MFD with rangefinder lenses and mirrorless

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paulinventome

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Hi,

This is my first thread. I'm using a NEX camera (i have plenty of dSLR gear but am enjoying back to basics with the NEX).

I have a CV 35 f1.4 and a canon LTM 50 f1.4

I love both lenses but find the large close focusing distance a real problem. I think this is the biggest drawback for these lenses.

I'm aware that i can shim the lenses and also that in some cases it's possible to modify lens (the noktons for example). But i'm not sure either of mine could be done and i don't have the experience to do it (i've tightened up the focus barrel of the canon but that's as far as i can go!)

However it dawned on me that in the case with the mirrorless cameras why hasn't anyone created an adapter that has a small helicoid in it to move the lens out from the body a few millimetres and back?

If i had the tools and knowledge i'd do this and i've searched and searched but not found anything like this.

This would be a great solution for all lenses. Allowing a close focus at the expense of infinity focus but with a quick twist, back to normal.

Do the great brains here agree this could be done, or am i missing something?

Has it been done? Or does anyone know someone who could do it?

happy new year and kindest regards
paul
 
An extension tube or a bellows basically does this: allows close up work. The Canon LTM lens should be easy- get a set of 39mm extension tubes, commonly available. You can even get a close-focus helical for the collapsible Summar and Summarit. M-Mount extension tubes: I have never used them, but suspect they can be found.
 
Buy a Nikkor 50/1.4 in LTM. The focusing mount extends to 18". It's pretty nifty at normal distances as well.
 
Brian,

Thanks for the reply. So it sounds like a close focus helical exists already? Any idea who makes it or what it might be called?

Venchka,

Yes, i have my eye out for one of those although the prices on fleabay seems to be quite inflated. Any idea how much one ought to be these days?

Having said that a close focus helical would work for *all* lenses and allow very close up work if needed.

thanks everyone
cheers
paul
 
If you get an extension tube, the helical of the lens still allows focus across a limited range. The Close-Focus helical for Leica Screw Mount was made for the collapsible lenses.
 
There are even very cheap FSU LTM extension tubes available as they were made for an FSU reflex camera that had a 39mm thread lens mount (having a different flange-to-film spacing to rangefinder cameras, to allow for the mirror). The normal lens focus-mount will give enough movement for fine focus adjustment. Using this method you obviously won't have an infinity to macro focussing range without dismounting the lens, but it will work fine for macro shots.
 
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