Can a 50mm frameline adapter be "converted" to 35mm ones?

[cmedin]

Just wondering -- I tried looking for the info and couldn't find it. I'm guessing there's some notches or similar that tell the camera what framelines to display. Is it possible to modify the 50mm frameline adapters to pull up the 35mm framelines instead? If it's removing material it sounds feasible... anybody?

 

[veraikon]

yes no problem. Google at photo.net "Summicron-C; modification".
The filing is the same.

 

[rxmd]

It's feasible. Basically the choice of framelines is determined by the length of one of the four bayonet teeth. If you look at the adapter from the back with the red dot on top, it's the one in the 8 o'clock position. You can file it down to show the 35mm framelines instead of 50mm. However, it's an irreversible operation - no way to get back, and no way to show any other frameline afterwards.

I'd just get a different adapter. They can be had cheaply at the moment. Currently there's one in the classifieds.

 

[cmedin]

Thanks.. now that I know what to look for it seems pretty obvious. How much do I need to take off, 2mm or so?

 

[rxmd]

Yes, not more. Take off a little bit and see if it works and continue if necessary.

 

[cmedin]

Well, only took maybe a millimeter off and it's good now. 🙂 I'll get another 50mm adapter if I decide to go back to shooting 50s...

 

[Roger Hicks]

And if you decide to sell it, make sure the buyer knows it's been screwed up. Consider engraving '35mm' on it and scratching out the 50mm reference.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Frankie]

I made a bracket to hold down the frameline selection lever at the 28/85mm position for my ZM last weekend. The same principal also works for other framelines.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78491

Go to near the last post.

 

[cmedin]

And if you decide to sell it, make sure the buyer knows it's been screwed up. Consider engraving '35mm' on it and scratching out the 50mm reference.

Cheers,

R.

What is this "sell" thing you speak of? 😉

Yes, I'll be sure to let a buyer know if I ever do... I really don't see myself mounting a 50 on it again (I'll use those with my IIf) so it's intended to be a permanent thing more or less. The M4-2 just begs for a 35mm; I never cared for the focal length in the past but recently it's really grown on me and when I got the M it really sank in. Picked up an Acall on the classifieds here that I am much looking forward to using.

 

[Roger Hicks]

What is this "sell" thing you speak of? 😉

Yes, I'll be sure to let a buyer know if I ever do... I really don't see myself mounting a 50 on it again (I'll use those with my IIf) so it's intended to be a permanent thing more or less. The M4-2 just begs for a 35mm; I never cared for the focal length in the past but recently it's really grown on me and when I got the M it really sank in. Picked up an Acall on the classifieds here that I am much looking forward to using.

Very fair point. I've bought several adapter rings and never sold any: I must have half a dozen, at least one in each of the three focal lengths. It's just -- well, magine the frustration of buying a 50 ring and finding it isn't!

Cheers,

R.