M39 - M adapter problems

[Martin27]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi, just new to this forum and new to M system, but for last approx. 16 years I'm using my Leica I (1930) and II (1931). After a long time I decided to switch to a MP (on the old Leicas the shutter is now correct anymore) but to use my old M39 lenses. I got advice the Urth is good one, so I bought two (35-135 and 50-70). First of all I got just one (35-135 and still waiting for second...). Well, lets try with Elmar 3,5 cm. I screwed adapter on the lens and mounted to the camera.I have few problems with the adapter.

1. First of all, when I'm sharpening from infinitive, press the button to get it from the position, automaticly leave the button pushed, but the lens stopps just 1.5 cm farther on the edge of the adapter.

2. adapter it self is not 100% fixed in the camera mount, there is slight move.

3. when I'm sharpening down to 1 meter, at approx. 1.5 meter picture in the rangefinder suddenly stops to move.

4. (maybe just a feeling based on the fact that rangefinder os not working down to 1 meter) - at infinitive (checking on the castle 1 km air distance far from my home) rangefinder picture seems to be out as well. 

I checked the thicknes of the adapter, its 0.96 mm (measured with a drawer, still have top go to the workshop to check with micrometer). This seems to be Ok.

Obviously thread position is completely wrong, grove for the rangefinder coupling is just out of position, this explains why the rangefinder doesn't work down to 1 meter.

How thick should be adapter? Is 0.96 mm correct or is it wrong? To be sure if I'm correct with infinitive or if it's really just a feeling. As this lens works perfectly on my Leica II, I'd like to know if this is really just a feeling. Anyway, this adapter is not useful at all. What other adaptor would you recommend? 

Many thanks, Martin

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Advertisement]

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

[dg4mgr]

short remarks on your adapter: I would expect the lens to align at the red lines when screwed into the adapter. this could prevent the rangefinder from going below 1,5 m.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Also not there are differenet versions of the adapters around, only type I has a long cutout for the infinity lock. 

[jaapv]

The infinity lock appears to be bent upwards, probably done to attempt to accommodate a wrong type of adapter, which appears to be type III (see post above). That would  block close focus. Try and get an original Leica one. Voigtländer ones (old type I ) are good too.

[spydrxx]

I never tried the Urth adapters, but have had no problems with original Leica ones. Occasionally I've used both Voigtlander and some inexpensive Chinese ones without problems. Hopefully you can get your issue resolved quickly. A bent infinity lock would be a definite issue for me. Actually I've removed most of my infinity locks as I find they are a hinderance when shooting at distances approaching the infinity setting.

[Martin27]

yes, if the thread would be done as it should be, I would be able to screw the lens to the correct position. Then I would see the rangefinder all the way to 1 meter. This would also solve the problem with infinity lock, as the basic point would be much farther and at the point thread would get it much higher already. Longer cutout would definitely help to the infinity button, but it would be still problem with rangefinder under the 1.5 meter. 

Yes, infinity lock is slightly bent (on photo seems much more than in reality). This has to be since I got lens, as camera never fell to me. Actually it would have to fell solo lens, as if camera would fell, it would be bent oposit way. Anyway, this is not a problem for "stop" during the sharpening, as it's bent up. I never notice it until you wrote it here, I had never problem with it and works smooth, same as on my other lenses with this type of the button. I just got use to it, as I rarely use lens without it.

So seems like I have to check if there is possible to get some original Leica adapter. Many thanks, Martin

[qqphot]

I bought an Urth 35-135 adapter and its thickness was a bit questionable. Probably not enough to be the dominant factor in poor focus, but certainly didn't help.  I agree the original Leica ones are generally trouble-free. 

[dg4mgr]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

As the Position is not far off, you could try to put a shim between lens and adapter to adjust. One or two layers of cigarette paper might do. 

[nitroplait]

22 hours ago, Martin27 said:

I got advice the Urth is good one

Not great advice.

It is possible that someone had good experience with an adapter from the brand, but they have their products made from whichever Chinese manufacturer who can supply at the highest possible profit so sample variation is high.
URTH, BTW, is not more a "brand" than they have already changed name within the past few years (from GLOBE if I remember correctly).

Leica's own adapters are good (but can be pretty worn as they are usually old). Voigtländer's are good and so are those from Rayqual and Novoflex. There may be others I haven't tried.

A popular company like K&F Concept is operating like URTH and their products are therefore also hit and miss.

 

[LocalHero1953]

I had a couple of cheap Chinese adaptors which worked well, but were poorly finished with sharp edges - uncomfortable to use. Mine are now Voigtländer or Leica. 

[PhotoCruiser]

 

Am 7.12.2025 um 09:49 schrieb Martin27:

1. First of all, when I'm sharpening from infinitive, press the button to get it from the position, automaticly leave the button pushed, but the lens stopps just 1.5 cm farther on the edge of the adapter.

2. adapter it self is not 100% fixed in the camera mount, there is slight move.

1. As before mentioned, it looks as the lever is bent
2. if the movement is only with the URTH adapter but not with your M lenses then adapter it's most likely not enough precisely built, send it back if you can and buy a better one
     Particularly as your intentions are to make frequent use of your M39 lenses so the investment in a good adapter is justified.

I understand that my 30€ Pholsy M39 -> L and Nikon G -> L Adapter are different , however:
as LocalHero mentioned, they work well but me too find them to provide a bit rougher feeling when attaching to the camera.
Nothing critical needing excessive force, just a bit stiffer or perhaps a thousand thicker or sharper edges to make a difference.
As i use them seldomly, so it does not really matter to me, but if i would use them more frequent i would buy a more expensive and higher quality brand.

Un/fortunately there is many inexpensive special gear like adapters built in China to find on Amazon for example, some work perfectly and some subpar and often you find same product under several brand names. 

Chris