using a zeiss tessar lens m42 mount on Nikon

Hi there, Zeiss Tessar 50/2.8 is an old but very good quality lens

and I figured I could use it on my Nikon f100 (manual mode) with the

right mount adapter. The only problem I have now is that the lens

does not focus on infinity anymore, I think the focal distance

changed due to the adapter. any ideas of correcting this or shall I

limit the use of this lens for closer shoots. thanks for your input

Nikons, unfortunately, are one of the few cameras that cannot be easily adapted for M42 lenses, as the lense-flange to film-plane distance on the Nikon is greater than that of the Pentax/Praktica type cameras. As you've noted, the lens will only focus relatively closely. Adaptors are available which include an optical element to correct for the difference, but the lens then acts as a short telephoto, not as it's original focal length.

Thank you Chris. Unfort my old Praktica is broken but I love this lens. I know there are other cameras on m42 mount beside Praktica. do you know which ones.

Hi Mihai:

 

Probably the best and most common of the M42 cameras are the Pentax Spotmatics. Others included Ricoh, Chinon, Cosina and a number of other brands in the 1965-75 period.... as well as Praktica of course. If you just want an inexpensive body to use with your Tessar, a Russian Zenit is a good deal, and you can still get them new. The only other M42 camera that you can buy new today is the Voigtlander Bessaflex, which would be a good choice if you want to spend that much.

 

:)=

<I know there are other cameras on m42 mount beside Praktica. do you know which ones.>

 

I use a Mamiya MSX1000. Do a search on Google for M42 mount cameras. I also use a Rebel G with a M42 to EOS adapter. It focuses fine to infinity. I got the adapter off of ebay for about $15.

 

One thing about the adapters and M42 lenses is that if the aperture only works in automatic mode you can only shoot with the lens wide open. I have several lenses that have an automatic/manual switch, and I use them with the switch in manual mode.

"the aperture only works in automatic mode you can only shoot with the lens wide open"

 

If they're the kind with the little stop-down pin, you can try sticking or gluing that down.

The Fujica ST series is a top-quality reliable M42 mount camera. They are far superior to the Spotmatics and available on the used market very inexpensive. Chinon CS is also very good. Don't buy another Praktica they are terrible!

"Don't buy another Praktica they are terrible!"

 

Actually, old Practikas, while quirky, make excellent shooters. I use an old Vf with a handful of m42 lenses (including the 50 2.8 Zeiss Jena) and the build quality is fine. Best part is the price - Free!

 

HD