Shoten L39 to L adapter-Highly Recommended

[Chris DC]

Hi All:

Last week I bought a Sigma FP with the EVF to pair with my small collection of Leica Thread Mount (LTM) M39 lenses. I use these old lenses with a Leica IIIf film camera and occasionally with a mFT body. I got the FP (full frame sensor) to serve as a digital mount for adapted lenses without any cropping of the image.

So far, I am enjoying the new camera and learning its capabilities.

For the mFT body I have been using adapters from Fotodiox and Olympus. For the Sigma FP, I recently received a Shoten L39 to L adapter:

SHOTEN L39-LSL Mount Adapter Leica L39 Lens - L Bayonet Mount Camera JP Tracking for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SHOTEN L39-LSL Mount Adapter Leica L39 Lens - L Bayonet Mount Camera JP Tracking at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

This adapter




Image from Shoten web site

The Shoten adapter is unusual in that it provides welcome clearance for pressing down of the infinity lock and there is a means to adjust the angular installed position of the lens.

It seems well made and is reaonably priced (~$40).



Note: the image above shows the collapsible 5cm Elmar lens attached to the FP. This is a risky proposition as my measurements indicate that if collapsed, the rangefinder cam on the lens will strike the FP's sensor.



I also bought some inexpensive adapters from Rainbow imaging (thanks to a tip from another forum member. These were ~$10 each and work fine for lenses without the infinity lock.

I am looking forward to the coming summer season when I can use these lenses in better light and when local people have garage, estate and yard sales where one can find interesting old lenses on the cheap



CDC

 

[Tom Caldwell]

This thread might be a good opportunity to revive an old thread, but probably the most extensive test of the direct adaption of LTM-M4/3.

(As opposed to LTM-LM as the subject of the OP then LM-M4/3)

As I wanted to make multiple LTM lenses into direct mount M4/3 lenses the correct flange focal distance was imperative.

Two out of the eight adapters were acceptable - precise FFD with one 0.01 error. The two that failed were exactly 1.0mm out which suggests that there was a CMC machine error on setup which confused the LM and LTM FFD.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57180669

Proof of the pudding that even the cheapest adapter can be made to perfect specification. That one of the more expensive ones might not and we can possibly buy 20-of one adapter and find them all perfectly made to exactly 1.0mm error.

 

[Chris DC]

Tom:

Thanks for resurrecting your older post regarding adapters. I followed your advice to buy LTM to mFT adapters. Indeed, I was inspired by your work to post about my positive views of the Shoten LTM to L adapter. I expect more people will be picking up inexpensive L bodies to adapt vintage lenses so bringing the adapter topic up repeatedly is a great idea!

CDC

 

[Tom Caldwell]

Tom:

Thanks for resurrecting your older post regarding adapters. I followed your advice to buy LTM to mFT adapters. Indeed, I was inspired by your work to post about my positive views of the Shoten LTM to L adapter. I expect more people will be picking up inexpensive L bodies to adapt vintage lenses so bringing the adapter topic up repeatedly is a great idea!

CDC

Chris: I was on a mission with my LTM-M4/3 adapters as I bought 20 Fotga ones to make my LTM lenses into M4/3 ones. I also wanted to have some spares in case I had the urge for more.

You would know the story - every one was 1.00mm (precisely) out in its FFD. After the expense of 20 'duds' I wanted to make sure that was not on a failed FFD roundabout - that was why I bought one each of a number of these adapters and by default seem to have turned it into a fairly wide ranging review.

Maybe if others have bought LTM-LM adapters they could add comments to this thread - a sort of random set of reviews by default?

 

[Sjak]

The Shoten adapter is unusual in that it provides welcome clearance for pressing down of the infinity lock and there is a means to adjust the angular installed position of the lens.

It seems well made and is reaonably priced (~$40).

The adapter looks nice indeed, and good thinking from the manufacturer to consider the infinity-lock, which is a pretty common fearure on LTM-lenses.

Note: the image above shows the collapsible 5cm Elmar lens attached to the FP. This is a risky proposition as my measurements indicate that if collapsed, the rangefinder cam on the lens will strike the FP's sensor.

You can attach a tie-wrap or hairband to the lens barrel to prevent (accidental) full collapse of the lens. However, the rangefinder-cam is fixed to the focusing helicoid, and should not collapse. Possibly you mean the rear of the collapsing barrel? This could (nearly) hit the sensor, as a sensor including the sensor-stack is slightly thicker than film.

