Converting SLR Lens To M Mount? Who Does It?

[wjlapier]

Who can do a conversion of a SLR lens to M mount? I have a Minolta Rokkor 58/1.2 that I might sell, but I'm starting to think I might look for someone who could do a conversion to M mount. It would need to be convert so that it would be rangefinder coupled. I have two of these lenses and one is in EOS mount and is the one I would convert. My other I did myself to F-mount. I know of one person but am wondering who is best qualified for the job?

[elshaneo]

Honestly I thought that it was impossible to convert an SLR lens such as Canon EOS mount to a rangefinder mount like the Leica M mount compatibility since their lens design are different from being retrofocus to non retrofocus if I'm not mistaken.

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The rangefinder cam can't be added to an SLR lens. It is part of the focusing helicaloid in a rangefinder lens and would be way too complex to add to a lens that wasn't designed with it. Sell your minolta and buy a Canon 50/1.2 or a Konica f1.2 (or a Noctilux if you're rich!)

[ferider]

Ebay seller amedeo.m has (at least once) successfully adapted (with RF coupling) a Nikkor 55/1.2.

If I remember right, seller 38333 occasionally offers converted SLR Canon 1.2 lenses, also with coupling.

But it's expensive. In the Nikkor case the rear of the lens was replaced, in the Canon case a cam added to the lens. Definitely cheaper to get a Canon 50/1.2 LTM. Different characteristics, of course.

Best,

Roland.

[wjlapier]

I'm aware of Amedeo's 55/1.2 conversion. I've asked him about my Yashinon 55/1.2 and he suggested the Nikkor 55 or 50/1.2.

I'm just thinking right now. The Rokkor is a very nice lens and held it's own against the Noct Nikkor in a test, as well as against other fast 50's. The two I have are sharp sharp sharp at 1.2. Hence I'm reluctant to let it go if I can use it in another way. I do have the 50/.95, but not converted yet.

[raid]

Amedeo also has converted a Zeiss 50mm lens QBM for the Rolleiflex into M mount. He is a skilled man.

[ferider]

You could also try those guys:

http://www.japanexposures.com/services

Best,

Roland.

[digitalintrigue]

Bill, the Rokkors are nice lenses. :) Since I have a Minolta MD adapter for my G1, feel free to send one to me, no conversion necessary, except ownership. :)

EDIT: I see you have converted the mounts, well, the F-mount would be fine too.

[digitalintrigue]

On the Nikkor 55/1.2, Amedeo removed the lens elements and put them into an entirely new barrel. This is more along the lines of the MS Optical Contax G lens conversions that Japan Exposures sells, as opposed to adapting a lens to a different mount.

[raid]

On the Nikkor 55/1.2, Amedeo removed the lens elements and put them into an entirely new barrel. This is more along the lines of the MS Optical Contax G lens conversions that Japan Exposures sells, as opposed to adapting a lens to a different mount.

Was the cost along the cost by MS Optical?
Around $650?

[digitalintrigue]

If memory serves, he auctioned the lens and it reached something like $1600.

[wjlapier]

Bill, the Rokkors are nice lenses. :) Since I have a Minolta MD adapter for my G1, feel free to send one to me, no conversion necessary, except ownership. :)

EDIT: I see you have converted the mounts, well, the F-mount would be fine too.

Sure thing--I'll trade you a lens for machining work on my cine lenses :)

Actually, the Rokkors can be converted back if I can find a spacer and dug up the parts I took off. Where did you get the MD>G1 adapter?

[raid]

If memory serves, he auctioned the lens and it reached something like $1600.

This is the cost of lens plus conversion. I meant to say $650 for the labor alone to convert the lens.

Still, it is a high cost, but some people pay the money.

[digitalintrigue]

I think that lens was a one-off for Amedeo, so I don't know if he's set a conversion price.

[digitalintrigue]

Where did you get the MD>G1 adapter?


It's an ebay cirrusadapter plus Panasonic 4/3 adapter...

