M39/L39 (screw mount lenses) to Leicaflex SL R mount adapter??

[Justanormalphotographer]

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Hi all, 

I have a couple of mint lenses that I got with a couple of iii few weeks ago: 

Summaron f=3.5cm 1:3.5
Summitar f=5cm 1:2
Leitz Elmar f=5cm 1:3.5
Leitz Elmar f=5cm 1:2.8
 

I was wondering if I could find a way to use them in a leicaflex SL body?

Also which of this four is your favorite and why?  I am curious to know.

Thank you for your time.

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[hepcat]

You can get an LTM to R adapter, and the lenses will mount on the R but the flange to film distance won't allow them to focus to infinity.  The adapter is essentially only an extension tube for macro work.

[dpitt]

The Leica SL R mount adapter is made to be used with Leica Visoflex lenses. Any lens that can be used on a visoflex II or III can be used on that adapter.

If you look at this table you can see what to expect when you mount a 35mm or 50mm on this adapter (macro range only). Longer M or LTM lenses like the  90mm and 135mm of the 50s and 60s have a detachable head that can be focused on infinity.

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Edited April 25, 2024 by dpitt

[wlaidlaw]

In general, fitting lenses with a shorter Flange Focal Distance FFD (LTM 28.8mm) to a longer FFD camera with an adapter does not work properly (no infinity focus as others have said above). The FFD for Leicaflex and Leica R cameras is 47mm. There is a very good explanation with data tables here by Brian Smith: https://briansmith.com/flange-focal-distance-guide/ 

Wilson

 

[spydrxx]

The flange distance for SLR lenses is much greater than that of rangefinder lenses to accommodate the mirror. While you may be able to mount the lenses on the SLR, as others indicated, you will only have macro focus, as if they were being used with extension rings on a rangefinder body. As shown above, Leica did make several longer focal length lenses for use on the Visoflex, which converts the rangefinder body into a somewhat clumsy SLR, and with the proper adapter these will focus to infinity on SLR bodies. I hope this explanation helps you understand the differences.

[RexGig0]

I am glad that I found this. The next time I encounter a good deal on a Nikon Macrophot lens, with an M39 mount, I may well act on it.