M2 Framelines Issue

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Neutronarmy

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I just picked up my first Leica: a heavily used M2. I had expected to send it immediately out for a CLA upon arrival, but now I'm too tempted (and broke) to just start using it.

Since I am in no way financially able to purchase any M-mount lenses currently, I am going to start off with a Jupiter-8 I had picked up for my Bessa R that was unfortunately stolen. I bought a 50mm LTM-M adapter on eBay from HeavyStar, a common seller from what I have read.

Unfortunately I ran into an issue. When I thread the lens to the adapter and attach it to the body, the framelines come up strangely. Most of the time the 50mm lines will come up with a faint hint of the 90mm lines shown as well. However, if I turn the lens tight in the mount only the 90mm lines show up.

I am curious if this is an adapter issue or a body issue. I think I'll use it regardless until I can afford a CLA, but I was still curious of the source of the problem.

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate this community: insightful and inspiring.

-Chris
 
I ocassionally have the same problem with my generic LTM to M adapter. I just twist it slightly while looking through the viewfinder until the correct frameline is completely showing. My guess is the source of the problem is the adapter.
 
Last edited:
cjm said:
........ My guess is the source of the problem is the adapter.
Click to expand...

I agree, especially if the M2 just had a CLA.

Perhaps you could go to a local retailer with your M2 and just try attaching any 50 mm M-mount lens to see if it is indeed just that lame adapter? If it is, send it back to Heavystar for a refund. Then buy a good one from CQ. If it isn't the adapter, do not delay in contacting the camera tech who did your CLA; they should adjust it properly.
 
Chris is right- this an adapter issue. The machining required to make these adapters work properly is pretty precise, and often the cheap ones just don't cut it. Since the 50mm frameline is called up with the lug middle length lug, and the preview lever in the middle position, perhaps you can twist the mount back just a hair and get only the 50mm framelines to illuminate. The worst case scenario in this situation is that you have to spend $50 or so for a good adapter. In my experience, only the original Leitz/Leica ones and the new Cosina Voigtlander ones can really be relied upon to work properly. Unfortunately, this isn't a piece you can skimp on.
 
When I had an M3 and used a normal lens on it with a genuine Leitz adapter for 5 cm, the 90 mm frame lines would always be showing. It was a small annoyance, but I lived with it for 17 years. The lever which sets frame lines has little travel and misalignment is always possible. And as others have said, badly machined adapters can be the cause of the problem.
 
I had the same problem with my Leica M2, it was the cheap adapter's fault, when I bought a Voigtlander adapter instead, it works perfectly.

Don't buy the cheap adapters made in China, they suck !!!
 
I ordered and got a 90mm adapter from heavystar. The ends are sharp and cut me, and the adapter will allow the lens to screw in just fine but will not lock into place on the camera. Lesson learned.
 
I have a bunch of chinese adapters and they all work great. Just file down the lug a little (the one that moves the frameline lever) and it will bring up the 50mm frameline perfectly. It shouldn't take much. Make sure you clean off the filings thoroughly. I did this with my M2 and it works great.
 
Thanks so much for all the replies. Before I purchase another adapter, I'll save a little and purchase a CV one. However, for the interim I'll file down that tab (or be careful mounting).

Thanks again. I greatly appreciated.
 
Just be aware of one thing - if the lock of the mount on the M2 is worn down, it might actually be the source of this as well... If the edges on the groove are rounded you might also loose the lens while carrying the camera!

Had that problem on my M2, but it is after all most likely an adapter-problem. Just check that you cannot unmount the adapter with lens without pressing the button before you file down anything.
 
Sticky masks and tired springs can lead to problems. One of my M2s needs mucking out: it does not reliably set the correct frames with new Leica lenses, let alone adapters.

It's much more likely to be the adapter, but it ain't always the case.

Cheers,

R.
 
Hehe - all this makes me long for getting an M2 or 4 again... Especially a heavily used one - they have so much ´personality´

I remember getting my first one - I had 4-5 to choose from. I chose the one that felt the smoothest, a button rewind from 58. The shutter is in another M2 now - but I really think it was the quietest M I have ever heard...

Not to mention the M3 that I handled which had a calculated shutter count of up to a million. And no CLA or anything like it from 53-93...
 
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