canon tele lenses on other cameras

ctdogs

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I have read warnings about not using Canon tung mount lenses on other cameras (FSU or Bessa for example). How seriously should I take this warning? Never use these lenses on cameras made for leica type lenses; use with care but don't focus close; never use with a really good camera?

What is the experience of this group with this issue?

Thanks in advance.
 
Sorry about confusion and misspelling. Canon long lenses have a tounge-shaped tab that sticks out instead of the round focusing area for most LTM lenses. I have heard that you can ruin a camera if these lenses get jammed on non-leica cameras, or at least the focus will not work properly. Just wanted to find out how seriously to consider this issue. Looking for advice from this more experienced group.

Thanks in advance.
 
These lenses will be fine on Leica, Canon, Minolta, other Japanese LTM clones and the Bessas, as they have a roller cam follower for the RF. There can be problems with most Russian LTM cameras which have a fixed cam follower which can foul the tongue. For those you should always set the lens to minimum focus distance before mounting it, if you use it at all. The same problem exists with the Leitz and Nikon 135 lenses.

Cheers,
Dez
 
I had a late black 135/3.5 that didn't come to infinity at exactly the right point, and also an 85/1.5 with the same problem, both by the same amount in the same direction, but the problem wasn't serious in either instance. My 85/1.8 was spot-on, however, as was a 135/3.5 Serenar. I have heard others make the same comment about the black 135 as being unreliable in this regard. None of the off-brand lenses I've owned ever had a problem with the alignment of the tongue relative to the camera's roller, however.

Quality-wise, the LTM Canon lenses are great performers. My 85/1.8 was incredible--better than the contemporary 90 Summicron, and that's reflected in its current used pricing. . . if you can even find one.
 
My 85/1.8 was incredible--better than the contemporary 90 Summicron, and that's reflected in its current used pricing. . . if you can even find one.

I have to agree with the comment that's it's comparable with a lot of more expensive glass out there and in most cases, produces superior images in terms of contrast and sharpness. Regrettably, not the most popular of focal length due to the perceived odd frameline of 85mm instead of the popular 90mm.

Cheers,
 
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