Issue with 90mm f4 Elmar on Canon P

[nll468]

Ok, probably a dumb question. But when I mount my just-acquired 90mm (9cm) Leitz Elmar on my Canon P, the focus scale is not centered on top. Instead it's at roughly "4 o'clock". I haven't shot with it yet but based on playing with it, the focus is correct. Manufacture date was 1953 based on serial number.

My only other screwmount lens, a j-8, seems to mount properly. And while I haven't yet enlarged any prints, it seems to focus properly also.

It was purchased from a reputable dealer, but I assume they never film tested it. I don't have another SM body with which to test.

Am I missing something obvious? Other thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Iestrada]

My three canon lenses screw past 12 o clock. At about 2 on my IIIf and on my M2 with an adapter. Can't tell you what they would look like on a canon body. Youxin serviced my lenses and told me that it was normal for screw mount lenses to do that. Perhaps it is also true of the leica screw mount lenses.

 

[Mablo]

Canon P lens mount is adjusted so that you can see a Canon lens aperture scale through the viewfinder. A bit left from the center if you watch it from the backside of the camera.

 

[nll468]

Mablo, my J-8 screws just left of center as you describe (and consistent with what is pictured here at cameraquest site. Though no way to see aperture through viewfinder (at least with my eyes).

Perhaps this is just a mismatch between where the mount threads start on a Canon vs. a Leica. But nothing I've read seems to suggest this. There's always the possibility that this lens was taken apart and then reassembled incorrectly.

There are 3 screws in the black vulcanite just forward of the screwmount. I wonder if removing those screws allows the lets body to rotate while the mount stays in place. If so, moving it "1 screw over" would put it in perfect position and (from what I can see) would not impact distance to film plane.

 

[Mablo]

https://www.cameraquest.com/canonp.htm

Thanks! The image you linked shows exactly how the lens is supposed to be leaning left (or right, depending on which side of the camera you are looking at) on the Canon P lens mount - but the viewfinder magic only works with Canon LTM lenses (AFAIK! someone correct me if I'm wrong) where focus/aperture scales are positioned accordingly.

If you have a well working and reliable Canon P I'd recommend making a relatively risk free investment into a nice, clean Canon 100mm lens. You won't be disappointed, I'm sure about it.

 

[nll468]

This Leica Elmar is in such nice shape, I'd really like to figure out what the issue is with it.

 

[iphoenix]

Ok, probably a dumb question. But when I mount my just-acquired 90mm (9cm) Leitz Elmar on my Canon P, the focus scale is not centered on top. Instead it's at roughly "4 o'clock". I haven't shot with it yet but based on playing with it, the focus is correct. Manufacture date was 1953 based on serial number.

My war-time Elmar 90's focus arrow is (looking at it from the front) in line with the bottom left corner of the finder on my Canons 7, VT and 4SB2.

I once experienced a similar problem to yours after my VT body was serviced. The mounting plate on the body had been turned around by 90 degrees. this I easily fixed myself and never went back to the "technician".

I would try another Canon or Leica lens first to see exactly where the focus arrows align with those. Don't rely too much on the quality control of a Russian lens mount to give you an accurate point of reference.

Best Regards,

David

 

[nll468]

I see your point about FSU lens quality, but I've tried 2 different FSU lenses and they are both just a bit past "12". I may try to run out to the shop where I bought the Elmar tomorrow and bring my Canon body with me.

 

[nll468]

Well, it took me longer than expected but here's the result. I was able to exchange the lens for another 90mm Elmar at the shop where I purchased the original. Very slightly less pristine, but a later version.

This one seems to "register" correctly, with the focus point at about 1 o'clock - as my j-8 does.

As to the important thing of how the film looks, I processed one roll taken with both lenses. I haven't been able to print but, based on looking through a loupe, both lenses were in focus.