Has anyone used a Pentax M42 to Leica M adapter for 24mm SMC Takumar?

Kodachromeguy

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 3, 2016
Messages
2,084
Location
Olympia, Washington
Format
Multi Format
Hi y'awl (Southern talk). I have a nice 24mm SMC Takumar lens that is pretty decent quality. Once in a while I would like a 24 for my Leica M2, but would rather pass on the Leica and Zeiss M lenses for now. Has anyone tried the Kipon or other brands of M42 to Leica M adapters? I realize it would be scale focus, but with a 24, that is not a issue at all. Any experience with these adapters? Thanks.
 

Oren Grad

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2005
Messages
1,619
Format
Large Format
Although I don't have an SLR mount-to-M mount adapter, I do have M42-to-Pen F and Nikon F-to-Pen F adapters. But I rarely use them. The main problem is that lenses designed for SLRs are disproportionately large, particularly in barrel diameter, compared to the small Pen F body. So at least for my taste, the combination of lens on adapter plus camera body makes for an awkward shape and awkward handling. Working with native Pen F lenses is just way more comfortable. I suspect it would be the same with SLR lenses on a Leica M.

PS: Sure, there are folks out there who are comfortable with their Noctiluxes and new-generation wide-angle mega-Summiluxes who might not mind.
 

Patrick Robert James

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2012
Messages
3,380
Format
35mm RF
I used a Kipon to fully convert a 50mm Pentax-M lens to Leica M mount, rangefinder coupling and all.

You should probably avoid the cheap mounts on ebay since you will be guesstimating the focus. They need to be precisely made for that to work on a film camera.

I have another adapter, Contax SLR to Leica M, and I occasionally use that with a 21mm lens. Easy to use.

By the way, the trick to focus a lens that isn't coupled is to memorize how far the lens needs to be turned for a set distance, then after every image turn the lens back to infinity. If you do this you won't have to look at the lens. It is also the way you should focus your Leica in general since it makes a Leica incredibly fast to focus when you are starting at infinity and your brain knows which way to turn the lens. It eliminates fishing for focus.

Hope that helps.
 

Patrick Robert James

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2012
Messages
3,380
Format
35mm RF
Kodachromeguy said:
What brand is the adapter that you use with the Contax SLR lens? Also, I assume it is uncoupled, meaning you guess at focus (easy with a 21mm lens). Thanks!
Click to expand...

I just took a look and have no idea what kind it is. I bought it years ago and it says Japan on it. There are no other markings. And yes, it is uncoupled. It is easy to guesstimate focus with a wide angle. Just memorize how far it has to be turned for a few distances. Or easier still, just set it for hyperfocal distance and snap away. Easy.
 

Fixcinater

Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2008
Messages
2,500
Location
San Diego, CA
Format
Medium Format
I've used a few adapters stacked up in a variety of ways:

Canon FDn 24/2 > Canon Lens Mount Converter B > Leica LTM/M Adapter > Leica M3 or CL
Canon FDn 24 or 35/2.8 > Canon Lens Mount Converter B > Canon P or 7
Pentax Takumar 24 or 28 or 35 > Canon Lens Mount Converter P > Canon Lens Mount Converter B > Canon P or 7
Pentax Takumar 24 or 28 or 35 > Canon Lens Mount Converter P > Canon Lens Mount Converter B > Leica LTM/M Adapter > Leica M3 or CL

All can work, toughest part is figuring out VF for those wider focal lengths without breaking the budget.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…