Leica M10 and Helios 40-2 85mm

[CptSlevin]

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Hello guys!
I have totally moved to Leica M systems, but there are things that "die hard" in me.
So I decided that I don't want to abandon flower photography, as it is definetely the thing I love (keeps me relaxed and artistic)

And that's why there is a question what kind of adapter do I need? Is there any?

Thanks in advance!

And some photos for your attention

 

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Edited August 31, 2018 by CptSlevin

[Printmaker]

At this point, I am not using any extension tubes or special adaptors. My favorite lens for flowers is the 75 Summicron. Here is a sample. You can find more on my site

barefootphoto.gallery

 

 

 

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[CptSlevin]

I am more of a swirly bokeh type of nature photographer, so the question is still open for debate

 

 

At this point, I am not using any extension tubes or special adaptors. My favorite lens for flowers is the 75 Summicron. Here is a sample. You can find more on my site

barefootphoto.gallery

[Irakly Shanidze]

Get a copy of Jupiter-9. You will lose a stop, but the bokeh is super beautiful.

[Ecar]

AFAIK, the Helios 40-2 is an M42 mount lens - although some also came with an M42 to M39 ring.

Depending on what you have, an M42 to M (or LTM to M) adapter should work.

However, it's an SLR or DSLR lens, with a different register (flange to sensor distance) than Leica's, so focussing across the whole range could be a problem.

Also, you'd have to use LV/EVF as the lens is not RF coupled.

If you want the "swirly Russian look", the J-9 might indeed be a better option...

[Ecar]

Just a couple of follow-up thoughts should you consider a J-9:

- the LTM versions are very hard to get to focus accurately using the RF (eg, infinity may be OK but MFD or some other intermediate distances would be off). This is, however, not an issue if you are using LV/EVF.

- Achieving consistent RF focus with the Contax mount versions is easier, but requires an expensive (and heavy) adapter.

- The later black J-9 versions are noticeably worse in terms of both IQ and construction than the early silver ones.

 

FWIW, I have kept two J-9s, both in Contax mount. One of them is black and looks brand new but is probably the worst lens I own, optically and mechanically - the only reason it's still around is that I sometimes like its Thambar-like rendering for portraits.

Edited September 1, 2018 by Ecar

[sdw]

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I use a Helios 40 on my M10 (previously on my M240). 

 

Cheap and perfectly workable solution: M42 to EOS and EOS to M adapter. Cost me maybe $20. 

 

Don't get an M39 to M42 adapter and then screw it on, the flange distance is different: it's an M42 SLR lens. Use the external EVF or the live view screen to get focus. 

 

[Irakly Shanidze]

Just a couple of follow-up thoughts should you consider a J-9:

- the LTM versions are very hard to get to focus accurately using the RF (eg, infinity may be OK but MFD or some other intermediate distances would be off). This is, however, not an issue if you are using LV/EVF.

- Achieving consistent RF focus with the Contax mount versions is easier, but requires an expensive (and heavy) adapter.

- The later black J-9 versions are noticeably worse in terms of both IQ and construction than the early silver ones.

 

FWIW, I have kept two J-9s, both in Contax mount. One of them is black and looks brand new but is probably the worst lens I own, optically and mechanically - the only reason it's still around is that I sometimes like its Thambar-like rendering for portraits.

 

I must concur: latter black-bodied lenses are much worse. They were made when the stock of German optical elements had already been depleted. The lens to get is the original silver one. I could never get mine to focus on Leica cameras properly, as Zorki's rangefinders are calibrated slightly differently. Now, with M10 and especially  SL it is super easy.