Hexanon AR (and others) to M conversions

craigclu · Aug 7, 2010

I stumbled onto this recently on eBay.

http://tinyurl.com/29ndemn

This first struck me as a bit silly and simply an exercise to show it could be done. As I think more about it, there are some lenses that might be worth the effort to refit to M body use. The seller also shows a number of other mount conversions but because I use Konica 35 gear, I was intrigued by the thought that certain focal lengths could be added for moderate cost to an M system with items that I already own duplicates in.

Not really knowing the exact needs for machining, especially the focusing coordination/framing lines, do you more experienced M folks think this is a legitimate exercise? Maybe this is a common activity and I never had reason to run into it before...? Thoughts?

olleorama · Aug 7, 2010

Why do they all have some sort of vivitar ring on them?

John Koehrer · Aug 7, 2010

Does the adapted lens engage the focusing cam? Then I ask myself, why put the larger SLR lens on the M at all?
If it's for the challenge I don't see any reason why not, it's your stuff.

elekm · Aug 8, 2010

Sure, it can be done. But are you that hard up to use a lens on an M body that you'll spend three to 10 times the value of a lens just so you can use it with a Leica?

These are interesting conversions, but I myself have better uses for my hard-earned cash. But I guess if you got it, you can flaunt it.

To each is own, the cliche says.

6x9 · Aug 8, 2010

These guys, MS Optical R&D, can usually make any lens into a Leica thread mount. They usually run around 600-800 USD. But literally, any lens, they can mod. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/megaperls/4789402434/)

craigclu · Aug 8, 2010

I thought I'd record the name and address of the company instead of losing track of it after the auction....

The Professional #1 Camera
21521 Gault St
Canoga Park, CA 91303
Phone (818) 713-9276

I understand the alternate comments and for the most part, pretty much agree. Konica has some glass that is available at give-away prices these days and the total package to get a look that you wish on a fast handling rf body could be useful for some applications. The 35mm 2.0, 40mm 1.8, 57mm 1.2 and 85mm 1.8 and some of the 50mm primes are stunning performers and some are also well thought of Bokeh-wise. If I had a buggered up 57mm with working blades, I think I'd give it more than a passing thought. I'm sure others can think of a favorite lens that would be a good likely candidate, too.

Is the Vivitar piece some sort of altered TX hardware that he's using to space out the mount?

olleorama · Aug 9, 2010

craigclu said:
I thought I'd record the name and address of the company instead of losing track of it after the auction....

The Professional #1 Camera
21521 Gault St
Canoga Park, CA 91303
Phone (818) 713-9276

I understand the alternate comments and for the most part, pretty much agree. Konica has some glass that is available at give-away prices these days and the total package to get a look that you wish on a fast handling rf body could be useful for some applications. The 35mm ƒ2.0, 40mm ƒ1.8, 57mm ƒ1.2 and 85mm ƒ1.8 and some of the 50mm primes are stunning performers and some are also well thought of Bokeh-wise. If I had a buggered up 57mm with working blades, I think I'd give it more than a passing thought. I'm sure others can think of a favorite lens that would be a good likely candidate, too.

Is the Vivitar piece some sort of altered TX hardware that he's using to space out the mount?

The leica lens to film distance is less than konica or any other slr mount (Leica 27.8, SLRs 40+ mm.). So why a spacer???

craigclu · Aug 9, 2010

I assumed a spacer would be required to get the lens to its normal distance to the film plane for the reason you stated....?

olleorama · Aug 9, 2010

craigclu said:
I assumed a spacer would be required to get the lens to its normal distance to the film plane for the reason you stated....?

How the h*ll do I think? Of course you're right!

Hexanon AR (and others) to M conversions

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