Rangefinder-coupled SLR/Leica M adapters

[peter_n]

Stephen Gandy is now selling an adapter that will allow you to use certain SLR lenses on a Leica M bayonet mount camera body with rangfinder coupling.

The adapter has the coupling so you focus the adapter then transfer the distance reading to the distance scale on the SLR barrel.

The only problem - it costs $325...

Rangefinder-coupled SLR/Leica M adapters

 

[former member]

Okay,
let me ask the obvious. How come this adapter is ONLY $325 and it has a Helical but the Nikon S-mount/Contax to Leica adapter cost $1,000! Seems to me that it is about the same complexity as having a Contax mount lens sit in the interior helical and drive it as would a manual ring!

 

[Huck Finn]

Interesting . . . Thanks for posting this, Peter.

 

[peter_n]

Well the morning after I'm thinking about it. I have a great 28mm Nikkor AIS lens that I surrently use on my M6 with a regular Nikon/M adapter. Sell that adapter and suddenly this new one is a lot cheaper. Hmmm...

 

[StuartR]

Too bad he does not have Canon FD. I would be interested to see if it is accurate enough to focus the 85mm f/1.2L. Probably not. It seems a bit pointless to me, as rangefinders are naturally better at wide angle lenses than SLR's, and the telephoto range is where rangefinders are deficient. There does not appear to be a real way of making an adapter that would allow you to accurately focus, let's say a 300mm f/2.8 lens. Show me that adapter and I will be impressed. (don't say visoflex!)

 

[dll927]

I seem to remember reading someplace that those adapters only work with ONE focal length. In other words, you would need a collection of them to fit 3 or 4 lenses. At $325 a throw, that could get expensive.

Since I have both a Leica RF and other-make SLRs, I can't help noting the difference in size between RF and SLR lenses. This seems to go back all the way to the original Exaktas. I'm no optical expert, but most SLR lenses would look rather "big Bertha" on an RF camera.

It's rather interesting that few, if any, 'third-party' outfits make lenses to fit ANY kind of Leica, including the SLRs.

 

[peter_n]

My sense is that Stephen implies (by the use of the word "lenses") that one adapter fits all. However, the adapter only brings up the 50mm frameline on Leica bodies.

Yes my 28mm Nikkor AIS does look a bit odd sitting on the front of the camera, but the pictures look good!! 🙂

 

[merciful]

It's rather interesting that few, if any, 'third-party' outfits make lenses to fit ANY kind of Leica, including the SLRs.

Perhaps I misunderstand your statement, but I have (or have had): Canon; Nikkor; Konica; and Cosina-Vöigtlander lenses for my Leica RF, and there are certainly other makers.

 

[Will]

Sorry about digging up this post, but did anyone acturally try those adapters?

There are similar (same?) adapters available in HK, at a lower price...

Cheers





Will

 

[peter_n]

I ended up not getting one Will. I bought a 28mm/f2.8 M-Hexanon lens instead! 🙂

 

[PaulN]

Hahaha, I'd love to mount my Canon 70-200L glass on my MP.

😉

 

[jaapv]

These big SLR lenses wil part-block the viewfinder, even if they have a RF coupling. For the price of the adapter I would buy a CV lens....

 

[Will]

I ended up not getting one Will. I bought a 28mm/f2.8 M-Hexanon lens instead! 🙂

Good solution.

There are similar (same?) adapters available in HK, at a lower price...

Visited the shop again today, only 2 lefts in the shop. No C/Y and Nikon, so I guess I am out..

 

[GeneW]

I bought one of these apapters over a year ago (OM-M mount) and regretted it. My Zuiko lenses worked okay, but the thing was klunky and never felt right. I sold the adapter at a loss and later picked up a CV 25/4 to use in place of my Zuiko 24/2.8, and life was good again ...

Gene

 

[Will]

I bought one of these apapters over a year ago (OM-M mount) and regretted it. My Zuiko lenses worked okay, but the thing was klunky and never felt right. I sold the adapter at a loss and later picked up a CV 25/4 to use in place of my Zuiko 24/2.8, and life was good again ...

Gene

Sorry to hear that, Gene

Any difference shooting it on a tripot?

Cheers





Will

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I currently use a Nikkor AIS 50 1.2 on my M6 with one of Stephen's adapters
you have to focuss twice as it were by setting the rangefinder distance on the adapter and then lens but it works very well when the situation demands it. Not that much slower in operation than the Noctilux i use to shoot with. I use it alongside an old Sumilux and a Nikon 50 1.4 on a S3 2000.
Wishing everyone on the forum all the best for 2006.

Simon Larbalestier
www.simon-larbalestier.co.uk
contactme@simon-larbalestier.co.uk