Are Leica M mounts usually this problematic?

[Daniel Schutte]

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I'm not sure whether I've had bad luck with getting lenses to fit on cameras, or if this is a common problem with the M system.

My first Leica combo was an M3 SS with Summicron 50 V2. Since the body and lens shipped together, there was no problem getting them to mount.

Next, I purchased an Ultron 28 f2. The lens fit into the mount, but I couldn't get it to click into place. Took it to a repair shop, and the owner basically got the lens to fit through brute force - said Voigtlander QC wasn't great and that this was basically to be expected. I used the lens like this for a couple of months, but it would often "unclick" itself somehow, so I eventually traded it for a LTM Skopar 28mm.

Same thing happened with the first adapter - couldn't get it it to click in place. Went back to the shop, and was given a replacement that 'magically' worked without problems. 

Recently, I traded the M3 for an M4-P and, lo and behold, neither the adapted Voigtlander nor Summicron will even fit into the mount, let alone click.

Thus out of 6 total Lens/body combos (2 bodies and 4 lenses/adapters), 4 have been faulty. I'd simply put it down to a service error or wear and tear, but the fact that this has occurred between unrelated lenses and bodies makes me skeptical. Has anyone had a similar experience? Am I doing something wrong?!

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[SiggiGun]

With Leica M and Zeiss Lenses, I nevee had any issue

 

[a.noctilux]

Hello Daniel,

Welcome here,

I don't know the right answer, just some observations  and questions, please answer or try :

- Did M3 and Summicron mount/unmount well ?

- had you tried your lenses which did not mount on another Leica M body knowing not to have trouble

with any lens ?

- what is the brand of the LTM to M adapter ?

- if not Leitz/Leica/Voigtlander adapter, or this can be bent in the past

[FrozenInTime]

I once had issues with some lenses clicking in on a M2 ; the solution was to slacken off the mount screws on the body - a slight rotation and tighten and it worked for all lenses.

I suspect older cameras that have seen services might want the same adjustment.

[wda]

Your experience is unsatisfactory. Leica lenses should fit any Leica body, unless there has been maltreatment at some time in the past. Non-Leica lenses with M-mount should offer a similar experience. Adapters might present a problem if they are non-Leica.

[Daniel Schutte]

The Summicron and M3 mounted perfectly.

No, I haven't tried any of the lenses with bodies other than the mentioned M3 and M4-P - perhaps I just got unlucky with 2 crummy mounts...

The LTM adapter is Fotodiox - seem pretty reputable but obviously no Leica or Voigtlander....

The M4-P was apparently serviced and repainted prior to my purchase - the paint job seems pretty sketchy though and the gutta percha is already peeling, so I'm not sure I trust whoever performed the CLA... good thing there is an unconditional return policy - might try to pick the same camera up locally instead so that I can test it before purchasing.

[Daniel Schutte]

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I am noticing that something in the mount appears to be bent - could this be what is causing the problem?

IMG_1583.HEIC

[lct]

Faulty camera mount apparently. I had an M3 DS like that in the past. I would return the camera.

[Danner]

My experience, after owning three M6 bodies and about 11-12 Leica lenses, never had any lens mount issues.

[pippy]

5 hours ago, Daniel Schutte said:

...Took it to a repair shop, and the owner basically got the lens to fit through brute force - said Voigtlander QC wasn't great and that this was basically to be expected...

I trust you made a mental note to never use that guy again? Utter nonsense.

Philip.

[Daniel Schutte]

4 minutes ago, pippy said:

I trust you made a mental note to never use that guy again? Utter nonsense.

Philip.

It was only my second M mount lens at the time, so I kind of took his word for it. In hindsight I realise what a ridiculous thing that is for a technician to say. The funny thing is that we're talking about one of the most highly regarded repair shops in HK...

[a.noctilux]

2 hours ago, Daniel Schutte said:

The Summicron and M3 mounted perfectly.

No, I haven't tried any of the lenses with bodies other than the mentioned M3 and M4-P - perhaps I just got unlucky with 2 crummy mounts...

The LTM adapter is Fotodiox - seem pretty reputable but obviously no Leica or Voigtlander....

The M4-P was apparently serviced and repainted prior to my purchase - the paint job seems pretty sketchy though and the gutta percha is already peeling, so I'm not sure I trust whoever performed the CLA... good thing there is an unconditional return policy - might try to pick the same camera up locally instead so that I can test it before purchasing.

Fotodiox adapter can be good enough, I do use some Fotodiox adapters from SLR mounts (Nikon, Contax, Olympus) to M mount.

But not as nicely made as simple Leitz/Leica in brass and 1.00mm thick LTM-M.

 

So returning the M4-P is right choice.

You will find another, one of 22k units made.

[TheBestSLIsALeicaflex]

I've owned a number of recent Voightlander M-mount lenses (34/1.4 II, 35/2 Asph, 40/1.4), and didn't have any issues mounting them on the four M2's in my possession.  In fact, in my experience the build quality of current Voigtlanders exceeds some of the Leica lenses I purchased "new" from the 95-05 time frame.  I know nothing about the current lineup of Leica lenses but the only three lenses I've broke in the field have been Leica -- ironically two separate 60mm Elmarits and a 35mm Summicron Asph.  In fixing the aspherical lens, the well know repair tech commented that modern Leica lenses are not as well made because they have lots of plastic inside.  I don't know if that was hyperbole, and I've heard problematic stories about Voigtlander sand Zeiss ZM too.  Just my experience, but I have been relatively impressed with those Voigtlanders.  Just have the 35 Nokton now, and yes they should mount easily.  If not, something is either wrong with the lens or camera (or possibly both).