Leica M adapter for ZF.2 100/2

[timberline12k]

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Excuse my lack of knowledge, but will the new Leica M allow using any F mount lenses with an adapter? Leica makes reference to R lenses, but I am unfamiliar with them. I have a ZF.2 100/2 that I would really like to keep to use on my D800E, but I am planning to sell it to help fund my rangefinder kit. If it could be used on the Leica M, I could justify keeping the Zeiss for macro and portraits on both bodies.

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[adan]

Yes, you'll be able to put Nikon F-mount lenses on the "M" body for use with the Visoflex EVF, or live-view. There are already adapters out there, and the "M's" new viewing options make them even more effective and attractive. The only limitation would be for the newer (G?) lenses that no longer have an aperture ring on the lens, and the 100 ZF.2 doesn't have that weakness.

 

(History - you could adapt Nikkors to M bodies even in the film era. Practically speaking, this was limited to wide-angle lenses with lots of DoF, since there was no way to focus except using the lens footage scale. The new electronic viewing is what expands use to fast long lenses like the 100mm f/2 Makro. )

[k-hawinkler]

Yes, you'll be able to put Nikon F-mount lenses on the "M" body for use with the Visoflex EVF, or live-view. There are already adapters out there, and the "M's" new viewing options make them even more effective and attractive. The only limitation would be for the newer (G?) lenses that no longer have an aperture ring on the lens, and the 100 ZF.2 doesn't have that weakness.

 

(History - you could adapt Nikkors to M bodies even in the film era. Practically speaking, this was limited to wide-angle lenses with lots of DoF, since there was no way to focus except using the lens footage scale. The new electronic viewing is what expands use to fast long lenses like the 100mm f/2 Makro. )

 

No problem at all. There are adapters that can set the aperture on a Nikon G lens.

I use the camera exposure meter to count the f-stops when changing the lens aperture that way.

[timberline12k]

Yes, you'll be able to put Nikon F-mount lenses on the "M" body for use with the Visoflex EVF, or live-view. There are already adapters out there, and the "M's" new viewing options make them even more effective and attractive. The only limitation would be for the newer (G?) lenses that no longer have an aperture ring on the lens, and the 100 ZF.2 doesn't have that weakness.

 

(History - you could adapt Nikkors to M bodies even in the film era. Practically speaking, this was limited to wide-angle lenses with lots of DoF, since there was no way to focus except using the lens footage scale. The new electronic viewing is what expands use to fast long lenses like the 100mm f/2 Makro. )

Andy,

 

Thanks for the information. Being able to use the ZF.2 100/2 on both the Leica M and D800E would be great. I already sold my ZF.2 21/2.8 and ZF.2 35/1.4, but replaced them with the Leica 21/.34 and Leica 35/1.4 (on order). They are a lot smaller which is part of the reason I am making the shift to a rangefinder kit.

 

What are the best adapters that allow F lenses on M mounts?

[hoppyman]

David if you are selling stuff and moving to the new M, why not use the APO Summicron ASPH 90 or the 75 You won't need any adapter or EVF and the quality of the results is superb on my M9. .

I have that very nice CZ lens too that I use on a Nikon but you've started me on a train of thought there .

[spylaw4]

Always provided you can actually get hold of a new APO-90 of course! They do seem to be in very short supply these days.

[andyedward]

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Novoflex are highly regarded and make a Leica M to Nikon F adaptor

[timberline12k]

David if you are selling stuff and moving to the new M, why not use the APO Summicron ASPH 90 or the 75 You won't need any adapter or EVF and the quality of the results is superb on my M9. .

I have that very nice CZ lens too that I use on a Nikon but you've started me on a train of thought there .

I would only occasionally use a telephoto/macro on the Leica M and think a 21/35/50 three lens kit will cover 95% of my needs with the Leica M. Keeping the ZF.2 100/2 will allow me to get the most out of the D800E. Adding the ability (adapter) to use it on the Leica M would be a bonus and negate the need to purchase any additional M lenses.

[timberline12k]

Novoflex are highly regarded and make a Leica M to Nikon F adaptor

 

Is this the correct adapter? Novoflex Lens Adapter for Nikon Lens to Leica M Camera

 

Does the focal length and f/stop stay the same?

[AlanJW]

I too have the Zeiss 100 Makro in F mount and am looking forward to using it on the M for closeups (perhaps other Nikon lenses as well). I already have an inexpensive adapter and will give it a try before springing for the Novoflex.

[giordano]

Is this the correct adapter? Novoflex Lens Adapter for Nikon Lens to Leica M Camera

 

That adapter is the one needed to control the aperture setting on Nikon "G" lenses, which don't have aperture rings. Your ZF lens would work on it, but a simpler adapter without the aperture control would work just as well and cost a lot less if you buy from eBay.

Does the focal length and f/stop stay the same?

 

Yes.

[timberline12k]

That adapter is the one needed to control the aperture setting on Nikon "G" lenses, which don't have aperture rings. Your ZF lens would work on it, but a simpler adapter without the aperture control would work just as well and cost a lot less if you buy from eBay.

 

I looked on eBay and found some (Nipon, etc.) around $90. Is there one that is better quality, or are they all about the same? Does Novaflex offer a basic version? Novaflex shows 3 new adapters for the Leica M:

• LEM/MIN-AF NT
  
• LEM/NIK NT
  
• LEM/PENT NT
  

[giordano]

I looked on eBay and found some (Nipon, etc.) around $90. Is there one that is better quality, or are they all about the same? Does Novaflex offer a basic version? Novaflex shows 3 new adapters for the Leica M:

• LEM/MIN-AF NT
  
• LEM/NIK NT
  
• LEM/PENT NT
  

 

Probably there's a difference in quality but I don't know the brand names. Searching this forum should find some comments about them. Failing that, I'd avoid the cheapest and probably choose one from a range that includes some of the small-market and more complex adapters, in the hope that this means the maker cares about photography. For example (and I've never bought one) Kipon offer the mechanically complex adapters needed to use Contax RF and Alpa Reflex lenses on Leica bodies.

 

A look at the Novoflex website suggests that these days they only offer the F to M adapter in the version with aperture control.

 

Another good source of adapters is CameraQuest Home Page. I got my F to M adapter from them years ago. No concerns about quality.

[andyedward]

Is this the correct adapter? Novoflex Lens Adapter for Nikon Lens to Leica M Camera

 

Does the focal length and f/stop stay the same?

 

The register distance with this adapter and your zeiss will be the same as with any FF nikon body, so f stop and focal length remain the same when you use the M, adapter, and zeiss 100/2

[hoppyman]

I would only occasionally use a telephoto/macro on the Leica M and think a 21/35/50 three lens kit will cover 95% of my needs with the Leica M. Keeping the ZF.2 100/2 will allow me to get the most out of the D800E. Adding the ability (adapter) to use it on the Leica M would be a bonus and negate the need to purchase any additional M lenses.

 

OK that makes sense