Leica M to LTM mount conversion?


Converting a LTM body to an M body is probably not that hard to do. One must remove the threaded flanged and then mount an M flange such that its front surface is recessed 1 mm deeper than the surface of the previous threaded flange. This should give the correct back focus and work, assuming the RF cams and so forth clear everything. Considering the lack of good M bodies these days at reasonable prices, I'm surprised this is not being done more often. I also can't imagine paying $5000 for a camera modified like this!
 
There would be precious little metal left after removing 1mm and if you are talking about taking it off the body it is quite soft.
Yes of course, I did not mean to imply one would necessarily machine the camera body shell. One would need to do something like design a fixture, perhaps a ring, to secure the M flange to the camera body at the correct focal plane distance. I've considered doing this myself, but M flanges sold without an attached camera don't seem to be too common. One can machine such a flange of course, but that's probably beyond my skill level.
 
I've considered doing this myself, but M flanges sold without an attached camera don't seem to be too common. One can machine such a flange of course, but that's probably beyond my skill level.

Maybe just take the flange off of a cheap M mount to mirrorless adapter.

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Shawn
 
Shawn: Great idea. Now you've got me interested in this again! This piece will still need some machining and maybe some holes drilled in it to adapt it, but the rather more complex part of the machining has been done. I'd also need to buy a small lathe, but that's something I've been considering about doing anyway. Perhaps a new hobby has been inaugurated.
 
I just dug up a version of this adapter.

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The springs and the lock will take some thinking but might be workable.

Shawn
 
Converting a LTM body to an M body is probably not that hard to do. One must remove the threaded flanged and then mount an M flange such that its front surface is recessed 1 mm deeper than the surface of the previous threaded flange. This should give the correct back focus and work, assuming the RF cams and so forth clear everything. Considering the lack of good M bodies these days at reasonable prices, I'm surprised this is not being done more often. I also can't imagine paying $5000 for a camera modified like this!


That $5000 you've to understand is a collector's price, not the original MSRP. Not many of those conversions were made and marketed, but if you could find someone to do it today I doubt the cost would be over a couple of grand.


PF
 
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