Converting SLR Lens To M Mount? Who Does It?

wjlapier

wjlapier

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Who can do a conversion of a SLR lens to M mount? I have a Minolta Rokkor 58/1.2 that I might sell, but I'm starting to think I might look for someone who could do a conversion to M mount. It would need to be convert so that it would be rangefinder coupled. I have two of these lenses and one is in EOS mount and is the one I would convert. My other I did myself to F-mount. I know of one person but am wondering who is best qualified for the job?
 
Honestly I thought that it was impossible to convert an SLR lens such as Canon EOS mount to a rangefinder mount like the Leica M mount compatibility since their lens design are different from being retrofocus to non retrofocus if I'm not mistaken.
 
The rangefinder cam can't be added to an SLR lens. It is part of the focusing helicaloid in a rangefinder lens and would be way too complex to add to a lens that wasn't designed with it. Sell your minolta and buy a Canon 50/1.2 or a Konica f1.2 (or a Noctilux if you're rich!)
 
Ebay seller amedeo.m has (at least once) successfully adapted (with RF coupling) a Nikkor 55/1.2.

If I remember right, seller 38333 occasionally offers converted SLR Canon 1.2 lenses, also with coupling.

But it's expensive. In the Nikkor case the rear of the lens was replaced, in the Canon case a cam added to the lens. Definitely cheaper to get a Canon 50/1.2 LTM. Different characteristics, of course.

Best,

Roland.
 
I'm aware of Amedeo's 55/1.2 conversion. I've asked him about my Yashinon 55/1.2 and he suggested the Nikkor 55 or 50/1.2.

I'm just thinking right now. The Rokkor is a very nice lens and held it's own against the Noct Nikkor in a test, as well as against other fast 50's. The two I have are sharp sharp sharp at 1.2. Hence I'm reluctant to let it go if I can use it in another way. I do have the 50/.95, but not converted yet.
 
Amedeo also has converted a Zeiss 50mm lens QBM for the Rolleiflex into M mount. He is a skilled man.
 
Bill, the Rokkors are nice lenses. :) Since I have a Minolta MD adapter for my G1, feel free to send one to me, no conversion necessary, except ownership. :)

EDIT: I see you have converted the mounts, well, the F-mount would be fine too.
 
On the Nikkor 55/1.2, Amedeo removed the lens elements and put them into an entirely new barrel. This is more along the lines of the MS Optical Contax G lens conversions that Japan Exposures sells, as opposed to adapting a lens to a different mount.
 

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digitalintrigue said:
On the Nikkor 55/1.2, Amedeo removed the lens elements and put them into an entirely new barrel. This is more along the lines of the MS Optical Contax G lens conversions that Japan Exposures sells, as opposed to adapting a lens to a different mount.
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Was the cost along the cost by MS Optical?
Around $650?
 
digitalintrigue said:
Bill, the Rokkors are nice lenses. :) Since I have a Minolta MD adapter for my G1, feel free to send one to me, no conversion necessary, except ownership. :)

EDIT: I see you have converted the mounts, well, the F-mount would be fine too.
Click to expand...

Sure thing--I'll trade you a lens for machining work on my cine lenses :)

Actually, the Rokkors can be converted back if I can find a spacer and dug up the parts I took off. Where did you get the MD>G1 adapter?
 
digitalintrigue said:
If memory serves, he auctioned the lens and it reached something like $1600.
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This is the cost of lens plus conversion. I meant to say $650 for the labor alone to convert the lens.

Still, it is a high cost, but some people pay the money.
 
A couple of pics of Amedeo's converted Nikkor 55/1.2. Not in my possession though--who is the lucky person he made this for :)
 

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Cameraquest does have adapters that allows you to mount a Nikkor SLR lens on to a M or LTM camera. It is not coupled, but has its own distance scale. You "focus" with the distance scale - transfer the setting to the lens and shoot. It woks fine with wider lenses (24/28/35 and even 50) - longer lenses are bit more critical. I tried it on my 200f4 Micro - with limited success.
 
I will try out the G1 lenses today on a Leica M body.
FEDEX where are you??!!!!


update: The lenses arrived.
 
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Tom A said:
Cameraquest does have adapters that allows you to mount a Nikkor SLR lens on to a M or LTM camera. It is not coupled, but has its own distance scale. You "focus" with the distance scale - transfer the setting to the lens and shoot. It woks fine with wider lenses (24/28/35 and even 50) - longer lenses are bit more critical. I tried it on my 200f4 Micro - with limited success.
Click to expand...

Thanx Tom,
I've looked at those from Cameraquest and other's on the 'net. My original idea was to convert a Minolta Rokkor 58/1.2 to M, but now maybe S mount ( use my S>M adapter ). I'm still thinking of buying the Nikon>M mount adapter to play around with my Nikkors on a G1. Hmmm...I could use my Rokkor Nikkor too :cool:

Bill
 
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