New Contax G/Leica M Conversion from rangefinderforums

[jthurs]

Hey, this is a repost.

Just found this thread on rangefinder forum about converting Contax G to Leica M with focus mechanism. Saw the Hawks adapter post and know that going from M to NEX is very easy so this may be of some interest.

Here's the thread:

[dcjs]

Originally Posted by jthurs

Here's the thread:...

I can only see two images, could you point me to the thread about that conversion?

[Martin S]

Yes, please include the link.

Thanks,

Martin

[scho]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...d.php?t=111550

[trivuong]

So the cost is $300-$400 for each lens and it's permanent.
It's always good to have different options I guess.

[monza]

This is a lens I sent off to have converted...cost is not set yet, it will probably be more than 400. I actually haven't seen the lens in person, either. When it arrives I'll give a full rundown.

[jonoslack]

Hi Robert
Intrigued . . . I'd rather given up with the clunky MF on the adaptors (the K adapter is better, but the little pyramid thing always jagged my finger when focusing, and the metabones was just too big.
all the best

[ken_vs_ryu]

I guess if you already have G lenses and no intention of buying ZM lenses it's a good option.

[monza]

Just arrived, wow, using this on the NEX with the Hawk adapter is a dream...the helicoid is super smooth, unlike the G to NEX adapter I have used. And the focusing ring is in just the right place, not jammed up against the lens mount.

This is a prototype. More info soon as to availability.

[scho]

Originally Posted by monza

Just arrived, wow, using this on the NEX with the Hawk adapter is a dream...the helicoid is super smooth, unlike the G to NEX adapter I have used. And the focusing ring is in just the right place, not jammed up against the lens mount.

This is a prototype. More info soon as to availability.

Looks great Robert! Just what I need to get my Contax G lenses mounted on the GXR-M.

[monza]

Also, conversion is 6 bit.

[Godfrey]

Looks excellent!

[Jonas]

Excellent, yes I agree. Finally something making the Contax G system lenses really useful!

[trivuong]

Looks good, now we await for the details.

[Show Performance]

Looking forward to getting my hands on this Robert. Now let's get Hawk cooking on that Contax 645 adapter! That's the one I really am excited for...

[gambaphoto]

has there been any additional news on this?

[Rich M]

Originally Posted by gambaphoto

has there been any additional news on this?

Contact monza via PM.

R

[monza]

NEX 7 with close-focusing helical M adapter:

[Taylor Sherman]

Looks great! I'd like more info! :-)

[mazor]

How about trying this site

Converted Contax G lens for Leica M Packages | japan exposures

It seems they not only modify existing lens, but also can sell you some modified lens. A little pricey maybe, but that in a way simplifys for those wanting to get into contax G but don't want to have two stages to get a contax g mod to LM

[Taylor Sherman]

Originally Posted by mazor

How about trying this site

Converted Contax G lens for Leica M Packages | japan exposures

It seems they not only modify existing lens, but also can sell you some modified lens. A little pricey maybe, but that in a way simplifys for those wanting to get into contax G but don't want to have two stages to get a contax g mod to LM

I'm confused. Who did your conversion?

[monza]

Currently there are two firms that modify Contax G lenses to Leica M. Hawk (Taiwan) whom I represent, and MS Optical is the other (Japan.)

The conversion as shown in the photos above takes an original G lens, removes the rear part of the lens barrel (including the Contax bayonet, autofocusing gearing and AF drive screw) and replaces it with a standard helical, a coupled rangefinder cam, and Leica M bayonet. The optics module (the glass) and the front part of the lens (aperture ring, filter thread, and retaining ring with the Zeiss text) remain as they were originally and are not disassembled. The original leftover parts can be retained in case the owner wants to reverse the process.

The MS Optical conversion as listed on the Japan Exposures website completely disassembles the optics from the original barrel, which is then discarded. The individual glass elements are then remounted in a different barrel, with a helical, RF cam, and aperture ring.

