Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Might there be a market for a non-destructive, non-permanent modification to use the optics of the Leica Super Angulon on Nikon rangefinders?
I have my SA apart right now and using a few different methods I could definitely have it working on the Nikon RF quite soon.
An infinity focus mod is simple. Just use the internal mount optics carriage from a Jupiter-8 or Helios-103 and set a plate, either with set screws or threads (depending upon which FSU lens is used) in the carriage. The plate would have to be like a thin washer with the diameter of the rear optical tube of the SA so the locking collar could hold the lens.
This simple mod could allow infinity focus but not accurate focus clsoer than probably 20 meters since the 50mm focusing rate is used.
An easy scale focus mod would be to use a Jupiter-12 external mount without optics but using the helicoid and adding a 21mm scale to the J-12 barrel.
A more advanced mod would be to use a Kiev mount Russar 20mm with helicoid which would get very close to proper DOF for scale focus.
The best mod would be to use a CV 21mm f/4 SC lens as a whole without optics. This would allow the proper focus rate AND give accurate rangefinder coupling. The issues here would be the spring-loaded focus coupler diameter (if it is wide enough to permit the rear element of the 21 SA) and setting the depth of the SA optics within the restrictions of the smaller CV lens helicoid.
It can be done though. All of them. I have a 21mm CV lens coming early next week and if I can do the modification without permanently disabling the CV lens, I'll have a Super Angulon in Nikon RF mount with accurate RF coupling.
Why do this?
Because I can and I love the challenge.
Phil Forrest
I have my SA apart right now and using a few different methods I could definitely have it working on the Nikon RF quite soon.
An infinity focus mod is simple. Just use the internal mount optics carriage from a Jupiter-8 or Helios-103 and set a plate, either with set screws or threads (depending upon which FSU lens is used) in the carriage. The plate would have to be like a thin washer with the diameter of the rear optical tube of the SA so the locking collar could hold the lens.
This simple mod could allow infinity focus but not accurate focus clsoer than probably 20 meters since the 50mm focusing rate is used.
An easy scale focus mod would be to use a Jupiter-12 external mount without optics but using the helicoid and adding a 21mm scale to the J-12 barrel.
A more advanced mod would be to use a Kiev mount Russar 20mm with helicoid which would get very close to proper DOF for scale focus.
The best mod would be to use a CV 21mm f/4 SC lens as a whole without optics. This would allow the proper focus rate AND give accurate rangefinder coupling. The issues here would be the spring-loaded focus coupler diameter (if it is wide enough to permit the rear element of the 21 SA) and setting the depth of the SA optics within the restrictions of the smaller CV lens helicoid.
It can be done though. All of them. I have a 21mm CV lens coming early next week and if I can do the modification without permanently disabling the CV lens, I'll have a Super Angulon in Nikon RF mount with accurate RF coupling.
Why do this?
Because I can and I love the challenge.
Phil Forrest
kbg32
neo-romanticist
Go for it Phil. There was a shop in New Zealand that I was able to get parts for my CV 25/4, as the head bartender here told me he couldn't get any parts - ie. lens mount, etc.. Strange, since Cameraqueat is the distributor for CV lenses. It was a special order, but I received what I needed in 2 or 3 weeks. The shop was in Auckland if I remember.
astro8
Well-known
Definitely a challenge but I have faith in you! I understand perfectly why you would want to do this...the 21SA is something special.
Be sure to update us and post pictures!
Be sure to update us and post pictures!
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Got the 21mm CV lens today and just had the rear element out to look at the guts of the lens. In a nutshell, the conversion can be done and it wouldn't be too hard but I don't really feel like ripping apart my new CV 21mm lens. I'll stare at both the CV lens and the SA for a while and see if the inspiration to dismantle the new lens to stuff the old SA optics into it, strikes me.
But it CAN be done!
Phil Forrest
But it CAN be done!
Phil Forrest
VinceC
Veteran
The CV 21 is a pretty nice lens in its own right. And quite compact.
Highway 61
Revisited
You can also use the classic Biogon 21/4,5 on the Nikon RF cameras - same price and same results as the Super-Angulon, with no modification to make.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Very true, they just seem to be hard to find.
As it stands now, I'm not doing any modifications.The CV 21mm for Nikon S mount is incredibly well built and from what I've seen, a fantastic image maker, so I'm keeping the lens as-is.
The ability to do the modification is interesting though since a Nikon/Contax mount Super Angulon would be a true one-of-a-kind.
Phil Forrest
VinceC
Veteran
The classic Biogon has incredible optics but it's very heavy (and no click stops).