Using non-M lenses on M cameras

flip · 10-10-2012

Is anyone here using an adapter to use non-M/LTM (non-rf-coupled) lenses on an M-mount camera? I understand it's a scale-focus affair. Basically, I ask because I have a few OM lenses (21/2, off-brand fisheye) that I could conceive of using scale-focus. So, I'm hoping to get some words from the wise as to if it's worth it.

Thanks,
Phi

Roger Hicks · 10-10-2012

It's easy. I have a Leica (body) to Nikon F (lens) adapter which I had made by SRB-Griturn. To save money, they made it Nikon-to-screw and I use it with a screw-to-M adapter ring. I've used it with lenses from 14mm to 35mm, plus pinholes and zone plates.

Cheers,

R.

flip · 10-10-2012

Interesting. I guess my real concern comes down to this. I have a 21/3.5 (dual) for M. Sometimes some extra light would be nice. But I wonder just how accurately I could focus a 21/2 via scale focus at a wider aperture.

Roger Hicks · 10-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by flip

Interesting. I guess my real concern comes down to this. I have a 21/3.5 (dual) for M. Sometimes some extra light would be nice. But I wonder just how accurately I could focus a 21/2 via scale focus at a wider aperture.

VERY easily! You're only looking at accuracy to the nearest foot or two, and then, only close up. Look at the depth-of-field scales.

Cheers,

R.

flip · 10-10-2012

Roger that. The DOF scales are narrow and only granular down to 3.5 in this situation. I suppose it always comes down to the ability to judge distances.

I appreciate your thoughts.
Phil

ray*j*gun · 10-10-2012

I learned that scale focus isn't as tough as I had feared when I bought my first folder. Now its sort of second nature...the brain is an amazing computer given the chance to work.

Kent · 10-10-2012

Just get the new "M" and you won't have a problem with focussing.

Just kidding.

The others are right. As long as you don't focus on close subjects, it should be alright.

tennis-joe · 10-10-2012

Using LTM 39mm lenses are best used with Leica adapters. I have tried the cheaper versions but they didn't always work. Voigtlander adapters are machined great and work very well. I use Nikkor 50f2.0 and 50f1.4 lenses and the shots are great.
Joe

a.noctilux · 10-10-2012

Some years ago I have used these combos:

PC Nikkor

Zuiko 2/21

even 24-50 Pentax zoom

Arnaud

rhl-oregon · 10-10-2012

Flip, once you experiment (and are pleased), please post. I bought an OM->M adapter recently, but have not used it yet (for my Zuiko 24, probably no longer lens).

Robert

peterm1 · 10-10-2012

I often use Canon LTM screw mount lenses on M cameras with a an adapter but of course these generally focus properly using the rangefinder. If you are asking about SLR lenses I have done this as well. I have used Pentax Takumar lenses and some Canon FL mount lenses over the years. In each case it's necessary to scale focus as you say. Its fun to do, if you have these lenses and the necessary adapters but can be hit and miss especially if you want to shoot any lens longer than 35mm at f stops more open than f8. I have moved on a bit for the most part. I continue to use a Canon LTM lens from time to time on my M cameras(I still have a 50mm f2 and 135mm f4 but have sold others) but mostly if I am using SLR lenses I use them on digital cameras like the Sony NEX 5 as it has focus peaking etc to aid in proper focussing using any focal length at any f stop. Incidentally my adapters are M42 to LTM and Canon to LTM. I thne use an LTM to M adapter in addition. On my NEX to this I can add an M to NEX adapter. Surprisingly stacking adpaters in this way usually works pretty well and gives more flexibility as I can adapt a wider range of lenses.

Godfrey · 10-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by flip

Is anyone here using an adapter to use non-M lenses on an M-mount camera? I understand it's a scale-focus affair. Basically, I ask because I have a few OM lenses (21/2, off-brand fisheye) that I could conceive of using scale-focus. So, I'm hoping to get some words from the wise as to if it's worth it.

I use Rayqual adapters to fit Nikon, Olympus and Pentax M42 mount lenses on Leica M-mount cameras. Of course this is most useful when I'm working with the Ricoh GXR-M since it is an electronic TTL viewing and focusing system.

The Rayqual mount adapters have a nice feature that helps with focusing: they press on the rangefinder cam so that you can easily use the M's rangefinder to locate where 3m is. It's always much easier to judge a distance once you have a point of reference ... this makes the point of reference portable without having to have other tools (like a tape measure or yardstick) handy.

I've purchased these mount adapters from Japan Exposures - they're available for Nikon F, Contax/Yashica, Pentax K, Olympus OM, Leica R, Minolta MD, Exakta/Topcor, and M42 thread lens mounts. A little pricey but at least they also come with M-bayonet back caps which saves having to hunt those up and pay extra for them too.

http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/p...roducts_id=383

flip · 10-10-2012

I use lots of adapters, stacked, with a Nex. Really, I am concerned mostly with the experience of non-RF coupled lenses at large apertures on Ms. I will give it a shot!