Using M(240) with screwmount lenses?

[ironringer]

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Could M(240) users advise on its usability with screwmount lenses, compared to earlier digital cameras like the M9 or M9-P? I start to think of using my older lenses with an M(240) because I believe (in theory) its Live View and focus peaking functions may allow useful focusing, that could supplement the rangefinder-coupling focus. Those functions may also enable a "preview" of the depth of field in some situations.

Also with the constant introduction of new Leica cameras to the market (difficult to follow, with some inconsistent names and numbers = another topic), the price of gently used M(240) cameras is declining every few months, to an almost-interesting level.

As a film user (IIIf, IIIg, M3) I have zero experience with an M(240) so must ask its users for advice. Users' experience will be appreciated.

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[Stealth3kpl]

I've been trying a 240 out for a few months. My screwmounts canon 50/1.2, Summitar 50, and voigtlander color skopar 35 are fine with rangefinder focusing by way of a Leica LTM to M adaptor. YMMV as they say.

Pete

[ramarren]

My standard 50mm lens from 2012 to the present has been a Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.5 ASPH (LTM). It's worked flawlessly on both my M9 and M-P typ 240. So does my Color Skopar 50mm f/2.5. And so does the Voigtländer Color Skopar 28mm f/3.5, although it has some imaging issues on these cameras that have nothing to do with focusing performance. 

 

In sum, you don't need the M(240)'s live view to use any LTM or M-bayonet lens on the M(240). It's nice to have for very long or very wide lenses, but all you need really is a proper mount adapter. 

[jaapv]

Could M(240) users advise on its usability with screwmount lenses, compared to earlier digital cameras like the M9 or M9-P? I start to think of using my older lenses with an M(240) because I believe (in theory) its Live View and focus peaking functions may allow useful focusing, that could supplement the rangefinder-coupling focus. Those functions may also enable a "preview" of the depth of field in some situations.

Also with the constant introduction of new Leica cameras to the market (difficult to follow, with some inconsistent names and numbers = another topic), the price of gently used M(240) cameras is declining every few months, to an almost-interesting level.

As a film user (IIIf, IIIg, M3) I have zero experience with an M(240) so must ask its users for advice. Users' experience will be appreciated.

Any M camera can be used with screwmount lenses. Retrocompatability was one of the design parameters of the M3.

For digital M cameras use the appropriate Voigtlander adapter (codeable)  available through the Cameraquest site.

[pop]

Focus peaking may not work with all lenses as expected; with lenses with a low contrast the camera might fail to detect the edges of the area in focus.

[Paulus]

Any M camera can be used with screwmount lenses. Retrocompatability was one of the design parameters of the M3.

For digital M cameras use the appropriate Voigtlander adapter (codeable)  available through the Cameraquest site.

I imagine the adapter from Leica isn't a problem?( exept for the coding ) I have a 90mm Leica adapter for my 90mm Elmar No 453354

[bocaburger]

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I use a number of LTM lenses on the M240.  Leica lenses, CV lenses, and a 105mm Nikkor.  All couple to the rangefinder just fine. 

[jaapv]

I imagine the adapter from Leica isn't a problem?( exept for the coding ) I have a 90mm Leica adapter for my 90mm Elmar No 453354

The cutout on old Leica adapters will give problems as it will fool the camera into thinking there is no lens attached. It is exactly over the coding LEDs.

[Paulus]

The cutout on old Leica adapters will give problems as it will fool the camera into thinking there is no lens attached. It is exactly over the coding LEDs.

I did not notice?? Still,  the camera makes good pictures with accuarate light reading?? Also the viewfinder markings give a 90mm view?

[jaapv]

Yes - that is something different, that is the lug inside the bayonet for the framelines. It is the six-bit code reader that gets confused. Best get full-circle type adapters, preferably codeable.

[ayewing]

The cutout on old Leica adapters will give problems as it will fool the camera into thinking there is no lens attached. It is exactly over the coding LEDs.

I think this problem was solved with firmware 2.0.1.5

[ironringer]

Hello gentlemen of M240 world:

Returning to this topic (using screwmount lenses with an M240) after an absence of 18 months ... can users please clarify:

1. Did firmware upgrades allow the use of Leica screwmount lenses, WITH LEICA screwmount-to-M adapters (that have the cutout for the infinity lock tab rotation), on the M240 (I assume by entering some type of manual lens detection command on a menu, to override the NO LENS detection)?

