SL3 + Novoflex SL/NIK ?

[Phill H]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Quick question, has anyone successfully used a Novoflex SL/NIK coupled to a SL3? I have found references to the SL2 and original SL working with the Novoflex but nothing so far regarding the SL3.

 

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Geoff C. Bassett]

I am curious as well. Always wanted to use 105mm 1.4 on a Leica. That lens is magic.

Edited April 7, 2024 by Geoff C. Bassett

[Ivar B]

I have not tested but it is perfect on the SL2 and I cannot see why it should not work on the SL3. I don`t have an SL3, so I cannot test.

The Novoflex adapters generally are very well made. 

[jaapv]

Call Leica and/or Novoflex and ask

[helged]

3 hours ago, Phill H said:

Quick question, has anyone successfully used a Novoflex SL/NIK coupled to a SL3? I have found references to the SL2 and original SL working with the Novoflex but nothing so far regarding the SL3.

 

I get "Lens Communication Error" when using Novoflex SL/NIK on SL3. For manual Nikkor lenses, Novoflex LET/NIK works fine (being a dummy adapter, only). You can also tape the electronic contacts on Novoflex SL/NIK to convert this to a dummy adapter. I haven't done the latter, but I have read users doing this.

And as far as I recall, collaboration between Leica and Novoflex when it comes to the electronic Novoflex SL/NIK adapter was ended long time ago.

[Phill H]

20 minutes ago, helged said:

I get "Lens Communication Error" when using Novoflex SL/NIK on SL3. For manual Nikkor lenses, Novoflex LET/NIK works fine (being a dummy adapter, only). You can also tape the electronic contacts on Novoflex SL/NIK to convert this to a dummy adapter. I haven't done the latter, but I have read users doing this.

And as far as I recall, collaboration between Leica and Novoflex when it comes to the electronic Novoflex SL/NIK adapter was ended long time ago.

Thanks, thought that might be the case. I presume the "Lens Communication Error"  occured with one of the electronic aperture E  Lenses?

[Ivar B]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

31 minutes ago, helged said:

I get "Lens Communication Error" when using Novoflex SL/NIK on SL3. For manual Nikkor lenses, Novoflex LET/NIK works fine (being a dummy adapter, only). You can also tape the electronic contacts on Novoflex SL/NIK to convert this to a dummy adapter. I haven't done the latter, but I have read users doing this.

And as far as I recall, collaboration between Leica and Novoflex when it comes to the electronic Novoflex SL/NIK adapter was ended long time ago.

The latter is true and also the case for the SL/EOS adapter. Novoflex staded clearly that they had lost the support of Leica. 

[helged]

36 minutes ago, Phill H said:

Thanks, thought that might be the case. I presume the "Lens Communication Error"  occured with one of the electronic aperture E  Lenses?

Yes, with the Nikkor 300 f4E PF lens.

[Phill H]

3 hours ago, helged said:

Yes, with the Nikkor 300 f4E PF lens.

Thanks for confirming.

[consiglieretom]

Unfortunately, the SL/NIK does not work with the SL3 at all (communication error). I used three Nikon PC-E lenses with the SL2, but the adapter is not supported by the SL3 anymore. 

I was in contact with Leica in Wetzlar about the issue. They promised to look into it, but I doubt that there will be a solution soon.

It is quite an issue for architecture and product photographers as there is no good L-mount tilt-shift lens available at all. Leica recommends to use vintage Leica TS lenses, which is not really an option due to their image quality. If modern TS lenses cannot be used on the SL3, the camera cannot be considered as a tool for professional photographers. It is a pity and for me not understandable that I can use the Nikon PC-E lenses without any problems on the SL2, but they don't work on the SL3 anymore. With this issue the SL3 is not an improved version of the SL2.

