Camera body for Canon 100mm f2 LTM lens

[anthony_james]

<p>I've been using a Canon 100mm f2 LTM lens on a 16mm movie camera (with c-mount adapter), and am thinking that it would be fun to use it on a 35mm rangefinder camera, which I assume is its original application. The lens appears to have a rangefinder cam, so I'd like to know what camera bodies this couples with. Does it have to be a Canon? Do LTM lenses have a universal rangefinder system (i.e., do all Leica-thread lenses RF couple with all LTM-mount RF cameras)?<br>

Also, is there any camera I could use with this that has a finder with 100mm framelines, or would I be focusing with the RF and composing with an external finder?<br>

Sorry for all the questions, but I have no experience with 35mm interchangeable-lens RFs.<br>

Thanks in advance, <br>

AJ</p>

[paul_wheatland]

<p>Any Leica, Canon or Leica copy including Cosina/ Voigtlander models that uses 39mm thread mount or M series by C/V, Leica and others with a screw to M adapter and you are good to go. Tons of info. on the 'net.</p>

[john_shriver]

<p>However, you need a good rangefinder baseline to focus that lens accurately. The Cosina-made Voigtlander cameras really can't focus it reliably wide open. (90mm f/3.5 lenses are about as demanding a lens that they can focus.)<br>

If you get a Canon P, 7, or 7s it will have 100mm frame-lines. Most other "Leica Thread Mount" cameras you'll need a 100mm accessory viewfinder. No Leica M camera has 100mm framelines, 90mm ones are the closest you'll find.</p>

[mukul_dube]

<p>The P and 7 (or 7s) from Canon are your best options. I bought one of each from Mike Smith (Japan), both moderately priced and in perfect order.</p>

[Alex_Es]

<p>Put a Leica LTM to M adapter on the Canon 100/2 and have fun. It will work perfectly with the M8 90mm frame lines and the Bessa R3 A and M 90mm frame lines. I believe it will work well with the M9 and film Leica Ms as well. I am going to do some research on this and write it up. Do not worry about the short base length of the R3 A and M. The 1:1 magnification should make up for it.</p>

<p>You can also use the lens on a number of mirrorless cameras. But using it on Leicas and other M mount cameras is more fun.</p>

[Aoresteen]

<p>I used a 100mm f/35 Canon on my M3 in the 80's with no issues. I used the 90mm frame lines.</p>

<p>The M3 has the best RF for long lenses. I'd use an M3 with that lens.</p>

[mukul_dube]

<p>An M3 is certainly an option. I used one with a 105mm lens, with a little care while framing.</p>

[steve_bellayr]

<p>Financially the Canon P is your best bet. The Canon 7 has a meter but after this many years they have become unreliable. Also, the Canon P is the prettiest of all the Canon rangefinder models and many were made and they are readily available in excellent working condition. The Leica screw mounts tend to be slightly higher with the IIIf & IIIg definitely higher. The Leica screw mounts are more difficult to use and load film. The Canon P is more modern in design.</p>

[anthony_james]

<p>Thanks to all for your replies. I guess I'll start looking for a Canon P or 7-series, but would like to confirm (sorry to be so thick about this!) that if I used the lens on a Leica M-mount body, via an adapter, it would sync with the RF? <br>

Also, would a newer camera like the Bessa have a much clearer/contrastier viewfinder than an old Canon? Although I prefer vintage gear, my eyes are not they used to be, so this is a concern.<br>

I'm afraid I feel another camera addiction coming on...<br>

Thanks again,<br>

AJ</p>

[john_shriver]

<p>Yes, the M to LTM adapters provide perfect rangefinder coupling. (Unless they are cheap off-brand ones that are not exactly 1mm thick.) <br>

The beam splitter in a Canon rangefinder is cemented, so it tends to not have bad aging problems.<br>

The best rangefinders in terms of "easy on the eyes" are in the Leica M's and the Zeiss Ikon M-mount camera. They are the only ones with a "sharp edged" RF patch. The Bessa and Canon cameras all have a fuzzy-edged RF patch.</p>

[Alex_Es]

<p>Listen friends, today at my favorite Starbucks in Motomachi I did some preliminary tests on my M9 with the Canon 85/1.2 using the 75mm frames and the Canon 100/2 using the 90mm frames and so far my results say they work very well together. I'll do more tests and say more about it.</p>

[Gus Lazzari]

<p>I most certainly agree with the <strong>Canon P</strong> recommendations.<br /> It's still a bargain and it blows the doors off of all the LTM offerings:</p>

<ol>

<li>Very accurate metal foil shutter (No more burned in pin holes or cracked rubberized curtains)</li>

<li>Single stroke advance lever</li>

<li>Rapid folding rewind crank</li>

<li>Normal film door and loading</li>

<li>1:1 Brightline parallax corrected rangefinder (100mm, 50mm & 35mm)</li>

<li>Non-rotating speed knob</li>

<li>Self-timer (Few LTM's have them)</li>

<li>X flash sync setting at 1/55th of a sec</li>

<li>Film reminder dial and auto resetting counter </li>

</ol>

<p>Below is a fine example of a <strong>Canon P</strong> with a <strong>Canon 100mm f/3.5</strong> mounted to it. </p>

<ol> </ol><div></div>

[dirk_steffen]

