What M or L lenses will give you swirly/bubbly bokeh?

Completely different approach:
I just saw on amazon the K&F has "M42 to Leica M Mount Infinity High Precision Adapter"
I thought SLR lenses wouldn't really work on a RF?
 
ravenxarmy said:
Completely different approach:
I just saw on amazon the K&F has "M42 to Leica M Mount Infinity High Precision Adapter"
I thought SLR lenses wouldn't really work on a RF?
Click to expand...
Most SLR lenses with M42 mount can be mounted to LTM (L39 pitch thread) via a simple M42-->LTM39 adapter.
since the SLR designed lenses are retrofocus with longer distance to clear the pentaprism reflex mirror, the extra spacer doesn't limit infinity focus.

The challenge then is to work out how to focus it! With an external (uncoupled rangefinder or digital pocket laser rangefinder), transferring the readings back to the lens (rangefinder patch will not work). The viewfinder will mostly block due to the larger lens diaphragm diameters.

With semi-fisheye lenses like the Zeiss 16mm/f2.8 or Leica 15/2.8, zone focussing is most always spot on from 1 metre to infinity. Other LTM type cameras like the Corfield Periflex, do away with the limits of the Leica III series and M series - it uses a periscope and can focus any SLR mounted lens precisely in addition to every screw thread lens of the correct LTM pitch, or non LTM pitch (Braun Paxette lenses), and even the Leica Valoy enlarger lenses using an adapter. Here's an image of the periscope.
 

Attachments

  • 218957765_793509491347708_8555664169798848986_n.jpg
    218957765_793509491347708_8555664169798848986_n.jpg
    51.8 KB · Views: 8
ravenxarmy said:
Completely different approach:
I just saw on amazon the K&F has "M42 to Leica M Mount Infinity High Precision Adapter"
I thought SLR lenses wouldn't really work on a RF?
Click to expand...
The newer Leica Digital cameras have an electronic Viewfinder available. SO- no RF coupling, use it like a Mirrorless camera.

L1013326.jpg

For Film cameras, and The M8, M9, and M Monochrom- you need to make an RF Coupling. Like on my Minolta SLR lens, Rokkor-PF 50mm F1.4, used on my M8.

Skyllaney does conversions like this. I did this one. I also believe they could convert the Biotar lenses- but would not be cheap. My Minolta lens- under $60, lens and adapter- I made the RF cam out of an old Tripod Leg.
 
Zuiko-logist said:
Just to clarify - it seems the Biotar will not fit the Bessaflex. Does it fit a Fujica or Pentax M42 body? This would seem a Cher option?
Click to expand...
I used it on an Edixa without problems other than I hated the Edixa.
I bought Bessaflex but the sticking out bit on the back interferred with the mirror lifting mechanism. The 35mm Flektogon from the same era as my Biotar clears the mirror in Bessaflex though.
I've just emailed Skyllaney about the Biotar conversion. I think it's the best option for me now.

Edit:
The earliest version of Biotar with 17-bladed diaphragm will fit Bessaflex. Later ones have that protruding bit in the rear and won't. I considered looking for the 1st version but they are difficult to find in a good nick and my 1950s one is mint.
Fujica or a Pentax would be a cheap problem solver for sure. I do not however seem to enjoy shooting an SLR.
Other than the nostalgia of my 1st ever camera, the FM2, I'm not really drawn to the SLR system. There are some truly amazing SLR lenses out there though...
 
Last edited:
DSC_0476.jpg

Canon 50/0.95, wide-open, 1/100th sec, ISO 6400, on the Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera, using an adapter that cost ~$80.
I bought the adapter before getting the camera. I found the lens very easy to focus using focus peaking.
Plus- I just like this Photo, very dim "Disco-Lighting".

I also bought an Exakta Mount to M, and M to Z, have a coated Biotar 5.8cm F2 and a coated Wartime 5cm F2.8 Tessar, chrome version with the "lots of blades". Need to try it.
 
Last edited:
RJ- said:
The cult favourite under the radar Enna Munchen Ennalyt 85mm f1.5 ~ difficult to find in native M/L mount - easier to convert from M42. Blocks viewfinder substantially.
Click to expand...
What a lovely image! Reminds me a little of the tilt-shift effect, as if looking at a toy model of the scene.
 
I love the swirly results from the Nikkor S 50mm f/1.4 (for Nikon rangefinders). I use mine with an Amadeo adapter, which can get to be an expensive proposition, but I believe the same lens is available in L39 mount.
 
Sonnar Brian said:
View attachment 4819368

This is with my 1934 5cm F2 Sonnar, also wide-open. Brought for a Sonnar-Summar day at the park.
The Sonnar is the lens the J-8 is designed from. The Bertele Sonnar, recreates this lens.
Mine is converted to LTM, min focus of ~0.8m.

Coma and over-correction for spherical aberration define the Bokeh.
Comets versus Footballs.
Click to expand...
This looks a bit like the bokeh of the Summilux 50mm f1.4 black paint v1 that I have; in the corners of the image the "balls" look like arrowheads. Thank you, Brian for showing these pictures.

Erik.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
  • Article Article
What Were They Thinking? A compendium of camera design blunders and omissions
2 3 4
Replies
73
Views
6K
chuckroast
C
J
  • Article Article
The Inscrutable Pentacon Six: A User's Guide
2
Replies
38
Views
14K
P C Headland
P
J
  • Article Article
14 Great Lenses That Capture The Vintage Look, Part 2
Replies
17
Views
3K
MISH
MISH
J
  • Article Article
10 Top M-Mount Lenses NOT Made By Leica
2 3
Replies
56
Views
9K
raid
raid
ferider
  • Sticky
A Short History of Fast Normal Lenses
2 3
Replies
41
Views
36K
markjwyatt
markjwyatt
Back
Top Bottom