24/02/2026 6:00 am
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I recently finally bit the bullet and added a 35mm Summicron to my kit. It is an amazing lens, but I am really struggling with the hood situation. The one that came with it is the standard rectangular plastic version, and honestly, it feels a bit clunky. It takes up a decent chunk of the bottom right corner in my viewfinder, which is getting a bit distracting when I am trying to compose quickly on the street.
I have seen people using the classic circular metal hoods and those modern vented versions from brands like SquareHood or Haoge. I am curious if the vented design actually makes a noticeable difference in visibility or if it is mostly just for the aesthetic. I am also worried about how secure some of these third-party options are. I definitely do not want something that is going to wiggle or fall off while I am walking around.
I am looking for a balance between flare protection and a compact profile. I do a lot of street photography, so keeping the setup as discreet as possible is a big plus for me. I have heard some people swear by the original 12504 metal hood, but they are getting quite expensive and hard to find in good condition.
For those of you who have shot with the 35mm Cron for a while, which hood have you found provides the best balance of ergonomics and protection without blocking the frame lines too much?
6 Answers
11
24/02/2026 6:00 am
- honestly try Haoge LH-M36B Square Metal Lens Hood ($45).
- it's vented, screw-mount secure, and way cheaper than leica. basically fixes the blockage issue for ur street kit!
10
24/02/2026 6:25 am
seconding the recommendation for a vented style!! if ur on a budget, maybe consider the Heavystar 39mm Vented Metal Lens Hood. i guess its not as fancy, but it's super cheap and the vented slots literally let u see right through the corner of ur viewfinder. just be careful with screw-ins cuz they can loosen up... i usually just give mine a quick twist to make sure it stays secure!!
3
06/03/2026 2:10 am
Nice, didn't know that
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27/03/2026 4:00 pm
Just found this thread and totally agree with VelvetNinja about the clip-on hoods being way safer! I'm super paranoid about screw-in versions backing out or accidentally cross-threading. If you want an amazing, secure setup that won't break the bank like the 12504, you should definitely check out the Leica 12585 Metal Lens Hood. Even though it was technically designed for 50mm glass, it works fantastic on the 35mm Summicron with zero vignetting! I love it. My little DIY trick to make it even more reliable is to put a tiny sliver of black tape on the inside of the mounting ring. It creates a much tighter friction fit for the spring clips so the hood never rotates or rattles when you're moving fast on the street. The vents are huge, so your visibility in the viewfinder is gonna be way better than that clunky plastic one. It's the perfect balance of old-school safety and high performance!
2
24/02/2026 6:15 am
Respectfully, I'd consider another option because I actually had issues with cheap hoods wobbling and scratching my lens barrel. Your better off finding a genuine Leica 12504 Lens Hood because it's vented for visibility and the clip-on mechanism is way more secure for ur kit. tbh, it's worth the cash to make sure it doesnt just fall off... lesson learned!
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26/02/2026 9:10 pm
100% agree
