Collapsible I61 L/D in Contax Mount.

[Sonnar Brian]

So I had TWO I-61L/D's. Now one is adjusted for the Leica,

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91163

and this is how to make one for your Contax, Kiev, or Nikon RF.
Tools and Parts required for the Job. The Contax mount is from a Zeiss 5cm F2 converted to LTM, using a J-8 in LTM. The J-8 optics module will not fit into the Sonnar shell. But- the I61 has the same thread, correct back-focus, and will fit perfectly.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The aperture ring must be filed down so that the optics module can be screwed in far enough to the mount.

The retaining ring must come off. I use needle nosed pliers, a thin screwdriver will work.

Slide the retaining ring off.

The Ball-Bearing is under the aperture ring. It falls out, I use some tape to trap it.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The aperture ring has a rim around it- which must be filed down. It needs to be almost flush.

It is a soft aluminum, and files down easily.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Getting ready for re-assemble.

Getting the aperture ring back on: this screw will line up with the hole in the ring. Easiest to set the aperture wide-open, then line up for F2.

Slip the retainign ring back on.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

You will need to use your camera to set the lens to agree with the viewfinder. I use a negative strip with scotch tape over it, and a loupe when working with the camera.

I get to cheat- use an adapter with the TTL viewer. When I want a Nikon RF lens, I set the lens to agree with the 5cm F1.4. When I want a Contax lens, I set it to agree with a Sonnar.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Final step: I use some epoxy to set the lens in the mount. You could mark the position of the lens, and make a shim. Better, but takes a lot of time. These are not expensive lenses, and this method "just works".

 

[wlewisiii]

Great to see that optics module get used again.

Thanks for the excellent information - I see my problem was in not realizing that I needed to file down the aperture ring. No wonder it wouldn't go in far enough! :bang:

William

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I call it the "Best Stupid Look Method"...

"It ain't goin in farnuff.. Filetime."

 

[wlewisiii]

🙂 🙂 🙂

William