Really stupid questions

fgianni

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Sorry for the really basic questions but I am really a beginner in the rangefinder world.

1) Can M39 lenses be rangefinder coupled?
2) If yes, will the coupling work if I mount them on the RD-1 with an adapter?

Thanks
 
1. Yes, actually they have been coupled since Leica II (1932)
http://www.cameraquest.com/leica2.htm

2. Yes, when Leica changed to the M3 bayonet they chose to be compatible.

Ergo you can mount 70-years old lenses on your digital camera with a cheap adapter, and not lose any functionality.


Sia benvenuto, Francesco !
 
One small remark;

not all M39 screw mount lenses are rangefinder coupled. Notable exceptions are the recent Voigtlander 25/4 and 15/4. But I bet there are more (wide angle) lenses that don't couple. So do your homework before buying..
 
pvdhaar said:
One small remark;

not all M39 screw mount lenses are rangefinder coupled. Notable exceptions are the recent Voigtlander 25/4 and 15/4. But I bet there are more (wide angle) lenses that don't couple. So do your homework before buying..

Well at least of that I was aware since I have a 12mm CV, of course with such wide lenses RF coupling is probably pointless, however there might be longer lenses non RF coupled, is anyone aware of any?
 
fgianni said:
Well at least of that I was aware since I have a 12mm CV, of course with such wide lenses RF coupling is probably pointless, however there might be longer lenses non RF coupled, is anyone aware of any?

Hi,
Many of the FSU brands such as Zenit used the 39mm mount for their early SLRs before moving to 42mm. Although the thread is the same, the lenses designed forr these will not fit RF cameras. Not only are they not RF coupled but also the film/mount distance is greater to clear the mirror.

Kim
 
Okay, this is a bit off the topic, but this is a really stupid question. It seems that RD-1 has an advance lever. What does it advance?
 
It "charges" or cocks the shutter, ready to fire the next shot.
 
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