing and screwing in the optical core. Creating a new brass stopper is a straightforward task, as is the removal of the default focusing blocking bar. With the right skills, this modification could take less than an hour to complete. You might even consider consulting a nearby lens repair technician to perform this simple modification for a fee."
What particularly appeals to me regarding this modification is that Yuri designed it to be reversible. As a result, there is no risk of damaging the lens, and the added advantage is an increased minimum focusing distance (MFD).
Fred Miranda wrote:
What particularly appeals to me regarding this modification is that Yuri designed it to be reversible. As a result, there is no risk of damaging the lens, and the added advantage is an increased minimum focusing distance (MFD).
I agree. He did a great job and included the original 3' focus limiter. He said if I (or a new owner should I ever sell this lens) wanted it reverted back to factory spec, it's a 5 minute job.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
One of my all-time favorite lenses just got a little better 🙂
I wonder if anyone has tried this modification since it doesn't seem very difficult. One of the biggest complaints about this lens is its 1m minimum focus distance. I was considering doing this on my 35/1.4 Lux V2 (Infinity Lock), but after testing, I found that it already focuses down to 0.8m from the factory.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I wonder if anyone has tried this modification since it doesn't seem very difficult. One of the biggest complaints about this lens is its 1m minimum focus distance. I was considering doing this on my 35/1.4 Lux V2 (Infinity Lock), but after testing, I found that it already focuses down to 0.8m from the factory.
If I were shooting on digital rangefinder regularly still, I would have done this. But I shoot my 35 Lux on Sony’s with a helicoid, so the MFD is something like 0.3 meters.
But what I would love to know Is how to attach UV filters easily. Specifically a variable ND!
nehemiahphoto wrote:
But what I would love to know Is how to attach UV filters easily. Specifically a variable ND!
I have this ridiculously expensive aftermarket filter ring that allows for 39mm filters right on the lens. However it introduces some vignetting, despite the manufacturer saying otherwise.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
If I were shooting on digital rangefinder regularly still, I would have done this. But I shoot my 35 Lux on Sony’s with a helicoid, so the MFD is something like 0.3 meters.
But what I would love to know Is how to attach UV filters easily. Specifically a variable ND!
If you have the two piece hood, Series VII filters will drop. The Artizlab 35 1.4 Classic copied the hood design and while I was waiting for the lens to arrive, bought a NOS Kodak #15 yellow that was made in the early 1960's with a heavy brass ring and a Tiffen ND4.
lifeandmylens wrote:
I have this ridiculously expensive aftermarket filter ring that allows for 39mm filters right on the lens. However it introduces some vignetting, despite the manufacturer saying otherwise.
It's probably less expensive to buy an Artizlab and use the hood that comes with it.
madNbad wrote:
It's probably less expensive to buy an Artizlab and use the hood that comes with it.
It's not that expensive
But I have several 12504 hoods, but prefer not using them. It's strange the original steel rim allowed filters, then they later went to the separated hood design for the v2.
lifeandmylens wrote:
I have this ridiculously expensive aftermarket filter ring that allows for 39mm filters right on the lens. However it introduces some vignetting, despite the manufacturer saying otherwise.
@lifeandmylens, where did you get this filter adapter from? This gave me the idea to 3D print something similar for using filters without the hood.
Fred Miranda wrote:
@lifeandmylens@, where did you get this filter adapter from? This gave me the idea to 3D print something similar for using filters without the hood.
And yes I have 5 copies of the pre asph lux haha. I am going flood the boards here one day and sell 4 of them. The infinity lock version is the nicest next to the original steel rim.
And yes I have 5 copies of the pre asph lux haha. I am going flood the boards here one day and sell 4 of them. The infinity lock version is the nicest next to the original steel rim.
Thanks for the info! You were not kidding about it being overpriced, around $300 plus $50 shipping for the 'Satin Black version'. Do you have to remove the top part from the original Leica and replace it with theirs? Does a thin 39mm filter still cause vignetting?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Thanks for the info! You were not kidding about it being overpriced, around $300 plus shipping. Do you have to remove the top part from the original Leica and replace it with theirs? Does a thin 39mm filter still cause vignetting?
Yes pricey! I think I paid $250. So maybe they raised the price. I have only tried (several) Leica UVa II filters and yes it causes some vignetting. And yes you remove the front ring held on by 3 screws and replace it with this one.
lifeandmylens wrote:
Yes pricey! I think I paid $250. So maybe they raised the price. I have only tried (several) Leica UVa II filters and yes it causes some vignetting. And yes you remove the front ring held on by 3 screws and replace it with this one.
If I send them the Leica top piece, S.K. Grimes could probably make a version with 39mm threads, though it would be anodized aluminum instead. They did something similar for my Voigtlander 12/5.6 III and charged $60.
The 3D print option might work as well. I would design a piece with internal threads that fits snugly inside the original threadless barrel. I am not sure of the exact internal diameter since my copy is currently at DAG.
Fred Miranda wrote:
If I send them the Leica top piece, S.K. Grimes could probably make a version with 39mm threads, though it would be anodized aluminum instead. They did something similar for my Voigtlander 12/5.6 III and charged $60.
The 3D print option might work as well. I would design a piece with internal threads that fits snugly inside the original threadless barrel. I am not sure of the exact internal diameter since my copy is currently at DAG.
That sounds nice, and a much better price! I had a bad experience with SK and the finish didn't match the lens at all. But you seem to get a perfect match with them so maybe it was just an outlier.
lifeandmylens wrote:
That sounds nice, and a much better price! I had a bad experience with SK and the finish didn't match the lens at all. But you seem to get a perfect match with them so maybe it was just an outlier.
Yes, I remember the Leica 28/1.4 Lux issue. I’m not sure how I ended up with a perfect finish match when others didn't. The CV 12/5.6 III also had a perfect match, as you can see in the images.
@lifeandmylens Lol--$300 is way to much for that for me! I really like the idea though. I am not sensitive to matching colors/finish. Also, saw your CY 35/1.4 posted, nearly PM'ed you to purchase but resisted--love that lens.
@fredmiranda Do you think you'll make a threaded mount? I would be happy to pay $60 or however much. I love my 35 Lux v2. Literally my favorite lens along with the 50 Noct, but the filter thing is a real pain.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
@lifeandmylens@ Lol--$300 is way to much for that for me! I really like the idea though. I am not sensitive to matching colors/finish. Also, saw your CY 35/1.4 posted, nearly PM'ed you to purchase but resisted--love that lens.
@fredmiranda@ Do you think you'll make a threaded mount? I would be happy to pay $60 or however much. I love my 35 Lux v2. Literally my favorite lens along with the 50 Noct, but the filter thing is a real pain.
It crossed my mind, but there are too many reports of significant vignetting with the E39 threaded mount.
I’ve ordered one from eBay that accepts E43 lenses, and the reports indicate no vignetting. I'll post an update once it arrives.
@fredmiranda Any updates on the e43 thread mount adapter? Also do you have a link to the one you purchased? Curious as I'd love to have a screw on filter for my v2.
