Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/09/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]J. Redfern wrote: > >> I wonder if the users of this list would be able to help compile > something of a list of third party accessories either once or currently > available for M series Leicas. > At least two third party rewind lever adapters have been made for the knob rewinds of the M1/2/3-----I've seen them second hand. One if rather a rather crude, dull gray aluminum casting, and the other is finely machined chrome. I do not know who made them however, but I am sure they are relatively hard to come by. There are probably more versions I do not know about. Perhaps the ultimate 3rd party accessory is the Nikon RF or Contax RF coupled adapter. These allow Nikon or Contax RF lenses to be mounted on a Leica Screw mount camera WITH FULL RF COUPLING. Put a Bayonet adapter on the back, and of course they fit the M series. There are at least four versions of these adapters: 1) one version, apparently made by Zeiss during W.W.II, was recently discovered. 2) a British version, shown in Mantanle's "Collecting and Using Classic Cameras" is for Contax to Leica Screw. 3) perhaps the finest engineered version was made by the Orien Camera company before they became Miranda. they made two versions, one for Nikon RF lenses and one for Contax. Both internal and external bayonet lenses coupled. 4) last year a very limited edition of new Japanese adapters were made and I am told quickly sold out. Occasionally you can turn up the Contax to Leica adapter WITH NO RF COUPLING. These are simple adapters and sold recently through NY stores. The others with complete RF coupling are little engineering marvels. By the way, if anyone has one of these adapters out there, I am in the market for a few. Stephen Gandy