Need help with MF adapters for Leitz Glass

I had to send my 5D in last friday for the mirror recall fix, and in the meantime my (soon-to-be) father-in-law has let me borrow some old film cameras that are family heirlooms. I got a rolleiflex 90mm f/2.8 twin-lens, and a Leica M5 rangefinder. The Leica has 4 leitz lenses with it -

35mm F2.0 Summicron-R
50mm F1.4 Summilux-R
90mm F2.0 Summicron-R
135mm F2.8 Elmarit-R

While I probably won't be shooting film after I get my 5D back, I would be very interested to use some of these lenses with my digital body. The world of MF adapters is really confusing. Could anyone point me in the right direction?

Leica R glass is notoriously difficult to adapt. If you want infinity focus the rear element comes very close to the mirror - too close with some lenses (the 35 'cron among them). In that case you need to 'shave' (i.e. cut off the bottom part) of your 5D mirror. Some of the lenses on the other hand should work well with a simple adapter.

You can find some good links and references in this thread:
http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/92264​1

I had read about mirror issues in a thread about the Minolta Rokkor 58mm f/1.2, so I'm not surprised to hear that it's a pretty universal issue. I'm really hoping I can get the 90 to work. It's a joy to hold and there seem to be several dozen aperture blades in there.

I'll look through the links in that thread. Thanks for the tip.

I'm confused. The M5 rangefinder came with four R lenses? Wouldn't it be using M lenses?

At any rate, the best place to check for the mirror clearance issues of a specific lens would probably be the pebbleplace website, which has databases of Leica-R and C/Y Zeiss lenses and their usability on Canon EOS.

inkista wrote in post #10733467
I'm confused. The M5 rangefinder came with four R lenses? Wouldn't it be using M lenses?

At any rate, the best place to check for the mirror clearance issues of a specific lens would probably be the pebbleplace website, which has databases of Leica-R and C/Y Zeiss lenses and their usability on Canon EOS.

You're completely correct. I was looking at that particular website when I was listing the lenses from memory and got confused. I must have seen "R" and thought that stood for Rangefinder or something. I'm really out of my element here.

This is the information from the front element of the lenses

Leitz Canada 1746239 Summicron 1:2/35
Leitz Wetzlar 1644546 Summilux 1:1.4/50
Leitz Canada 1652763 Summicron 1:2/90
Leitz Canada 1957004 Elmarit 1:2.8/135

I would really love to get some of these working. They feel amazing and they're just beautifully manufactured.

So they are M lenses? If they are M-mount (i.e from a Leica M5 as you said) then they can't be adapted. Rangefinder cameras have no mirror so the lens to film/sensor distance is much shorter. Leica R-mount was used by a now discontinued Leica SLR range. The R-mount lenses are the only Leica glass that can be adapted for Canon.

You are quite right that those are lovely lenses - a small treasure. I'd recommend getting a Leica M9 if you are not restricted by budget or a used Leica M8 if you are. That kind of glass should be used!

Pick up a Sony NEX or m43 camera it's the only way short of an M9 that those lenses will end up doing duty on digital anytime soon

professoryeti wrote in post #10731012
I had to send my 5D in last friday for the mirror recall fix, and in the meantime my (soon-to-be) father-in-law has let me borrow some old film cameras that are family heirlooms. I got a rolleiflex 90mm f/2.8 twin-lens, and a Leica M5 rangefinder. The Leica has 4 leitz lenses with it -

35mm F2.0 Summicron-R
50mm F1.4 Summilux-R
90mm F2.0 Summicron-R
135mm F2.8 Elmarit-R

While I probably won't be shooting film after I get my 5D back, I would be very interested to use some of these lenses with my digital body. The world of MF adapters is really confusing. Could anyone point me in the right direction?

I got my ticket into leica glass via the 50mm f2 summicron R. The colors and contrast are absolutely beautiful.

Glass like that begs to be used.

The M5 ain't a slouch either, load up some ilfords and take a walk.

Supersignet wrote in post #10735392
Pick up a Sony NEX or m43 camera it's the only way short of an M9 that those lenses will end up doing duty on digital anytime soon

I didn't even think of that! Looks like cameraquest has some nice high quality adapters available for most 4/3 mounts.

And I'm definitely burning through a few rolls in the m5 before my body gets back from Canon. But long term, it just won't ever be "my thing".

Now the Rolleiflex...that I might bring out from time to time.