Advice on M/L39 lenses

[dxqcanada]

OK. I now have some experience with removal of the top plate on a Leica IIF.

Crap ... it appears that the real problem with the camera is a missing rear lens on the rangefinder port.
The lens on the viewfinder port is there.

Gatta hunt down a part now.

 

[BrianV]

Leica Screwmount

You might Email DAG. The part should be the same as the IIIf and IIIc.

Can you post some pictures? Never know if the Russian part will work, I doubt it but might be worth a look.

 

[dxqcanada]

Ah, asked DAG already ... they have none to sell.
I think it is the same lens on the IIIF.

Rangefinderforum.com

42 216-477

... now, being a Leica newbie, I am assuming the missing lens is the reason why I cannot see a clear image through the rangefinder.

 

[BrianV]

The link does not work if you do not have a working RFF account. I might be the first Moderator to bypass the software that prevents a Mod from banning themself.

Missing the eyepiece will make everything a complete blur. If the viewfinder is black- like what happens on an M3, coupld be a split prism.

The IIF has a one-piece body cover, the older Barnack cameras up to and including the IIIb have a separate top plate.

 

[usayit]

If you cant find a good Leica SM rangefinder, i highly recommend the Canon leica screwmount rangefinders. I personally like them better and may be priced a bit better for budget. It found much more use than my leica. There are several advantages to the Canon.

 

[BrianV]

With lenses in Leica mount- never say never.

USSR Antique Portrait Lens Jupiter 8 50 F2 for Leica Fed ZORKI M39 LTM Lens | eBay

Someone custom converted this Jupiter-8M into Leica Thread Mount using an Industar-61 focus mount. I am going to have to try this.

Same seller, another conversion using an I-26 focus mount and the Jupiter-8M.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USSR-Antiqu...838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53f5c604c6

I made a Helios-103 into Leica Thread Mount once. Dremel required.

 

[dxqcanada]

The link does not work if you do not have a working RFF account. I might be the first Moderator to bypass the software that prevents a Mod from banning themself.

Missing the eyepiece will make everything a complete blur. If the viewfinder is black- like what happens on an M3, coupld be a split prism.

The IIF has a one-piece body cover, the older Barnack cameras up to and including the IIIb have a separate top plate.

Ah, that link was to a discussion about someone else that is looking for the exact same lenses.
Yeah, the rangefinder is a blur ... I can only make out things if they are almost right up close to the camera.
I have taken the top plate off and can see that the view/rangefinder is good ... so it appears the only problem is the missing lens.

 

[dxqcanada]

If you cant find a good Leica SM rangefinder, i highly recommend the Canon leica screwmount rangefinders. I personally like them better and may be priced a bit better for budget. It found much more use than my leica. There are several advantages to the Canon.

Yup, ahead of you there. Just got a Canon 7 today.
It was supposed to be a parts/repair camera as the seller stated the shutter does not open completely ... I can't find any problem with the shutter at all speeds. Looks like I lucked out.

 

[dxqcanada]

Ah, got lucky on a Canon P with Canon 35mm f/2.8 lens ... should have it an a week or two.

Think I will stick to Canon screw mount lenses ... seem reasonable in price.
Hmm, maybe I should take a chance on getting the Canon 50mm f/1.4.

 

[BrianV]

The Canon 50/1.4 is a very good lens, again- be careful of haze/etching on the surfaces on each side of the aperture.


48mm filters, easier to find than 40mm. The lens is well balanced on the Canon 7. I like to use a smaller Sonnar formula lens on the Canon P.

 

[dxqcanada]

Lots of "hazy" LTM lenses out there ... very tempting prices, but haze is a risky thing.

Yeah, that was my thinking also ... my 7 would look better with a larger lens.

 

[BrianV]

The modern Cosine/Voigtlander 50/1.5 in LTM goes for $50~$100 more than the Canon 50/1.4, and less that the 50/1.5. With the new M-Mount version coming out, I would keep an eye on the classified ads on various forums for people "upgrading". This lens and the 35/1.7 Ultron are under-rated and a real value. The Ultron is much better than the Canon 35/2, cost about the same these days.

 

[gsgary]

I have been given a Jupiter 12 35mm lens and it is quite a nice lens

 

[BrianV]

The Jupiter-12 is a Zeiss Biogon copy. Good ones are quite good- I've used one with the M8 and M9.

Be careful with a Canon 7 and Canon P: rear element can hang on the light baffes of the body.

 

[dxqcanada]

So now I have two lenses ... both in great optical condition:

Canon 50mm f/1.8 chrome (type 3)
Canon 35mm f/2.8 chrome/black (type 5)

I am still coping with how physically small the 35mm is ... especially on my Canon 7 body.

Still have not landed the 50mm f/1.4 ... still trying.

I am getting a Chiyoko (Minolta) Super Rokkor 5cm f/2 soon ... with a Minolta-35 (hopefully in working condition).