Skopar 35/2.5 Doesn't Line Up with LTM>M Adapter

[matthewm]

Hello all,
I recently got a Skopar 35mm f/2.5 Lens for my Bessa R2a with a Fotodiox LTM>M Adapter. When I attach the lens to the camera, the little white dot isn't exactly at 12 o'clock. It's not quite halfway to 1 o'clock. Does this matter?

For reference, I had a 28 f/1.9 before and it didn't quite line up either, but the images seemed fine. I'm new to the RF stuff and just thought maybe I got a bad adapter, although I know Fotodiox makes great products and all of the adapters I've had from them in the past are fine.

Any input would be very much appreciated. 🙂

 

[pvdhaar]

This is a common situation with LTM lenses. Fortunately, many of them allow the mount to be rotated by a small amount. By removing the mount, three slots for the mounting screws are exposed, each offset by a couple of degrees.

Unfortunately, the pictures of the procedure were removed, but there's a thread on it here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14413

 

[will-i_am]

yeah my 50/1.5 nokton doesn't line up perfectly either but it doesn't effect the image so nothing to worry about, as pvdhaar says it is a common issue and nothing to worry about.

cheers,
will

 

[bigeye]

Check by focusing at infinity - you should be ok

 

[matthewm]

Thanks for all the replies. I just adjusted it and it's spot-on! I'm actually going to take it back apart and make some images of the process so that I can re-post it and others can see.

I'll have to wait until I get home, though. The boss was suspicious enough with me adjusting the lens the first time around. Work comes before tutorials, I guess.

Just FYI to anyone else reading this, it literally took me about 2 minutes to complete the whole thing. And the lens still focuses to infinity as normal.

Thanks again guys!

 

[jsrockit]

I've had the same issue... the Voigtlander adapters don't do this.

 

[ferider]

Some old pics of how to align many of the CV lenses:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/Technical/Lenses/CV-Lens-adjustment/1975455_N6tET

 

[Ronald M]

Properly made adapter will orient the infinity at 1:00 like it is on a screw mt so user can see it with the Leica finder in position. Supposed to be like that.

Then came my CV15 which was off and I was afraid the petal shade would cut off image. I took the mount off and reattached using a different screw hole.

 

[matthewm]

Here are some pictures of the procedure. Sorry they're not the greatest, but maybe it will help someone else.

1. Three screws on the rear of the lens mount:

2. Detail of one of the three screws:

3. After removing the lens mount, you will see three black screws with 4 possible positions each. The black screws were originally in Hole #1 and the mount screws were in Hole #2. I needed to rotate the lens counter-clockwise so I moved the black screws to Hole #2 and when I put the mount back in place, the screws went right into Hole #1:

4. Lens is aligned properly for an M-Mount camera:

Note: I recommend a good, solid screwdriver for this and make sure it's the right size. The screws are a little tight and are also a bit soft and seem to be easy to strip. Just a cautionary note, but something worth mentioning.

Hope this helps!

Best
Matthew

 

[ferider]

I very much recommend NOT to touch the black screws. They are used to adjust RF infinity. Once they are loose it is very easy to throw infinity out of whack. Simply use one of the other 3 screw holes for the lens mount screws. That is usually enough.

 

[matthewm]

I very much recommend NOT to touch the black screws. They are used to adjust RF infinity. Once they are loose it is very easy to throw infinity out of whack. Simply use one of the other 3 screw holes for the lens mount screws. That is usually enough.

In order for mine to align properly, I had to do it this way. Good information though. I just tested my lens and everything seems to be aligned properly. I pulled the screws straight out and didn't touch the lens at all when I did. I think mine may be fine. Others should heed this warning.

Thank you for the heads up. I don't want anyone messing up their lenses!!

Best,
Matthew

 

[matthewm]

I had a genuine Voigtlander adapter that did it just as bad as this Fotodiox adapter. Now, 2-3 o'clock would definitely be completely unacceptable to me and I'm glad you were able to send them back. This one was an easy fix and I maintained infinity focus.