M42 to M39 adapter ?

[Mozg31337]

Hello,

I was wondering if I can fit an M42 lens on my Leica IIIf camera with M39 mount? I would like to retain the focusing and rangefinder function. Do these adapters exist or even possible?

Thanks

 

[AgX]

There is no M42 lens with an actuator for the rangefinder at its back, thus you will not get the rangefinder working.

 

[Wallendo]

In addition to the rangefinder not working, the flange focal distance for m42 cameras is different from leica thread mounts,so the distances printed on the lens could not be used to focus the lens.

You would essentially have no way to focus the lens

 

[bdial]

The M42 flange distance is longer than a Leica's, so an adaptor that takes that into account is theoretically possible, and could provide a full focusing range. (as opposed to the opposite which would only yield good focus for close distances). But, as noted, M42 lenses don't have the coupler for the rangefinder arm. It might be possible to mod a lens, but it probably would no longer be usable on an SLR. There are a ton of mount adaptors on ebay being made in China, I've never had a reason to look, but an M42 to LTM adaptor may exist, but it's unlikely to include rangefinder coupling.

 

[BrianVS]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Kipon-Adapter-for-Zeiss-Pentax-M42-Screw-Mount-Lens-to-Leica-M39-L39-Camera/282148183633?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=2&asc=41375&meid=c99ea71739d54844a4258e8bf792afc8&pid=100005&rk=3&rkt=6&sd=322175653416&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Adapters exist to correct for the flange distance and to mount the M42 lens to the Leica 39mm thread mount. You will be limited to scale focus. For 50mm lenses- it is possible to make an RF Cam as the optics move 1:1 with the RF pickup.

Canon 50/1.4 FL by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Canon 50/1.4, now RF Coupled by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

M Monochrom with Canon 50/1.4 FL mount by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

[Alan Johnson]

Hello,

I was wondering if I can fit an M42 lens on my Leica IIIf camera with M39 mount? I would like to retain the focusing and rangefinder function. Do these adapters exist or even possible?

Thanks

Yes you can, I have one, it's just a plastic tube , it relies on using the focus scale on the M42 lens. I used it for a 28mm lens as these are expensive in ltm.
I never heard of any that retain focusing and rangefinder function.