Repair/Projects

[Brian]

I'm going to suggest a "Repair/Project" type forum. This could be for DIY repair, like adjusting RF's or maybe even hacking lenses...

I've been modifying some Contax mount lenses for Leica's, Contax Mount lenses for Nikon, and even a Nikon camera for Contax lenses. I'll upload shots of the pre-war Contax to LTM conversion, and what to do with those left-over J-3 parts.

Let's just say, I've got several J-3's in Contax and Nikon S-Mount as a result of the Contax to LTM conversions. And based on the filing of the Contax mount required to collimate the J-3's, it's not an exact copy...

[Tom A]

Brian, that would be a great topic. I am currently looking at a similar project, converting a M1 Leica to Nikon Rf mount. The M1 has two fixed frames (50/35) and would be nice with the 35f1.8 and the SC Sonnar 50mm f1.5 - and I could put a M2 Rapidwinder on it.
My "current" M1 is in Germany at the moment, being converted to 27x24 frame set up and having the fixed frames re-etched to give the correct proportions as well as having a rangefinder put into it. FrankenLeica's anyone?

[Amin Sabet]

Hi Brian and Tom,

I'm happy to create such a forum, but I'm guessing that those topics will get more attention in the General Discussion forum than they would in a separate forum listed in the "Other Categories" section. Maybe you could post them here for now, and if/when the site gets busier, I could move them to a dedicated forum. What do you think?

----------------------------------
Dec 16 edit - Decided to make a new forum after all, in light of the discussion developing in this thread.

[Brian]

That works for me- "repair/Projects" would be seen from the opening page, and the topics certainly span the range of cameras. Might even post answers on adjusting the RF on a Nikon if someone asked.

A Leica converted to a Nikon- gotta see that!

[digitalintrigue]

Tom, the s-mount converted M1 would also have a rangefinder installed? Will surgery be required on the body and RF cam to get the rear element of the 35/1.8 to fit?

[Tom A]

I have a new SP focussing mount (thanks to Jonmanjiro) and as there will be some modification to the lens opening, if the lens fits the Nikon RF mount - it will fit the M2. Problem is getting the cam on the Nikon mount to respond properly to the M2 "roller". Oh well. research is required. I know it can be done as someone in Hong Kong had a M6 retrofitted with a Contax mount and it worked. I havent decided if it should be re-engraved Leicon or Nicla though.

[Brian]

How about Leica SP. Leica MP was already used.

Be sure to post some pictures of the process! The Orion Style adapters work, the problem with the 35/1.8 is hitting the back of the RF pickup of the Leica. If that wheel was cut down to "just" pickup the back of the adapter, "I think" it should fit.

Must remember to get out the Nikon E3 with 60/2.8 Micro-Nikkor and SB-29, my favorite DSLR setup for taking pictures of cameras. It's humongous, but great for camera shots.

[digitalintrigue]

The Leikon is a great idea. :)

http://rangefinderrestorations.com/Gallery_files/Media/array/array.jpg

I tried using an S-mount to M-mount adapter Amedeo Muscelli made for me using a Nikon S helical. The 35/1.8 was just a bit too big, as Brian says. Amedeo makes another adapter without a helical that offsets the lens to clear the RF cam, although it is then not coupled and won't work with internal mount lenses.

There might be something that could be done to the back end of the 35/1.8 to clear the cam.

Will you be able to accurately focus the Sonnar in a Nikon helical, while also achieving focus with the Nikkor?

[Tom A]

The Sonnar is the new version. The SC version of the M-mount C Sonnar 50f1.5. It should work fine with the adapter (I have tried it on a M-camera with the Orion style adapter).
As the Nicla would be a permanent installation and the rangefinder installed in the M1 - it is possible to change the position of the "roller" and the arm sufficiently to clear the back of the 35f1.8.
It will probably be a 2009 project and time will be freely available. My plan is to have it done in time for the 2010 Nikon Historical Society Meeting in Brussels! Truly a long term plan.

[Brian]

I have a Contax to M-Mount adapter that Roland made, with an arch cut into it. It corrects the difference in focus between the Sonnar and Leica. It works. He gave his first-try at it to me, I tightened up the focus with some vacuum pump grease in the helical, real Russian style.

On the Carl Zeiss Opton Sonnar: VinceC gave me one that "never focussed on anything". It did not, either. I moved the rear group in toward the front group to correct it, and kept going until it was good on the Nikon. I later shimmed it to work on an LTM adapter, so it stays on a Canon 7.

[digitalintrigue]

The Sonnar is the new version.
As the Nicla would be a permanent installation and the rangefinder installed in the M1 - it is possible to change the position of the "roller" and the arm sufficiently to clear the back of the 35f1.8.


I see, the modern Sonnar. Is it also the modern 35/1.8?

Cool project!