I am looking forward to the coming summer season when I can use these lenses in better light and when local people have garage, estate and yard sales where one can find interesting old lenses on the cheap

Enjoy shooting the lens!

My approach for LTM-lenses is to attach an LTM-LM-adapter so I use them as LM-only; I find the bayonet much more convenient than screw-mount for switching lenses "in the wild". But this is personal, and also at least partly determined by my main camera-system, which is M-mount.

 

[Chris DC]

Hi Sjak

Thanks for the suggestion on the use of a tie-wrap to prevent lens barrel penetration into the sensor. Good idea.



You are correct in that it is the lens barrel, not the focus cam that could hit the sensor.



CDC

 

[Chris DC]

Tom

i’d like to hear about LTM to L adapters though I suppose I am all set for now

 

[petrochemist]

Hi Sjak

Thanks for the suggestion on the use of a tie-wrap to prevent lens barrel penetration into the sensor. Good idea.

You are correct in that it is the lens barrel, not the focus cam that could hit the sensor.

CDC

I just used a thick o-ring for mine (achieving the same effect as tie wrap) but since then I've added a M39 extension tube. With the lens recessed it can focus to infinity, pull it out and you have much closer focus than before (intermediate positions can readily be used too).

 

[Chris DC]

Neat idea! I will try an O-Ring.

I do have a 45mm L lens that came with the Sigma FP. It focuses close and has autofocus and is pretty small. Thus, I have little impetus to use the collapsible 5cm Elmar. I typically will want to use my 3.5cm Summaron and 9cm Elmar with the FP.

The O-Ring and extension tube is a clever plan!

CDC

 

[calvin83]

The design allows the clearance of the infinity lock has been exist for a long time. I have the L39 to Sony E adapter from Yeenon(YI NENG) many years ago which the same design which allows the adjustment of the lens orientation too by three screws on the adapter.



--
The best lens is the one you have with you.

@LensFever

 

[Chris DC]

Thanks Calvin:

I had not known about this brand of adapter. I did not see one to go from the M39 to the L mount. Hopefully with the growth of the L mount cameras, more adapter choices will arise.

When I searched for the M39 to L adapters, the only one other than Shoten I found that has clearance for the infinity lock was the Kiron. It looks well made but has no provision for adjusting the angular position of the lens.

CDC

 

[Tom Caldwell]

The Shoten adapter is unusual in that it provides welcome clearance for pressing down of the infinity lock and there is a means to adjust the angular installed position of the lens.

It seems well made and is reaonably priced (~$40).

The adapter looks nice indeed, and good thinking from the manufacturer to consider the infinity-lock, which is a pretty common fearure on LTM-lenses.

Note: the image above shows the collapsible 5cm Elmar lens attached to the FP. This is a risky proposition as my measurements indicate that if collapsed, the rangefinder cam on the lens will strike the FP's sensor.

You can attach a tie-wrap or hairband to the lens barrel to prevent (accidental) full collapse of the lens. However, the rangefinder-cam is fixed to the focusing helicoid, and should not collapse. Possibly you mean the rear of the collapsing barrel? This could (nearly) hit the sensor, as a sensor including the sensor-stack is slightly thicker than film.

Not going to investigate but there is usually a lot of other damage that can be done even before the sensor is reached. Firstly the light baffles, then the electronic contacts - with psychodelic light show, the shutter mechanism - and finally the sensor.

Not a good idea.

I am looking forward to the coming summer season when I can use these lenses in better light and when local people have garage, estate and yard sales where one can find interesting old lenses on the cheap

Enjoy shooting the lens!

My approach for LTM-lenses is to attach an LTM-LM-adapter so I use them as LM-only; I find the bayonet much more convenient than screw-mount for switching lenses "in the wild". But this is personal, and also at least partly determined by my main camera-system, which is M-mount.

M mount ok

 

[Sjak]

You can attach a tie-wrap or hairband to the lens barrel to prevent (accidental) full collapse of the lens. However, the rangefinder-cam is fixed to the focusing helicoid, and should not collapse. Possibly you mean the rear of the collapsing barrel? This could (nearly) hit the sensor, as a sensor including the sensor-stack is slightly thicker than film.

