R lenses on M

[Guest bresson]

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I was wondering if any one has any experiences or opinions about using R lenses on the M6. Which R lenses (focal lengths and versions, cams etc.) may work and what the draw backs might be? Which R to M adapter works best? I believe I saw referances somewhere about two differant adapters that were available. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Brian

[mym6is12]

I've used the Leica 22228 adapter with R series 16mm and 180mm f/4 lenses.

The images were sharp.

 

However the adapter needed a small amount of filing on the M side mount lug at the 11 o'clock position before it mounted cleanly on my M6.

The R mount side also needed similar treatment at 2 o'clock. ( both referred to the red dot )

 

Slightly annoyingly, the RF patch on the M6 was not at infinity - it need about 0.2mm of tape shim to push the cam into place. On the 22228 there is a lip inside the rear most part of the mount.

 

In summary - the third part Novoflex etc. adapters might be a better choice

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[doubice]

Brian,

 

Leica only made one adapter - order number was 22228. This adapter was made to adapt R lenses to a Super 8 movie camera made by Leitz in the early 1970's - Leicina Super.

 

Since the film plane to film distance of the Leicina Super and Leica M bodies, the 22228 adapter can be used to mount R lenses to M bodies as well. Unfortunately, The Leicina Super was not a great sales success thus not too many 22228 adapter exist. You can however, try Stephen Gandy's Cameraquest; I am sure that he can supply a modern equivalent of the adapter. Here is a link to his site:

 

http://www.cameraquest.com/adaptnew.htm

 

Theoretically, you can use any Leica R lens on an M body with the adapter. The number of cams on the R lens is unimportant, as they serve no purpose when the lens is mounted on the adapter. There are two drawbacks: R lenses are larger and heavier than M lenses, but more importantly, you will not have any rangefinder coupling. Ideally, it only makes sense to use wideangle R lenses, because of their great depth of field - a small mistake in guessing the distance will not be such a big issue.

 

You will also have to pay attention to your M6's viewfinder. The adpater will not key in the correct frame for the lens you use and you will have to do it manually with the frame preview lever. Or, you might have to buy a separate finder.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Jan

[bono0272]

I find one camera shop in Hong Kong selling a R to M adaptor, and it claims that the rangefinder function can be retained. However, I don't have a M series camera so I didn't try.

 

Does anyone own the experience of using such kind of adaptor? It is Japan-made.

[Gerd K]

Look here!

http://www.cameraquest.com/adpSLRRF.htm

Gerd

[ptomsu]

also if this is possible it is a contradiction in itself because of SIZE and operation

[petermcwerner]

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I've used the Leica 22228 adapter.

The R mount side also needed similar treatment at 2 o'clock. ( both referred to the red dot

 

My R lenses would not fit the adapter because of the 3 cams and the ROM contacts. The 22228 was made at the time of the original Leicaflex.

I discussed the matter yesterday with a Leica service technician and he suggested to substitute the R side with a new R mount. Leica (Switzerland) is going to do it for me. I shall post the result here once I get it back (expected in about a week)

[petermcwerner]

also if this is possible it is a contradiction in itself because of SIZE and operation

 

I am looking forward to using my R 21-35 on an M

[andrlik_mischa]

yes, i have the same problem.

it will cost about 180,- euro.

for this price you can get a new one (novoflex) ...

[telyt]

My R lenses would not fit the adapter because of the 3 cams and the ROM contacts.

 

It's actually because a ROM lens has an R-only flange which will not fit on the Leicaflex-era adapter. Don Goldberg can modify the adapter's flange for US$30 or so.

[pilot]

I use the 22228 adapter on the M4 with the 28mm and 35mm Elmarit-R. These are both 3 cam lenses, but as Doug points out, it's the ROM lenses that have a problem. There's no rangefinder coupling but the depth of field is wide enough for a good guess at focussing.

 

Bryan