Adapting R lenses to M10R and SL2

[JRWhite]

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Looking to add the 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R to my kit for use on an M10R (with Visoflex 020) and, after I purchase it, an SL2. I don't use that focal length a lot but do want to add a bit more flexibility for certain situations. R mount lenses are new to me so I started my research at Leica USA. On that site I read about Leica's adapter offerings for R to M and for R to L.

Two questions:

1. Re: R to M adapter - The lens mentioned above is not included on Leica's list of "supported R lenses." Why? Doesn't fit? Too large?

2. Re: R to L adapter - The Leica site states; "This adapter is only compatible with the Leica SL camera. Leica single-lens reflex lenses manufactured before 1976 should not be mounted to the R-Adapter L, as this can cause damage to the mount."  The specific lens I am looking at dates to 1968. What is it about the pre-1976 R mount that can cause damage to the Leica adapter?

Also, since this lens will be adapted to either an M body or an L mount body, I presume I need not worry about how many cams are included on a specific version of an R lens at which I am looking. Is that correct?

I adapt several other lens mounts to the M10R - Canon FD, Nikon F and M42. For those I purchased adapters from Urth and have been very happy. Solid, nice fit up and they work every time. And at about $75 a copy they are quite a bit less expensive than Leica's adapters (note: On Leica USA, their R to L adapter lists for $1,040!). I mention the Urth adapters as nowhere in their literature can I find mention of any issues with pre-1976 R mount lenses when adapting to L mount or incompatibility with any specific lenses for the M adapter.

Thanks for the assist.

 

 

 

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[charlesphoto99]

No idea why the early R lenses won't work, but you should consider a Leica 135mm M Tele-Elmar. They run about $300-400 and will wipe the floor of the R lens optically and are very close to the modern APO version of the lens. That way you'd also only need one adapter, M to L. 

[wizard]

vor 27 Minuten schrieb JRWhite:

I presume I need not worry about how many cams are included on a specific version of an R lens at which I am looking. Is that correct?

Not quite, as I assume this may be the reason for Leica stating that pre 1976 R-lenses should not be used with their R to L adapter. Leica's R to L adapter includes contacts designed to work with Leica R-lenses that include a ROM. Pre 1976 Leica lenses for reflex cameras do NOT include the R-cam. Maybe lenses without the R-cam are prone to damage the contacts on the R to L adapter for some reason. Leica's R to L adapter is the only adapter that transfers, when attaching a ROM R-lens via the adapter, information on focal length (and likely aperture setting, but I am not sure) to the camera, so that explains at least some of its higher cost.

The URTH adapter has no contacts that could be damaged, so to the best of my knowledge you could also use a pre 1976 lens on your camera via such an adapter without risk of damage.

Finally, I second charlesphoto99's suggestion to use a 135mm Leica M lens instead. In particular the later ones are optically superb and can be found relatively cheap. No need for any kind of adapter then, too, as you could directly attach an M 135mm lens to your M10R (and use your Visoflex, if desired).

[JRWhite]

Thank you both for your responses, especially the intel on the 135 Tele-Elmar. A much better idea to mount directly to the M10R and adapt to only the SL2. 

[dpitt]

3 hours ago, wizard said:

Not quite, as I assume this may be the reason for Leica stating that pre 1976 R-lenses should not be used with their R to L adapter. Leica's R to L adapter includes contacts designed to work with Leica R-lenses that include a ROM. Pre 1976 Leica lenses for reflex cameras do NOT include the R-cam. Maybe lenses without the R-cam are prone to damage the contacts on the R to L adapter for some reason. Leica's R to L adapter is the only adapter that transfers, when attaching a ROM R-lens via the adapter, information on focal length (and likely aperture setting, but I am not sure) to the camera, so that explains at least some of its higher cost.

The URTH adapter has no contacts that could be damaged, so to the best of my knowledge you could also use a pre 1976 lens on your camera via such an adapter without risk of damage.

Finally, I second charlesphoto99's suggestion to use a 135mm Leica M lens instead. In particular the later ones are optically superb and can be found relatively cheap. No need for any kind of adapter then, too, as you could directly attach an M 135mm lens to your M10R (and use your Visoflex, if desired).

+1 for the URTH, any R lens will work on a 'dumb' R-L adapter, even 1 and 2 and 3-cam.

I find the rendering of the old 135 Elmarit 135 R very appealing. The latest 135mm M will cost 4-5 times that and will not have the same classic look. You can always start with the old one and then add the newer one if you want a newer rendering IMO.