Canon LTM Canon P and the J-3, modified for close-focus

Canon M39 M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
Sonnar Brian

Sonnar Brian

Product of the Fifties
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I modified a J-3 for close-focus over the Summer, used it mostly with the Bessa R2 and M3, which is also modified for 0.7m focus.

The thread on the close-focus mod is here:
http://ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=281

Involves removing the screw that serves as the close-focus and infinity-focus stops, and relies on using the guide pins to perform the action. The threads of the mount must also be filed down to allow the RF follower of the camera to keep up with the cam of the lens.

I expected it to work on the M-Mount cameras, and was pleasantly surprised when the Canon P worked with the lens all the way too its new close-focus, ~0.8m or so.


at F2, ~0.8m

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F1.5, ~0.8m

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at F4:
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And it does focus at "normal distances", out to infinity and beyond. Helps with the Sonnar focus shift.

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I have no idea whats going on in the last picture.

Those are really nice pictures from a J3.

Does sonnar shift becomes more difficult to work around at distances closer than 1m?
 
These photos have an accentuated Sonnar character in my eyes. Lovely. I've been shooting with my early and late J-8s lately. They are both really nice but IMHO they lack the Sonnar feeling.

The King Kong photo is very funny.
 
Using the J-3 close-up, I've not noticed any difference in the focus shift going from F1.5 to F4. I shim it to optimize at F1.5, and check the focus at 2m, 3m, 5m, and 20m. It seems to be spot-on at the new closest focus. Being able to focus a little past infinity helps with distance shots.

The Last Photo: taken at Cox Farms in Virginia, Annual Fall festival. This Girl really has a sense of humor, and scared the wits out of a few Kids- "AHHH That Gorilla is carrying that Girl Off!" I think she's telling her old boy friend that she's found someone new... but he's a bit posessive.
 
hi brian, would this modified j3 work on leica M even with adapters and in full opening without having problem especially in the 0.7 focus (in M with adapter)?

thanks man!
 
The M3 will focus to 1meter without modification. The M2, and all other newer M series cameras all focus to 0.7m without modification. This particular J-3 with the mod gets into 0.8m~0.85m. A "regular" J-3 will focus to 1m.
 
My stock Canon IIIa body will remain RF coupled down to about 2'8" with a Nikkor 50/1.4 that was modified for close range coupling (courtesy of Roland).
 
Brian that lost shot i hilarious. It qualifies for an onion story.

The first roll from my CZJ has come out excellent. Scans will be posted shortly. 🙂
 
I look forward to seeing the pictures! Mine taken with that lens were quite good. Those 1930s Sonnars are amazing.
 
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