LTM - M adapter stuck on body

[siracusa]

Hi all
I wondered if anyone has any tips on removing LTM - M mount adapters from camera bodies. Some weeks ago I purchased a Bessarabia R2 which came with an adapter already fitted. I didn't notice any problems initially as I immediately put the camera to use with an LTM Summaron. However, on attempting to fit an M mount lens I have discovered the adapter is stuck fast. It seems to have been turned slightly beyond the locking point, so I think it's a case of firm attachment rather than glue having been used. However, try as I might, I cannot get the adapter off the body. Any hints or tips would be gratefully received! I've even tried attaching a cheap old J-8 and trying to use this to turn the adapter, but the J-8 simply unscrews while the adapter refuses to budge. I don't wish to apply too much force for obvious reasons!
Many thanks, Siracusa

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I've suffered this problem a few times on my M3, but usually I can get it to turn by pushing it down and turning with the flat of my hand, but I can imagine that not working if it's really tight. 🙁

 

[siracusa]

Yes, I've had it in the past with an M2, but it's stuck fast on the Bessa - or Bessarabia as my iPad spellcheck somehow corrected it to in my original post. I'm worried about applying too much pressure to the Bessa lens mount in the process, though I have tried being firm. I guess I could always keep it as a specialist LTM body until such time as it ever needs to go in for a service and have the adapter removed at the same time, but nice as the Bessa is, it lacks the style of the Barnacks ;-) and is crying out for some M mount action

 

[umcelinho]

If you have one of the old rear M caps you'll note 3 bumps matching the 3 round dents on the adapter, just fit and turn while holding the release button.

I had an adapter stuck to a rear M mount cap and it worked like a charm, found Tom A.'s hint on that issue in another thread.

 

[ray*j*gun]

If you have one of the old rear M caps you'll note 3 bumps matching the 3 round dents on the adapter, just fit and turn while holding the release button.

I had an adapter stuck to a rear M mount cap and it worked like a charm, found Tom A.'s hint on that issue in another thread.

Plus 1 on the M cap trick.....also if the camera is damaged you have a right to follow up with the seller.

 

[Rogrund]

Voigtländer caps that come with their adapters have these "bumps" too.

 

[rodt16s]

Brilliant, learn something new everyday..

 

[JohnTF]

I suppose you could superglue or Locktite a LTM close up extender to the adapter? Over the years more than a few of these tubes have arrived with other gear. Have not done much macro work with LTMs though, so they are in drawers with my other too important to toss but unused gear. ;-)

There must be someone in the repair field who has dealt with this beyond the three cap nub effort, perhaps they carefully chill the ring with freeze spray?

I have had a few stick, but not so firmly that they could not be "fiddled" loose.

Am thinking one of those rubber cap grips from the kitchen might get you a tad bit more purchase on the adapter or some latex finger cots or equivalent? Repeated efforts should coax it loose.

When using an adapter, I try to gently coax it in to the lock position, having spent some time working a few out.

I recall some of the cheaper adapters may not have the recesses for the cap nubs? I try to avoid using them. I would vote for new ones having slots and a spanner, but I suppose it would hardly turn enough profit to involve the makers.

Regards, John

 

[siracusa]

Bingo! The cap succeeded where my own ingenuity had failed, so thank you all for your input. And having been through this, I guess it's also a good reason to follow John's advice and stick with the adapters that have the nubs, even if they are a tad more expensive.
Thanks again all for your advice on this!

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

The trouble is that the old rear lens caps failed and were then thrown away in favour of the plain Chinese or Japanese ones. Result? No one knows about the bumps forming a peg spanner.

Regards, David

 

[Bill58]

I've successfully used a strap wrench available at most hardware stores.

 

[JohnTF]

Glad to hear it was not on that tight, I have a couple of new adapters for the Fuji X Pro, and both have a knurled ring for a grip. The Fuji adapter came with more paper than adapter.
I would think that a repairman would have some sort of spanner?

The best solution might be to use the kit more. ;-)

I think they are worthy cameras. I sent two SMs with a trio of new and vintage lenses to my former model and apt photo student, she wanted to try the RF mystique.



Regards, John

 

[HuubL]

Ingenious! Would Leica have designed the rear cap especially with this in mind?