Contax T2 conversion LTM mount

Monochrom

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Hi Guys, hope youre doing fine with this covid virus.

A lot of years ago i got a gold edition complete lens assembly for a contax t2.
The CZ Sonnar 38mm f2.8 is a reputed lens as you all well know.
But it also has an independant diaphragm that can be set through a mechanical way just like any manual lens.
Then some years ago i exchanged some gear and among those i received a summaron ltm lens.

Since the summaron had some haze i tried to fix it but discovered the cemented pairs were separating...

So i decided to give it a try both lenses were shelved for ages so why not put the sonnar inside the summaron, could it be possible?

Well, it was! and here are the pics!

Of course the result is a fully working lens, focusing is through the rangefinder as any Rf lens, the diaphragm is set by the dedicated ring and the lens can be mounted on any ltm camera and M camera via an adapter which all of you well know.


A simple test to check if infinity was possible.
Contax T2 lens conversion by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr

Scattered parts
Contax T2 lens conversion by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr

The final result, check the Sonnar particular blades shape that shows unmistakably the lens is well intalled inside the summaron assembly 🙂
Contax T2 lens conversion by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr
 
No way! This is so cool. I too have one of these contax t2 assemblies I bought off the bay years ago. I was hoping to send it off to japan for a conversion but could never afford it. I may attempt this with an old Russian lens. Does the rangefinder coupling work for you?
 
No way! This is so cool. I too have one of these contax t2 assemblies I bought off the bay years ago. I was hoping to send it off to japan for a conversion but could never afford it. I may attempt this with an old Russian lens. Does the rangefinder coupling work for you?

Yes, i bought the same one 🙂

I was considering a jupiter 12 to lodge the lens, there s plenty of room.

As i said, the lens works 100% amd focus is spot on.

🙂
 
Could you post some samples. I can express enough how cool this is. That t2 lens is my fav lens of all time. The FL and the rendering is perfect. My most favorite photos were taken with a t2. I can’t wait to do this.
 
Neat hack! Sample pics?

How do you deal with the difference in FL: 38 vs 35? Did you modify the rangefinder coupling ramp?
 
Hi, sure pls check. I used my M9

Could you post some samples. I can express enough how cool this is. That t2 lens is my fav lens of all time. The FL and the rendering is perfect. My most favorite photos were taken with a t2. I can’t wait to do this.


Contax t2 mounted in summaron 3.5 ltm by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr

Contax t2 mounted in summaron 3.5 ltm by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr

Contax t2 mounted in summaron 3.5 ltm by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr

Contax t2 mounted in summaron 3.5 ltm by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr

Contax t2 mounted in summaron 3.5 ltm by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr
 
Thx, i had to test a few times. The 3mm difference isn´t really a problem since the lenses hardly are real 35 or 38mm.
And at 1mtr using f3.5 or f2.8 there´s a lot of dof.

Here is another shot at 2.8.

Contax t2 mounted in summaron 3.5 ltm by Enzo Patagonean, on Flickr



Neat hack! Sample pics?

How do you deal with the difference in FL: 38 vs 35? Did you modify the rangefinder coupling ramp?
 
Looking the j12 it seems to have a lot of space to place the t2 lens inside.
And the aperture ring seems to be well placed to be linked to the t2 diaphragm.

That’s awesome! You mentioned the Jupiter-12. Do you think it’ll be as simple as this conversion?
 
T2 lens conversion

T2 lens conversion

I noticed this thread previously but just shook my head and moved on. (Probably still a good policy.) I own a T2, and I use it. The lens is good, very good for P-n-Shoot, but not that special in the greater scheme of lenses. Why anyone would spend time (or money) converting one to fit on a Leica mount totally escapes me. Now, if you want to take a lens of exceptional quality to convert to a Leica, try the 40mm 2.8 Sonnar off a Rollei 35S - now that is a special lens. In terms of optical performance, it will eat up the 38mm Sonnar on the T2 and give back change.
 
I noticed this thread previously but just shook my head and moved on. (Probably still a good policy.) I own a T2, and I use it. The lens is good, very good for P-n-Shoot, but not that special in the greater scheme of lenses. Why anyone would spend time (or money) converting one to fit on a Leica mount totally escapes me. Now, if you want to take a lens of exceptional quality to convert to a Leica, try the 40mm 2.8 Sonnar off a Rollei 35S - now that is a special lens. In terms of optical performance, it will eat up the 38mm Sonnar on the T2 and give back change.

Because the t2 renders in a real unique way and has always taken better pictures than my Rollei 35. This lens has a look, and I’ve been chasing it. I even own the sonar 35 f2.8 for the Sony system, and it just isn’t the same.
 
Another popular candidate is the 35/2.8 of the Nikon L35AF...similar Sonnar design, highly regarded. Mr. Miyazaki did quite a load of conversions on it.
 
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