Can you adapt Contax G lenses to a Leica SL/L-mount body?
Asked 6/8/2018
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I want to use Contax G lenses on a Leica SL (L/T-mount). Contax G to Sony E adapters exist, including focusing adapters, so I’m wondering whether an equivalent adapter exists for Leica L mount, or whether I could stack adapters through another mount. I already learned that Canon EOS M and Canon EOS are different mounts, so that route won’t work. Is there any practical way to adapt Contax G lenses to Leica SL?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
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As you say, since Contax G → Sony E-mount focusing adapters do exist, so it's entirely possible to build one for Leica L-mount (SL/T). According to the Wikipedia table of flange distances, there's about 10mm to work with between the mount depths (Contax G=29mm vs. Leica L=19mm).
But, volume-wise the adapter makers probably don't find it worthwhile to make them, since mirrorless Leica owners are probably thin on the ground. And, unfortunately, since the Leica L mount is roughly the same depth (19mm vs. 18mm) as Sony E, you won't be able to find a Sony E → Leica L adapter. And the micro four-thirds and Fuji X ones might vignette (if they existed) since they're not for full frame.
You can't stack on an SLR lens adapter because you won't find Contax G → SLR adapters (just as you won't find them for Leica M), due to flange distances on SLR mounts being much thicker than Contax G.
I think you may have to find a custom service to convert the mount on the lens. Or just wait and see if someone does come out with an adapter. The main problem is that it's going to be very expensive if one does. The cost of the Sony adapters has been averaged out as they've already reverse-engineered the electronics of the focusing and then just been able to use that for additional adapters. Having to start over from scratch with an entirely different mount for low volume sales simply may not be worth the effort for Kipon or Metabones. And, making a low-cost ring isn't going to be worthwhile, if you want some way to focus the lens, given Contax G's lack of focus rings on the lenses.
Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27440
8y ago
0
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In principle, yes: Contax G lenses can be adapted to Leica L mount because the flange distances leave enough room (Contax G is deeper than Leica L). The real issue is availability, not feasibility.
A direct Contax G to Leica L adapter would need to provide the focusing mechanism that Contax G lenses require. Those exist for Sony E, but Leica L versions appear uncommon or unavailable, likely because demand is much smaller.
Stacking adapters is not a practical solution here. Leica L and Sony E have nearly the same flange distance, so a Sony E-to-Leica L adapter generally isn’t possible. Going through an SLR mount also won’t help, because Contax G lenses need a special focusing adapter rather than a simple mechanical mount converter.
So the short answer is: it’s physically possible, but there may not be a readily available commercial adapter for Leica L. A direct purpose-built Contax G-to-Leica L focusing adapter would be the only realistic option.
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