M8 + Canon lenses?

[giulioz]

Hi everybody!

I have an M8 on order and while waiting for it I am trying to get some bargains on lenses. My standard lens will be the 28 summicron. However, for occasional shot I would really like an ultra-fast 50. I don't feel like spending a huge amount of money on a Noctilux that I would use only from time to time. So I was thinking about Canon 50 1.2 or 0.95. Would you anticipate problems on the M8? Do you know anybody in Europe that would convert the 0.95 to Leica M?

Thank you for your suggestions, Giulio

 

[Bob Parsons]

At the moment I don't know of anyone in europe, I may have a list of people who could do the conversion on my hard drive, I'll look.

One good thing about the M8 is that the bayonet mount on the body extends futher out than that of the other M series. The back of the 50/0.95 will be futher away allowing better access to the bayonet release catch. Since Leica put the safety collar around the release I have to use a wooden spatular to reach under the lens and push the catch down.

Whoever does the conversion needs to make sure the added cam is long enough so that the cam follower wheel in the camera doesn't touch the rear element as the lens is mounted and twisted to lock in place. On some conversions with a short cam you have to set the lens to it's closest focus before you can safely mount or unmount.

Bob.

 

[giulioz]

Thanks, I would really appreciate if somebody could suggest who could do the conversion in Europe.

Giulio

 

[gurtch]

If you are talking about Canon LTM lenses, any inexpensive LTM to M bayonet adapter can be used, and will bring up the proper frame lines.
Dave

 

[rogue_designer]

If you are talking about Canon LTM lenses, any inexpensive LTM to M bayonet adapter can be used, and will bring up the proper frame lines.
Dave

That will work for the 50 1.2, but the 50 .95 has a modified bayonet that only fit the Canon 7 series - so it would need work to convert. I have a friend in London who has theirs modified for M mount - I'll see if I can get the information of where she had it done.

 

[rvaubel]

I have been using my Canon 50mm F1.2 on my RD1 with great effect for some time now. I don't anticipate any problems on the M8. This lens has a rather distinctive look wide open that I love. Some think it is too soft but really it is more of a softness in contrast than in image. I think of it as a speciallty lens, not really general purpose although it is fine stopped down, for that too. It is rather big.

You can get a really good sample for $300-400 which is a damn sight cheaper than a Noctilux!

Rex

 

[Ronald M]

Wait to see how the camera processing software handles non-coded lenses.

We know it will not auto-correct vignetting without coding and Exif data will not be there, but how will the camera otherwise handle non coded lenses?
It may not function at all, or maybe we just lose the features.

Perhaps we will have to code an adapter with a 50mm lens of your choice to make the camera function.

I think this is a wait and see.

 

[MarkM6]

M8 + Canon lens? Isn't it like the Big Mac with no beef?

 

[giulioz]

Thanks for your advises

Giulio

 

[iml]

I have been using my Canon 50mm F1.2 on my RD1 with great effect for some time now.

I bought one a few days ago to use on my R-D1 as my standard indoor portrait lens (75mm equivalent on the R-D1). So far I'm really pleased with it, especially for b&w, although I haven't had a chance to shoot a lot with it yet. I have no idea if the 0.95 is better, but since the 1.2 is cheap and easy to mount with any LTM to M adaptor, I'd recommend trying one first.

Ian

 

[hm123]

0.95 Canon on digi-RF...

0.95 Canon on digi-RF...

...is marvellous.

Let's not worry about M8 or it's probs, don't worry about factor 1.25 or 1.6, the LENS properties determine (optical physic emphasis of) the results, the rest is composition.

50mm/f0.95 is 45 years old.
Digi-RF-body hardly 3 years old.
And both will stay & one may get better.

Think positive (for digi, otherwise, too, slides still rule)

Only my opinion.
Hans

http://www.pbase.com/abulafia/rd1

 

[Grober]

I use my Canon LTM 28/2.8 (with adapter) on my M8 without apparent problems but I really haven't given the lens a throough workout because I'm so very much in thrall with my Zeiss ZM 25mm Biogon.

(The Canon lens is smaller which will ultimately work in its favor for a travel lens.)

-g