Changing lenses on a Bessa-T

traveler_101

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I am new to RF photography and I have a couple of questions.

I have three VC screw mount lenses that I am using on my Bessa-T with a Leica LTM to M adapter. I have been leaving the adapter on the camera and then simply screwing and unscrewing the lenses. Since I don't have any bayonet lenses at this point and only have the one adapter, it is a convenient method. I assume this is o.k. though I seem to recall reading a post somewhere suggesting that the adapter come off the camera when you change lenses. That never made sense to me but maybe I am overlooking something?

I also have a 55mm Industar model 61-LD lens that I would like to try on the Bessa. When I try to get the lens on the adapter, it doesn't go well. The threads are longer and when you screw it on it comes to a stop or sticking point and I am afraid to keep going for fear of forcing it. It appears to be seated correctly, but won't finish screwing on. I have also removed the adapter and tried to screw it onto the lens. Same problem. I don't understand it because the lens screws on to the LTM to M43 adapter easily: (I've used it a couple of times on my E-P1). I don't have any great affection for this lens, but I thought I'd like to see if I like a 50 FOV on my RF. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
 
By all meabns leave the adaspter on the camera at all times. No problem.

Probably thread angle on the Industar, but it might be 39x1mm instead of the 39mm x 26 tpi that is correct.

Cheers,

R.
 
Same here I leave the adaptor on my Bessa-T, otherwise I need a few of them.
Also I find screwing lenses on is easier then using the bajonetmount of a lens. And without an adaptor on a lens you can use the protection back lenscap.
 
IMHO this is not a good idea to leave the M-mount on the camera, because the screwing and unscrewing lenses often degrades the screw (on the adapter, it is not a problem because you can buy another, but for the lenses it is not good at all).
 
If you're only using LTM lenses, then it makes perfect sense to leave the adapter on the camera. Personally, I have adapters on all three of my LTM lenses. There are two reasons for that. On the one hand, I also use an M-mount Hexanon on the Bessa-T, and on the other, I'm using all on a NEX with M-mount adapter..

By the way, if you buy Voigtlander LTM-M adapters, they come with an M-mount rear cap, so your lenses are still protected.
 
how I fell into LTM lenses & RF photography

how I fell into LTM lenses & RF photography

If you're only using LTM lenses, then it makes perfect sense to leave the adapter on the camera. Personally, I have adapters on all three of my LTM lenses. There are two reasons for that. On the one hand, I also use an M-mount Hexanon on the Bessa-T, and on the other, I'm using all on a NEX with M-mount adapter..

By the way, if you buy Voigtlander LTM-M adapters, they come with an M-mount rear cap, so your lenses are still protected.

Well it seems like the majority opinion is that leaving the adapter on the camera is just fine, with one notable dissenter. Since I don't see how screwing and unscrewing into an adapter could be any more degrading to the lens thread than doing the same into the camera mount, I'll just leave the adapter on.

It is also apparent that I will need to buy a 50mm lens by and by since the Industar thread type is incompatible with the Bessa's mount. Well, the Industar wasn't terribly expensive to buy, but I did also buy a hood for it that cost as much as the lens.

When I do decide to buy a 50, I will have to make a decision about whether to stick with LTM or go to an M-mount lens. It is really accidental that I have LTM lenses. I bought the 15mm aspherical and 25mm snapshot skopar for use with an E-P1 and wasn't thinking about RF coupling or mounts. The price of these lenses was reasoanble--got the 15 on clearance at Adorama and the 25 used on evilbay.

When i decided to go into RF film photography it was in part to get the full wide angle benefit of these lenses and so I purchased a Bessa-T. Soon I wanted a 35mm to go with it and the advice I got steered me toward the 35mm color skopar classic. Now that I have three LTM lenses, almost by accident :D, I lean toward staying with thread mount because at some point I also want to pick up a Leica iiif camera, or that's what I am thinking now. We'll see what transpires after a couple of years with the Bessa. Thanks for everyone's help. :)
 
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