Is there an adapter that will permit the use of Leica screw-type lenses in an M-6? If so, where would be a likely place to locate one? Or is there a strong downside to the use of such an adapter?

-- Paul Arnold (osprey@bmt.net), August 30, 1999

Answers

Hi Paul

Here's one for sale on Photo.Net:
http://photo.net/gc/view-one.tcl?classified_ad_id=227719

I never used such an adaptor but I believe the rangefinder coupling mechanism may not be accessible while using the adaptor.


-- Asher (schachter@a1.tch.harvard.edu), August 30, 1999.

Interesting you should ask. Voightlander just revived itself with a new camera body and two lenses in Leica screw mount--a 15mm and a 25mm--both at very reasonable prices (if you're used to Leica prices, anyway). See the latest issue of Shutterbug.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), August 30, 1999.

Asher is right that the rangefinder mechanism won't work anymore with such an adaptor but with very wide angle lenses (deep DoF) like the voigtlander 15mm and maybe even the 25mm this would not prevent me from going for it.

-- Lot (lotw@wxs.nl), August 31, 1999.

I certainly am not a Leica expert but do own 3 Leica cameras.

One is a M-3. Leica made adaptors from screw mount to the bayonet mount of the M series. They made different adaptors for different focal length lenses so the viewfinder would show the proper image. I have a 50MM adaptor and my rangefinder works perfectly with the M-3

-- Wes Martinson (wesmartinson@usa.com), September 01, 1999.

Is there an adapter that will permit the use of Leica screw-type lenses in an M-6?

Yes - there are several. Some are vintage Leica, some are still being made by Bower. There may be others.

If so, where would be a likely place to locate one?

Anyplace that sells Leica. Try BH in New York--- they have the Bower.

Or is there a strong downside to the use of such an adapter?

Some of the older Leica lenses may not be as good as the newer ones and many of them take wierd sized filters. The adapters are made for different focal legnth lenses --- they have a notch that activates the appropriate frame finder in the viewfinder. Thus, in order to have the frame finder of the 50mm lens in your M6 viefinder when mounting a 50mm screwmount lens, you must have a 50mm adapter. The adapters are made for pairs of lenses - I don't remember how they are paired --- 28mm and 90? 50 and 135? Ask B&H or Leica dealer.

The adapter allows the lenses to mount and focus normally, including normal rangefinder use unless the screw mount lens does not have a rangefinder coupling. I believe this is the case of the new Voightlander lenses. It is not thew case with most older Leica, Canon Screwmount or other lenses.

-- a. dale (adale6@excite.com), September 25, 1999.

If anyone could answer your question , it would be LENS and REPRO in New York. Phone # ? . Call 411.

-- jim megargee (jim@mvlabs.com), September 27, 1999.