Canon FD to Leica M

[RJV]

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As many users of the Leica M-240 have experienced, lenses of many types can be attached and used with the live view. However, I want to illustrate a possible problem in mounting Canon FD lenses onto the Leica M body with the Canon converter B and LTM to M adapter. For many years, I have used the Canon converter B connected to the Leica LTM to M adapter with my M3, M4-2 and M6 to make photos with my Canon FD 15mm fisheye lens. While there are no problems with the M3, the Canon converter B slightly binds against the M4-2, M6, M9, and M-240 focusing cam follower roller as it is attached onto the Leica body. While mounting, the converter B wedges between the upper part of the roller edge and the inside of the converter causing stress to the roller arm. In addition, as the focusing roller rubs against the black painted inside surface of the converter B, particles of paint will chip off and get onto the sensor.

A safe way to attach this adapter module is to screw the converter B to the LTM to M adapter first. Then, while mounting the adapter module to the camera, slightly press the Leica focusing cam roller into the camera as the adapter module is rotated into place, thus relieving any binding. Then, attach the FD lens. Remove the lens by reversing the above order. Be extra careful so as not to push the roller in too far. Simply watch the interaction between the converter B and the roller as the adapter module is mounted to judge how much to move the roller as the adapter is rotated into place. This could also introduce dirt particles into the body and onto the sensor.

Since the threaded part of the converter B appears to be about one mm too long, a machinist can shorten that threaded part of the converter B to clear any interference between the adapter and the cam roller. That is how I fixed my adapter.

RJV:)

[philcycles]

As many users of the Leica M-240 have experienced, lenses of many types can be attached and used with the live view. However, I want to illustrate a possible problem in mounting Canon FD lenses onto the Leica M body with the Canon converter B and LTM to M adapter. For many years, I have used the Canon converter B connected to the Leica LTM to M adapter with my M3, M4-2 and M6 to make photos with my Canon FD 15mm fisheye lens. While there are no problems with the M3, the Canon converter B slightly binds against the M4-2, M6, M9, and M-240 focusing cam follower roller as it is attached onto the Leica body. While mounting, the converter B wedges between the upper part of the roller edge and the inside of the converter causing stress to the roller arm. In addition, as the focusing roller rubs against the black painted inside surface of the converter B, particles of paint will chip off and get onto the sensor.

A safe way to attach this adapter module is to screw the converter B to the LTM to M adapter first. Then, while mounting the adapter module to the camera, slightly press the Leica focusing cam roller into the camera as the adapter module is rotated into place, thus relieving any binding. Then, attach the FD lens. Remove the lens by reversing the above order. Be extra careful so as not to push the roller in too far. Simply watch the interaction between the converter B and the roller as the adapter module is mounted to judge how much to move the roller as the adapter is rotated into place. This could also introduce dirt particles into the body and onto the sensor.

Since the threaded part of the converter B appears to be about one mm too long, a machinist can shorten that threaded part of the converter B to clear any interference between the adapter and the cam roller. That is how I fixed my adapter.

RJV:)

 

No offense but I wouldn't use Converter B.. I believe it's meant for use on the bellows. I'd use one of the many FD to M adapters available without using Converter B.

Phil Brown

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