Adapter for Contax lenses

[edlake]

Greetings

I've got an M6 TTL and just recently acquired an M3 DS. Many years ago I bought a 8.5 cm Nikkor 2.0 with a Contax mount. I didn't know the significance of the "C" on the barrel at the time.

I've heard of an adapter (see here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Contax-to-Leica...ryZ30030QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem )

I am wondering if this is a good way to adapt my 85 to the Leicas or should I look for a LTM version (which seem to vanish before I can see them).
Thanks for any advice.
Ed

 

[peterm1]

I habitually use various adapters with my LTM and M cameras and enjoy doing so. But I must admit I have not used this one. If you want to read about the adapter however, here is a link.

http://www.cameraquest.com/adapter.htm

I have not re read the article but my recollection is that it provides proper rangefinder focusing on Leica cameras. If so I must admit my inclination would be to buy the adapter and try it on the basis that if you do not like the results you will be most likely to sell it for what you paid. These things seem to be in demand. The Nikon 85mm of this era has a good reputation I believe, every bit as good as its later SLR ones. Without rangefinder focusing I would not buy it to use an 85 as the depth of field is just not enough for scale focusing to be reliable.

PS I am not sure if the adapter works with screw mount or M mount bodies. If the former you will have to add a Leica SM to M mount adapter to your shopping list. There should be no problem stacking this and the NIkon / Leica one

EDIT: I have just re read the eBay and realise the adapter for sale is the one for Contax not for Nikon. According to the article I provided they appear to be different in a slight degree from each other. You may run the risk that the Contax adapter will not work well with a Nikon lens. But at the link I provided you with, Stephen Gandy does sell some adapters. You might check to see if he still has Nikon-Leica ones in stock.

 

[edlake]

Thanks for the reply. The lens is indeed a Contax mount. There is an engraved C on the barrel opposite the footage scale which indicates it was made using the Contax pitch (I read about this in Rotoloni's book earlier). I would probably have to pickup a 90mm adapter ring for the adapter.
Ed

 

[former member]

I would sell the "C"ontax version and buy the LTM lens. Both go for about the same amount. The M adapter will cost almost the same as the LTM lens. So sell or trade the Contax, get the LTM.