Not going to investigate but there is usually a lot of other damage that can be done even before the sensor is reached. Firstly the light baffles, then the electronic contacts - with psychodelic light show, the shutter mechanism - and finally the sensor.

Not a good idea.

All valid points Tom! I only pointed out how far the barrel could get into the camera when collapsing, certainly not encouraging anyone to try it out Thanks for the extra input!

 

[Chris DC]

Since I am using a Sigma FP as my "film" and it has no mechanical shutter or IS system the risks are manageable but not zero. I do like the idea of an O-ring or two that prevent any collapse beyond the penetration of the adapter. I might just try it sometime. Or not.

I mostly plan to use the FP with the 35mm Elmar as a compact walkabout camera.

I do like this thread though so keep it going

CDC

 

[Sjak]

Since I am using a Sigma FP as my "film" and it has no mechanical shutter or IS system the risks are manageable but not zero.

Yes, that's why I mentioned the sensor stack

I mostly plan to use the FP with the 35mm Elmar as a compact walkabout camera.

I do like this thread though so keep it going

Nice! I have the 3,5cm Elmar, it's a ridiculously small lens, and use it regularly. Unlike it's 5cm brother, it doesn't collapse, so one less thing to worry about

 

[Travis Butler]

I mostly plan to use the FP with the 35mm Elmar as a compact walkabout camera.

I do like this thread though so keep it going

Nice! I have the 3,5cm Elmar, it's a ridiculously small lens, and use it regularly. Unlike it's 5cm brother, it doesn't collapse, so one less thing to worry about

I just did a quick eBay search for the Elmar 35mm, and the cheapest I saw was $468 US. There was a Summaron 35/2.8 listed for $202. It does have light haze, but that’s still more of a price discrepancy than I would have expected.

Would love to try the Elmar, but with my current financial situation, I can’t afford it.

 

[Sjak]

I just did a quick eBay search for the Elmar 35mm, and the cheapest I saw was $468 US. There was a Summaron 35/2.8 listed for $202. It does have light haze, but that’s still more of a price discrepancy than I would have expected.

I also took my time to get the 3.5cm Elmar, as the focal length isn't exactly my favorite I didnt want to spend loads of money. I think I paid around 250 for my copy, a 1938 vintage.

Technically speaking, the Summaron 35mm f/3.5 is a much better lens than the Elmar, and also has much improved haptics. The 2.8-Summaron is again an improvement.

But the Elmar certainly has a more distinct vintage look; in fact I sold my 35 3.5 Summaron after I got my Elmar.

 

[Chris DC]

I bought the 3.5cm F3.5 Summaron for a little under $400 and it was listed as good condition and slight haze. I was able to clean the glass (except for the surfaces closet to the apertures) and it works well and is very small.

I plan to enjoy my current lenses (Oly 50mm F1.4, Leica Elmar 5cm and 9 cm, 3.5 cm Summaron and 13.5cm Hektor) on my Leica IIIf film camera and the Sigma FP. If I stumble across another lens (maybe a 21mm?) thread mount for cheap I will buy it.

I am not a lens connoisseur. I like a little 'character" in a lens. For technical clarity I use my more modern four thirds and mFT gear.

CDC

 

[Sjak]

I plan to enjoy my current lenses (Oly 50mm F1.4, Leica Elmar 5cm and 9 cm, 3.5 cm Summaron and 13.5cm Hektor) on my Leica IIIf film camera and the Sigma FP. If I stumble across another lens (maybe a 21mm?) thread mount for cheap I will buy it.

20/21mm in LTM is outside of the ultracheap-range, although there are some Voigtlander 21mm-lenses that are compact and relatively affordable, also in LTM.

My personal pick is either the ultra-compact Russar MR-2 20mm f/5.6 or the Voigtlander Nokton 21mm f/1.4 (in M-mount; relatively large for a rangefinder lens)

I am not a lens connoisseur. I like a little 'character" in a lens. For technical clarity I use my more modern four thirds and mFT gear.

CDC

 

[Chris DC]

I would like to stumble on a nice old Leica lens for little money but realize this may never happen

So, I will also look for the Voightlander Snapshot Skopar 25mm lens which can be had with a finder for about $300. Maybe the 21mm F4 Color Skopar might be good too.

I am wondering how these M39 lens designs play with the Sigma FP.

Anyhow, I am not a big wide angle fan, so the 35mm Summaron will suffice for now!

CDC