M mount on Bessa R?

[photogdave]

I can get a pretty good deal on a Bessa R with a 35 2.5. I really wanted just to get the lens new but the chance to get the lens with a backup body is tempting. I only hesitate because of the threadmount because I'd like to use my Summicron 50 on both bodies.
Does anyone know if it's possible and worthwhile to convert the R's threadmount to an M mount?

 

[wlewisiii]

I doubt it would be possible - the M mount is physically larger than the screw mount (which helps make LTM->M adaptors possible). Even if there were room to shoehorn the other mount in, I doubt it would be any cheaper than buying a new mid-range M mount camera.

The R & that 35 have real virtues; especially that lens and it will work very well on your M4 with an adaptor. Give it careful thought before ruling them out.

Good Luck!

William

 

[BrianPhotog]

Not as far as I know. M->LTM, yes...but the reverse isn't true. That makes M-mount cameras much more versitile 🙂

 

[JohnM]

It can't be done.

Time for an R2 🙂

 

[troym]

Don't see how you could go from M to LTM. The lens mount on the LTM cameras is designed to be closer (by 1mm or so) to the film plane than on the M-mount cameras.

 

[Dougg]

The lens mount on the LTM cameras is designed to be closer (by 1mm or so) to the film plane than on the M-mount cameras.

Actually it's the other way 'round, which makes possible the 1mm thick LTM adaptor on the M camera so that LTM lenses may fit properly. It might be possible to graft a Bessa R2 mount to replace the Bessa-R lens mount. But probably more economic and sensible to just get a Bessa R2 instead!

 

[pvdhaar]

I've thought about this as well. As pointed out, there are a couple of problems, only one of which is the flange to film distance. Apart from being wider, the flange of the M bayonet would not only have to sit 1mm deeper than the LTM mount, it also needs to accomodate springs on the rear which keep the lens on. Plus you'd probably like to have a lens release button on the side. Looks like major surgery to me..

 

[photogdave]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe I'll see if I can just get the lens and hold out for a used R2. Or maybe that well-used M3 going for $300 down at the local shop...