The decision that I need to make now, is either downgrading to SL2 and sell my SL3 or change my camera system to Fujifilm GFX100, Hasselblad X2D or Nikon Z9. These offer workable solutions for architecture and product photography. 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

3 hours ago, consiglieretom said:

Unfortunately, the SL/NIK does not work with the SL3 at all (communication error). I used three Nikon PC-E lenses with the SL2, but the adapter is not supported by the SL3 anymore. 

I was in contact with Leica in Wetzlar about the issue. They promised to look into it, but I doubt that there will be a solution soon.

It is quite an issue for architecture and product photographers as there is no good L-mount tilt-shift lens available at all. Leica recommends to use vintage Leica TS lenses, which is not really an option due to their image quality. If modern TS lenses cannot be used on the SL3, the camera cannot be considered as a tool for professional photographers. It is a pity and for me not understandable that I can use the Nikon PC-E lenses without any problems on the SL2, but they don't work on the SL3 anymore. With this issue the SL3 is not an improved version of the SL2.

The decision that I need to make now, is either downgrading to SL2 and sell my SL3 or change my camera system to Fujifilm GFX100, Hasselblad X2D or Nikon Z9. These offer workable solutions for architecture and product photography. 

Canon’s EF TSE lenses work on the SL3 with the Sigma MC21.

Neither of the Novoflex AF supported adaptors Nik or EF work on the SL3. The dumb adaptor is fine.

Gordon

p.s. FYI the X2D is an awful camera to use with adapted lenses. Electronic shutter only. No flash support. GFX if you must go for 33x44.

[consiglieretom]

vor 7 Stunden schrieb FlashGordonPhotography:

Canon’s EF TSE lenses work on the SL3 with the Sigma MC21.

Neither of the Novoflex AF supported adaptors Nik or EF work on the SL3. The dumb adaptor is fine.

Gordon

p.s. FYI the X2D is an awful camera to use with adapted lenses. Electronic shutter only. No flash support. GFX if you must go for 33x44.

Thank you very much. 

I am aware of the electronic shutter issue with the X2D and hence the reason that I don't prefer to go that route. I could not find any reliable information about the combo SL3 - Sigma MC21 und Canon TSE. Did you test it yourself? If this is working, I would move into this direction and sell my Nikon PC-E lenses and get the Canon lenses. 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

2 hours ago, consiglieretom said:

Thank you very much. 

I am aware of the electronic shutter issue with the X2D and hence the reason that I don't prefer to go that route. I could not find any reliable information about the combo SL3 - Sigma MC21 und Canon TSE. Did you test it yourself? If this is working, I would move into this direction and sell my Nikon PC-E lenses and get the Canon lenses. 

I have the 17mm and 24mkII. I have tested both with the SL3. I don’t have the others. But my other (limited selection) of EF lenses all work. I tried the 8-15 fisheye. MPE 1-5x, an old 24-70 f4L and a few Sigmas.

Hope this helps.

Gordon

[andreabooher]

Hi Gordon, Thanks for the information on the Novoflex. I have also hit the “communication error” and couldn’t believe that the adapter worked on the SL2, but not SL3. 

I’m trying to use a Zeiss 100 Makar Planar lens (which worked beautifully on the SL2) on the SL3. Do you have any idea if the Sigma MC -21 would adapt?

Best,

Andrea

[Jonathan Levin]

I have the Novoflex F to SL adapter I bought in order to use a Nikkor 60mm Macro G. My adapter has no electronic contacts. And the Aperture and focus is controlled manually. Is the SL/NIK a different version or are we talking the same thing?

[andreabooher]

This one is Novoflex SL/EOS and it worked on the SL2, but not SL3.
Gordon mentioned a Sigma MC-21 and wondering if anyone has used that with a Zeiss on the SL3.

It appears that Novolfex and Leica aren’t partnering on the SL3

[Berlinman]

As an addition: I tested my Novoflex SL/NIK Adapter with the Nikon DC 2,0/135mm (not an"E"-lens). Same error...