Nikon lenses on M Monochrom

[Ecar]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

You may already know this, but worth checking: are you 100% sure that the lens is in Contax (not Nikon RF) mount? They are very similar - and the lenses appear interchangeable - but the focusing helicals have a slightly different pitch, which may account for the issue you are observing. This is why Amedeo makes different Nikkor and Contax to M adapters. A Nikkor lens for Contax should have a "C" engraved somewhere at the bottom of the barrel.

Otherwise, a competent technician should be able to adjust your lens - although it is likely that some focus shift will remain. Here's a list - possibly somewhat incomplete or outdated, but a good starting point:

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-news/leica-repair-specialists/

And welcome to the forum!

[Photon42]

As Ecar says, check if it really is a Contax RF mount lens. I suspect your adapter is a real Contax RF mount adapter, as you seem to have it already and probably tried it successfully. I just want to make the remark, that the difference between Nikon and Contax focussing does not show really with wide angle lenses. It starts showing form 50mm.

Your MM doesn't need to be send in, if it focuses well with other lenses. Also -   ensure your observation is correct and it is not simply a user focussing error.

Edited August 16, 2019 by Photon42

[farnz]

Hi, Lochlann,

The 'problem' might be your adaptor because Nikkor and Contax hellicoids were a slightly different pitch I believe so Amadeo Muscelli produces different Leica M to Contax and Leica M to Nikon adaptors.  Both will fit either lenses but the focus will be slightly off if not matched to the right lens.

I have several Carl Zeiss Jena lenses in Contax mount and Nikkor Kogaku 50/1.4 and 50/2 lenses in Nikon mount and swapping the adaptors produces focussing problems for me.

It might be that your Nikkor 105 does need adjustment but I recommend finding a way to try it with an Amadeo Nikon mount adaptor before paying money trying to have it recalibrated.  (If you're intending to use the 105 on your Contax adaptor I can't see how recalibration will help since the pitches still won't match but happy to be corrected.)

Pete.

Agh! - I didn't see Ecar's and Photon42's posts saying the same on the next page.

@l9magen

Edited August 16, 2019 by farnz

[l9magen]

Thanks for the replies.

I can confirm it is a Contax-mount lens as it has the requisite 'C' engraved on the barrel. I have the specific Contax/Leica-M adapter (by Amedeo). My method to check was to place the camera on a tripod with bookshelf (and books) at a fixed (and measured) distance from the camera/lens. Then, focus & shoot by rangefinder, and focus & shoot by LiveView - compared results. The LiveView results are always sharper, regardless of distance or focal length (I varied f-length at different distances).

I even confirmed the LV distances by placing the lens on (another Amedeo) Contax/Sony-E adapter. Same distances being recorded for focus on either adapter.

So I'm fairtly certain it is the lens in need of calibration - if the two adapters had provided different distances for correct focus, I could have said the problem lay with the original Contax/Leica-M adapter.

I'd like to use the lens on my Typ-246, but at this point (and having had two previous unsuccessful purchases with the 10.5cm for this camera..both down to poor glass though), I think I'll settle for keeping this one and send it off to the repair specialists that Ecar provided. Cost be damned....it's a great lens as the tests have shown already. 

 

One thought, if I had gotten an LTM version, would that have prevented me ever reunning into this problem in the first place?

 

Again, thanks for all the help. You have proved to be a great resource for me.

Lochlann

[Ecar]

6 hours ago, l9magen said:

One thought, if I had gotten an LTM version, would that have prevented me ever reunning into this problem in the first place?

I'm afraid not. I have had vintage LTM lenses that needed calibration, as well as Nikon or Contax mount lenses that were spot on when mounted on the appropriate adapter. The vast majority of them, however, needed some cleaning and/or re-lubing, so they got a full CLA and were also adjusted in the process. It's also worth bearing in mind that these lenses were designed for film, which is more tolerant than digital when it comes to slight focus deviations. Also, the problem is somehow magnified (ie, more visible) with longer/faster lenses used wide open.

Edit: if you are going to send the lens for calibration, the camera body doesn't need to go, but my experience is that it's better to send both the lens AND the adapter you are planning to use to ensure perfect adjustment.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Ecar

[l9magen]

Thanks for that info. Much appreciated

[James Lu]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

On 8/17/2019 at 11:24 AM, l9magen said:

Thanks for that info. Much appreciated

I pretty like my M11+Nikkor 5cm f1.4 Ltm combo. It is very pretty and balanced. Also it has a close up focus capability of 0.46m. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!