Quick answer
Attaching the SquareHood to your Leica Summicron 35mm takes about 30 seconds once you know the right starting position and twist direction.
Why this hood is different from the plastic original
The SquareHood is machined from metal to match the Leica aesthetic and quality. Unlike the original plastic hood (12524), the metal version has tighter tolerances, so the fit feels snugger. That is by design — it prevents vibration and keeps the hood aligned even after years of use.
If you are upgrading from the plastic hood, you may notice the metal hood requires a bit more force to rotate into the locked position. Do not worry; that is normal and ensures a secure hold.
Setup steps
- 1. Align the bayonet marks: Hold the hood so the SquareHood logo faces upward. Look at the lens barrel: find the small red dot (or white dot on older Summicron versions). Rotate the hood until its internal bayonet tab aligns with that dot. Common mistake: aligning with the lens front ring instead of the bayonet dot. Use the dot, not the lens rim.
- 2. Press and twist clockwise: Push the hood straight onto the lens until you feel it seat against the bayonet. Then twist clockwise (as viewed from the front) about 30 degrees until you hear a light click or feel the detent lock. If the hood does not click, you may have started from the wrong position. Remove and realign the bayonet marks.
- 3. Verify the lock and orientation: Gently tug the hood forward — it should not slide off. Look through the viewfinder: the hood sides should be parallel to the camera top plate. If the hood is crooked, it was not fully seated before twisting. Check for light leaks by pointing the camera at a bright wall. If you see shadow vignetting, the hood is rotated too far; remove and reattach with a slightly smaller twist angle.
Product facts
-
SquareHood for Leica Summicron 35mm: This is the same style as the original plastic hood (12524). SquareHood created this intending to provide a quality replacement to the plastic version which better matches the Leica aesthetic and quality while maintaining the nostalgic look. You get the classic square silhouette of the original 12524 but in a durable metal build that will not crack or loosen over time.
SquareHood for Leica Summicron 35mm
SquareHood for Leica Summicron 35mm