2. Did firmware upgrades allow use of screwmount lenses BUT only with NON-LEICA adapters, that do NOT have the cutout around the mount flange?

3. Are there limitations for what Leica screwmount lenses can be used with an M240? (I would like to use 1950s Summaron, Summicron collapsible, and Elmars 5cm and 9cm)?

4. Do the focus assist functions (zoom, and illuminated edge detection "peaking") work when using screwmount lenses on the M240 (assuming the methods 1. or 2. above will work)?

I would be interested in an M240 if I can use my 1950s screwmount lenses, preferably with LEICA adapters (saves the cost of new non-Leica adapters).

I would be more interested in an M240 IF:

 (a  ) I could use my Dual Range Summicron M lens (I understand there is a mechanical incompatibility and even when modified that lens can only focus to 15m), and

 (b  ) I could use my goggles Summaron 35mm f2.8 (I gather that the lens mounts and focuses properly, but the viewfinder image is dimmer and smaller because of the magnifier).

All suggestions and confirmations are welcome, thank you. Maybe I can start shopping for an M240 ...

[jdlaing]

Hello gentlemen of M240 world:

Returning to this topic (using screwmount lenses with an M240) after an absence of 18 months ... can users please clarify:

1. Did firmware upgrades allow the use of Leica screwmount lenses, WITH LEICA screwmount-to-M adapters (that have the cutout for the infinity lock tab rotation), on the M240 (I assume by entering some type of manual lens detection command on a menu, to override the NO LENS detection)?

 

Turn lens detection off or enter lens manually or get an adapter with 6 bit coding pits.

 

2. Did firmware upgrades allow use of screwmount lenses BUT only with NON-LEICA adapters, that do NOT have the cutout around the mount flange?

 

Has nothing to do with firmware.

 

3. Are there limitations for what Leica screwmount lenses can be used with an M240? (I would like to use 1950s Summaron, Summicron collapsible, and Elmars 5cm and 9cm)?

 

No.

 

4. Do the focus assist functions (zoom, and illuminated edge detection "peaking") work when using screwmount lenses on the M240 (assuming the methods 1. or 2. above will work)?

 

Yes.

 

I would be interested in an M240 if I can use my 1950s screwmount lenses, preferably with LEICA adapters (saves the cost of new non-Leica adapters).

I would be more interested in an M240 IF:

 (a  ) I could use my Dual Range Summicron M lens (I understand there is a mechanical incompatibility and even when modified that lens can only focus to 15m), and

 

Yes with Live View and no goggles.

 

 (b  ) I could use my goggles Summaron 35mm f2.8 (I gather that the lens mounts and focuses properly, but the viewfinder image is dimmer and smaller because of the magnifier).

All suggestions and confirmations are welcome, thank you. Maybe I can start shopping for an M240 ...

[a.noctilux]

4a

 

With M(typ 240) the Summicron 50mm DR can be used with some "flaws" (it's marked as NOT compatible with M(typ240).

 

Take care when you mount the DR on digital M... the focus ring must be set around or less than  1.5m so the protruding rear of the DR recess

enough to mount the lens.

 

Focus can be coupled to about 5-10m then stop.

 

In near range with goggles, useful as usual 48cm to 90cm with coupled rangefinder.

 

As side note...

M10 can be used with some DR (SOMNI) without modification :

have a look in this thread https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/269876-m10-can-be-used-with-somni-50mm-dr-full-range/

[cobbu2]

I use a Canon 50/1.4 LTM with adapter as my primary 50mm lens, so it practically lives on the camera 80% of the time. I have the lens detection turned off and the 50mm f/1.4 lens setting manually entered. Live view and focus peaking all work great.

[Ko.Fe.]

One thing which bugs me with old LTM lenses on M is misplacement of LTM's long focus throw.

At one meter it is almost into viewfinder on M mount.

 

I switched from LTM to M with Summar and on M focusing experience was not pleasing.

I modified Canon 50 1.8 LTM (lens construction allows it) to have focus tab traveling from 3 to 9 o'Clock on M mount cameras.

[jaapv]

I think this problem was solved with firmware 2.0.1.5

And resurrected on the CL