Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/07/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Following Tom's comprehensive posting isn't easy, but you should check out Stephen Gandy's web site 'Cameraquest' for further deatils reagrding these adapters. URL: http://cameraquest.com/adapter.htm The English versions were made by Cook (without an 'e' at the end) and Perkins at a time when German imports (of Leitz and other lenses) were strictly limited after the war. Therefore people took what they could get and adapted things to make them work with what they had. Cook and Perkins also made close -up focusing devices (for Leicas), as did the Scottish firm of Stewartry, and Photax. Because the (original) Contax and Nikon design had a built in focusing mount on the camera, this was the element which was replaced by the adapter, effectively filling the gap between the camera and the lens. There is one of these adapters currently for auction in the PCCGB (Photographic Collectors Club of Great Britain), the reserve is œ95(GBP). There were also non focusing versions made, these are much cheaper and can often be picked up for a few pounds, though they are still quite rare. Jem ---------- Subject: Re: [Leica] Contax Lens Adapter Gerd, The adapter that Cambridge is offering is most likely a Contax RF (Germany) to Leica screwmount. There are several of these around. The most famous is the Orion adapter (1949-1952), this one is quite rare and is a high end collectible ( $1000+). There were also several versions of these adapters made in UK in the 50's.( Perkins?). They allow Leica Screwmount bodies to accept Contax RF ( and sometimes Nikon RF lenses) while retaining full rangefinder focussing capability. I have had several of these over the years and I still have one left that I use with Contax/Nikon lenses. The version offered by Cambridge is probably the japanese made adapter. It uses the focus helicoil from a Nikon rangefinder (as well as the distance scale). It works very well on most lenses from the 28 to 85 mm. I found that mounting my Biogon 21/4,5 ( Contax mount) I had problem with jamming the focussing roller of the M camera. I have used this adapter with 28 Nikon/35 Biogon and a 85/2 Sonnar and Nikon. Works very well. The high price is justified as it has its own helicoil,scale and is actually very well made. The Orion was the best made, jewel like finish, polished stainless steel. The later Japanese version is cruder, but it works. I have seen Contax G1/G2 adapters to Leica Screwmount in Tokyo, they again have their own adapter with helicoil but are not rangefinder coupled. There are some benefits of getting an adapter like this, you expand your lens selection considerably, plenty of great Sonnars,Tessars,Biogons as well as some great Nikon RF optics (25/28 and 35/1,8 as well as 85/105). The Nikons are often available as screwmounts to start with, but the selection is better with the alternative of the adapter. Tom A