<p>Anthony, I am using a Canon 100 f2 LTM on different Leica M cameras.<br>

It is one of my favorite tele lenses, which I mostly prefer over the Leica 90 Summicron.<br>

The late black Canon lenses have some of the best rangefinder lenses, produced in that era - no sadly almost forgotten.<br>

I have to warn you though, that I had not even one Canon LTM lens, that did not need calibration, to work best with today's much tighter tolerances needed, to be compatible with digital cameras (I use several Canon LTM lenses on a M8.2 and M9).<br>

Fortunately, infinity collimation via positioning the optical towards the film plane is rather straight forward with most Canon RF lens designs (especially the longer lenses).</p>

<p>Here are two shots from the Canon 100 f2 wide open on a digital M:<br>

<img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6078/6135961339_f941b925ee_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="431" /><br>

<img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6193/6136511328_0040e92f60_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /><br>

Here is a portrait at close focus with the Canon 100 f2 @ f2 or f2.8:<br>

<img src="http://www.teknopunk.com/images/2011-10-10%20portrait/L1044559-portrait.jpg" alt="" width="689" height="1024" /></p>

<p>I really love about the Canon 100 f2 LTM and especially about it's further development in form of the more rare Canon 85 f1.8 with very similar optical layout, that these lenses in fact are tack sharp from wide open, while providing already high contrast for lenses of their time.<br>

The contrast behavior of the Canon lenses is also special in the form, that deep shadows are seldom clipped into blacks, while showing relatively high contrast, providing much more shadow detail and unbelievably smooth tones into the shadows.<br>

This is the main reason, why I prefer these two lenses over Leica variants (the 75 Summilux and 90 Summicron are largely unused, as the Canon lenses somehow are easier to use, once properly adjusted and net a nicer rendering to my taste).</p>

<p>The only exception might be the Sonnar design typical rendering of backgrounds. It looks beautiful with clear highlights rendered at perfectly round balls, but can be very distracting with busy background detail, when compared to the Leica double Gauss designs, especially the 75 Summilux, which in such cases simply renders liquified, smooth backgrounds, where the Sonnar lenses can be difficult to use.<br>

In any body, you might decide, make sure, the lens is properly adjusted and you will truly enjoy it! It is one of the greatest rangefinder lenses around of all time - highly underestimated by many, especially in these times, as everybody is running for the latest Leica glass.</p>

<p>Btw: I use the 100mm focal length with a 90mm LTM adapter, using the 90mm frame lines of the internal Leica viewfinder, to estimate framing with the 100mm lens.<br>

This is especially easy with the M8.2 and close focus, as this camera is adjusted for best framing @ 2m, helping a bit towards the tighter 100mm frame.</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Listen to Gus! I did and couldn't be more pleased with my Canon P:<br>

<a href="../classic-cameras-forum/00ZjJv">http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00ZjJv</a><br>

A beautifully handling camera that's a breeze to load.</p>

[vince-p]

<p>The Canon P, yes; or the Leica M3 with adapter that calls up the 90mm frameline. (Leitz originally issued a 35-135, 2.8cm and 5cm; 50mm and 75 mm; and 28 and 90mm. It's that last one you want. Used Leitz or new/used Voigtlander adapters are best. A zillion are available from China and Hong Kong but I always wonder about attention to the exact tolerances or measurements. In my opinion the best quality among the knock offs come from a company called Fotodiox. </p>

<p>The biggest issues with what camera you use: that it works reliably (speeds etc); and that it has a superlative viewfinder. The P has a very good finder except when it's been degraded (haze, fungus, dirt, etc). The M3 has the best viewfinder ever put on a rangefinder.</p>

<p>And that's one of the great lenses. Bring a light meter because neither camera has one.</p>

[anthony_james]

<p>Thanks again for all the responses. The photos are very inspiring! I guess I've settled on a Canon P, which is a lovely camera, and nice and simple. If I can't find a clean one in the next month or so, I'll be very tempted to just get a new Bessa, but if the RF won't be accurate with my lens I guess that would be a stupid move? <br>

Just checking the usual stores online, and evilBay, I don't see many (any?) really nice Canon P bodies. Maybe it would it be easier to find one next time I'm in Japan? The hunt would certainly be pleasurable.<br>

Thanks for sharing your knowledge & enthusiasm,<br />AJ </p>

[dirk_steffen]

<p>AJ, I would not got for a Bessa for the 100 f2 - focus accuracy is just too demanding for these Cosina bodies.<br>

I do not know the Canon RF bodies, but I know, that with a Leica RF, you will have a joy, to shoot the 100 f2, once, the RF and the Canon 100mm are properly matched by a knowledgable technician.<br>

I do not know about your budget, but a cosmetically beaten, but technically sound M4 or even a nice M2 or M3, if you can afford are much nicer choices for this fast, long lens (the M3 having the nicest finder for this lens of them all).<br>

Problem with M3 and M2 are, that they pick up in price and won't get younger either (needing to be in mechanically good conditions).<br>

I just handled a freshly rebuilt M3 from a friend, and that finder is absolutely gorgeous! When properly rebuilt, it is as crystal clear as the new finders, but has the nicest magnification and really, really nice frames!<br>

M3 bodies in such conditions unfortunately break the 1000 USD border nowadays :-(</p>