Nikkor 50 1.4 LTM on M6

[Jan Pedersen]

I recently bought a Nippon Kogaku Tokyo 5cm 1.4 LTM mount lens from another forum member and like the lens very much.
I was hoping to take advantage of the close focus this lens is capable of (1.5 feet) on my M6 which should focus down to 2 feet or so.
There is just one problem and that is the adaptor. The adaptor interfere with the M6 focus wheel and will not focus closer than 3 feet which is where the focus wheel stops when it hit the adaptor.
I have two 50mm adaptors but there are no difference in minimum focus distance between them.

Anyone have this problem and know a fix? I am not interested in making any DIY adjustments on the camera but am curious to hear if there are adaptors that will allow the focus wheel to clear and follow the back of the lens all the way.
Thanks

 

[rscheffler]

I'm not sure if I've read the problem correctly. If it's a simple matter of losing rangefinder function closer than ~3 feet, then there is no problem with your equipment.

Leica M rangefinders work down to ~70cm. With lenses like the Nikkor, that allow closer than 70cm focusing (there are also some from Zeiss and Voigtlander), the rangefinder cam on the lens moves out of the coupling range of the camera's rangefinder roller (with this lens it might be closer to 1m) and the rangefinder deactivates. You will notice a sticky/stiff spot in the lens's focusing feel at about this point, which is intended as haptic feedback to warn that rangefinder coupling is no longer in effect. You will have to essentially guess correct focus for nearer distances, or bring a measuring tape/ruler for such uses.

At least with the M Typ240, it has the live view option to allow for exact non-coupled focusing.

If you can't physically move the focusing ring closer than ~3 feet, then there is a problem. I have that lens and have no trouble using it at minimum focusing distance on a Leica M with LTM adapter. But there is that 'bump' you'll feel at around 3 feet, which you just have to push through.

It's an interesting and fun lens.

 

[brbo]

If you look closely you will find that it's not the adapter but the lens.

Time for Nikkor LTM close focus modification.

 

[Jan Pedersen]

Rscheffler and brbo thank you for your replies. The link certainly helps explain the problem with the near focus limitations and now it is easy to see that it is not the adaptor that sets the limit.
The lens does have that little sticky spot at 3 feet when the helical is flush with the thread end.
Will leave my Tokyo unaltered and live with the 3 feet minimum distance.
Thanks.