LTM lenses and goggles?

[hoot]

If I use an LTM lens on an M3 (via the adapter), can I use a pair of Leica goggles of the kind that simulate a 35mm FOV on the M3 viewfinder? Or do the goggles need to be coupled to the M-mount lens they originally came with?

 

[former member]

The goggles are attached to the lens, and are not made to attach to the accessory shoe. You should get the proper lens with goggles for the M3.

 

[richard_l]

If I use an LTM lens on an M3 (via the adapter), can I use a pair of Leica goggles of the kind that simulate a 35mm FOV on the M3 viewfinder? Or do the goggles need to be coupled to the M-mount lens they originally came with?

You'll need an accessory finder in order to use a 35mm LTM lens on the M3.

 

[zeos 386sx]

Or do the goggles need to be coupled to the M-mount lens they originally came with?

I think I read that goggles was custom matched to a particular lens and were really not interchangeable. However, I'm not certain about that.

 

[hoot]

Thanks, guys.

You'll need an accessory finder in order to use a 35mm LTM lens on the M3.

Yeah, but then I'd have to alternate between using the built-in viewfinder for focusing, and the accessory one for framing. The goggles are kinda cool, but I can't currently afford an M-mount 35mm lens.

 

[hoot]

LALALALA, I can't hear you...

 

[ddutchison]

In addition to changing the field of view, the goggles also change the focusing characteristics of the range-finder (all goggled lenses are made with special focusing cams to correct for this). While the goggles would allow you to use the 50mm lines in your M3 to accurately frame shots with a 35mm lens, you would not be able to use the range-finder to focus.

 

[Mike Stoesz]

Speaking of lenses with goggles, I use a 35mm f/3.5 Summaron with goggles on my Leica M-1. GREAT with glasses since the 50mm framelines become the 35mm frame lines. Only problem is the RF patch has disappeared. 🙂
Mike

 

[hoot]

I SAID, BY AN M2 INSTEAD! 😀 😀 😀

Why, you evil, evil man... perhaps upon your next visit to Vienna, you will see someone sleeping under a bridge, the rats nibbling at his clothes. The reason his hands will be pressed against his body is because he will be clutching a Leica M2 body with all his might, jealously protecting it against the wind and the rain. I hope you will drop a few coins into his hat as you pass by in your warm overcoat, because who knows if you mightn't have had your share in his fate.

😉

While the goggles would allow you to use the 50mm lines in your M3 to accurately frame shots with a 35mm lens, you would not be able to use the range-finder to focus.

Unless, of course, I use the 35mm lens the goggles were made for... right?

 

[ddutchison]

Unless, of course, I use the 35mm lens the goggles were made for... right?

That's right, the goggles will work fine, as will the range-finder, with any leitz M 35mm lens which originally came with goggles, and not with any others.

 

[hoot]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice.

I got a Summaron with goggles that I'm going to try on my M3. It was cheaper than they usually go for, so if I don't like how it works, I'll just sell it again. That's the best thing about buying used... you can try things out, more or less for free.