The MS Optical conversion has rather challenging ergonomics similar to old Leica screw mount lenses. The aperture ring has no click stops, for example, and will rotate when the lens is focused. The apertures appear in the reverse order from the original lenses. Ken Rockwell has done a review of the MS Optical conversions and gives more detail.

The Hawk conversion is a more 'normal' feeling lens. The aperture ring is the same as it was on the Contax G cameras...it doesn't rotate when the lens focuses, and the helical has a good feel and grip.

Several getdpi members have used the prototype 45/2, it's gone from Washington to Arizona to California to NYC to Hawaii, and every seems to really like it.

Here are some pics that Ashwin took with it:

http://bit.ly/zXnhzr

And more here:

http://bit.ly/KZ05No

Feel free to contact me, email is best: robert.jagitsch (at) gmail.com

[Taylor Sherman]

OK thanks for the info!

[Cindy Flood]

I was one of the members who tested the prototype Hawk conversion of the 45 f/2 Planar. I used the lens on my Sony 5N and on my Leica M6ttl. I was very happy with how it worked and what it produced. I have sent my 35 f/2 Planar in for conversion. It should be back soon and I can't wait to post photos from it.

[mazor]

monza, thanks for that very informative post

Its good to know what the end result from each mod, reading ken rockwells post on this is interesting and informative.

So obviously hawks mod will result in a near perfect conversion whereby the lens barrel does not rotate and the original aperture is retained. Many thanks again for the info

[mazor]

Originally Posted by Taylor Sherman

I'm confused. Who did your conversion?

I have no conversion yet but seriously thinking of getting into the contax line of things. Have been pondering just getting a contax g 90mm and adapt it to nex using metabones fancy adapter, but although I do like the larger focus ring it adds, it does make the camera setup look kind of strange. The other brand converter focus ring I read was hard to turn, and during my search ups for adapting I came across the japanese conversion site, of which after reading Monza's explanation does not sound so attractive now.

[Taylor Sherman]

Originally Posted by mazor

I have no conversion yet but seriously thinking of getting into the contax line of things. Have been pondering just getting a contax g 90mm and adapt it to nex using metabones fancy adapter, but although I do like the larger focus ring it adds, it does make the camera setup look kind of strange. The other brand converter focus ring I read was hard to turn, and during my search ups for adapting I came across the japanese conversion site, of which after reading Monza's explanation does not sound so attractive now.

Ah, sorry, totally got "monza" and "mazor" confused in my head :-)

[blargh]

Originally Posted by monza

Currently there are two firms that modify Contax G lenses to Leica M. Hawk (Taiwan) whom I represent, and MS Optical is the other (Japan.)

Hi Monza,

Any word on whether Hawk has considered producing a Contax-G to NEX adapter with a built-in helical, similar to their M adapter, which would allow focusing without using the internal Contax G mechanism?

[monza]

I will ask him.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by monza

I will ask him.

That would be awesome.

[woodyspedden]

Originally Posted by monza

I will ask him.

HeyRobert

Can you send me some info regarding cost of conversion; time involved; etc

You can email at my home email.......elwood@wsnconsult.com

Woody

[scho]

RJ is also now making a close focusing helical adapter for M to NEX.

[slungu]

Just wondering if this conversion is actually available and how much it would cost besides the lens.

[ken_vs_ryu]

I've tried multiple ways to get a quote on my 90mm contax conversion and not response.

[alahome]

He has a ebay store to sell his adapter(Hawk's M-NEX). Send him a message and he will reply to you quickly. But please be aware of timezone as he is in Taiwan China. It will be around 12hours gap.

Originally Posted by ken_vs_ryu

I've tried multiple ways to get a quote on my 90mm contax conversion and not response.

[txomin]

I have found this guy at ebay. He makes a conversion to M that really looks great.
Has anyone any notice about this?

Contax G G1 G2 Carl Zeiss Lens Convert to Leica M M8 M9 ZM Mount | eBay

[monza]

Yes, it's being discussed over here