[JapanExposures]

All sorts of things are possible, with the skills, the budget... and your determination ;)

[wjlapier]

A couple of pics of Amedeo's converted Nikkor 55/1.2. Not in my possession though--who is the lucky person he made this for :)

[Tom A]

Cameraquest does have adapters that allows you to mount a Nikkor SLR lens on to a M or LTM camera. It is not coupled, but has its own distance scale. You "focus" with the distance scale - transfer the setting to the lens and shoot. It woks fine with wider lenses (24/28/35 and even 50) - longer lenses are bit more critical. I tried it on my 200f4 Micro - with limited success.

[raid]

I will try out the G1 lenses today on a Leica M body.
FEDEX where are you??!!!!


update: The lenses arrived.

[wjlapier]

Cameraquest does have adapters that allows you to mount a Nikkor SLR lens on to a M or LTM camera. It is not coupled, but has its own distance scale. You "focus" with the distance scale - transfer the setting to the lens and shoot. It woks fine with wider lenses (24/28/35 and even 50) - longer lenses are bit more critical. I tried it on my 200f4 Micro - with limited success.

Thanx Tom,
I've looked at those from Cameraquest and other's on the 'net. My original idea was to convert a Minolta Rokkor 58/1.2 to M, but now maybe S mount ( use my S>M adapter ). I'm still thinking of buying the Nikon>M mount adapter to play around with my Nikkors on a G1. Hmmm...I could use my Rokkor Nikkor too :cool:

Bill

[Amedeo Muscelli]

Greetings to all,

I have converted successfully the Planar 50mm for Rollei HFT to Leica M. This hybrid is rangefinder coupled at all distances, will be 6 bit coded for the M8. Both, the 1:1.8 and the 1:1.4 can be converted. If somebody is interested, contact me. I can convert the provided lens by $180 including the cost of send it back. Following the pictures of that I have in use.

http://www.muscelli.net/pictures/rolleiconv.jpg

http://www.muscelli.net/pictures/rolleiconv2.jpg

http://www.muscelli.net/pictures/rolleiconv1.jpg

[raid]

Hi Amedeo,
Your charges are very reasonable, especially when taking into account your quality workmanship. Is the Zeiss 1.8 sharper than the 1.4 lens or is it the other way around?
What about other Rollei lenses? Is a conversion possible?

[Amedeo Muscelli]

I do not know, but sound more interesting the 1:1.4 for to be more fast.

[raid]

Not just the 50mm focal length, but the lens size is important for a RF camera. The larger lenses would not be popular. I have a wonderful Distagon 35mm/1.4, but it is huge and heavy. On the other hand, the smaller 50/1.4 Planar is an awesome lens.

[fbf]

the c/y P 50/1.4 is hands down one of the best normal lenses has ever been made in 135 world. It only costs less than 200$

[raid]

I have several Zeiss 50mm-55mm SLR lenses, and among them one 50/1.4 Zeiss Planar.

[honpan]

Any solution for 35mm focal length?

[buzzardkid]

*Bay user linaanna123 converts SLR lenses to M mount as well. Currently listing another Canon 50mm f0.95 conversion to Leica M, as well as conversion of a Nokton 50mm f1.5 to Leica M and a c-mount Wollensak lens to Panny G1

[honpan]

Further to my quest for modifying 35mm lens to M-mount, I am considering modifying a Contax G Planar 35/2. I personally prefer retain the original appearance of the lens barrel, instead of radically rebuilding the entire barrel as Japanexposure does. How possible is that.

The alternative I also consider is the Retain Curtagon.

[hans voralberg]

There's no way you can retain the lens barrel, you have to mound the M focusing helicoid somewhere.

[f16sunshine]

Very interesting thread. Have a Zeiss Biotar 1.5/75 in m42 and one in Exacta. I would love to have one mounted for Leica M and RF coupled.

[buzzardkid]

Almost a year old, this thread.

I have bought a Canon FL 55/1.2 lens and a Novoflex Leican adapter, to use that lens on an LTM Leica.

Plan is to create a RF coupling between the rear of the lens and the RF cam in the camera. I got my own super-secret plan for that.

Anybody got any info on a possible strategy to reach RF coupling from lens to body? Apart from my own plan, I'm interested in any approach at this time!