Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/09/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 08:58 PM 9/19/96 -0700, Stephen Gandy wrote: >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. Several comments: First, the Zeiss adapter has not been "recently discovered": this is a Prewar piece allowing use of Contax lenses on LTM enlargers. It does not allow infinity focusing on a camera. It was known at all times since its production in the middle 1930's. Second, Nikon messed up their theft of the Contax RF mount, and thus the two mounts are not identical, though quite similar. When Nikon realized this, they had to start marking those lenses which WOULD work on Contax RF with a black 'C'. An adapter using the outer-bayonet and lens-focusing may or may not provide infinity focusing for both Nikon and Contax lenses. Third, the Japanese company is Orion, not "Orien". Their adapter is the best to come from the Orient, but still isn't all that good. Fourth, the best of the adapters is the British Cooke & Perkins series, wonderfully over-engineered and over-built devices of impeccable quality. Collector interest has made these impossible to locate, at least in the US. Marc msmall@roanoke.infi.net FAX: +540/343-7315 Cha robh bas fir gun ghras fir!