Anthony James , Jan 29, 2012; 05:06 p.m.
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)?
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?
Sorry for all the questions, but I have no experience with 35mm interchangeable-lens RFs.
Thanks in advance,
AJ
paul wheatland , Jan 29, 2012; 06:35 p.m.
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.
John Shriver 
, Jan 29, 2012; 07:25 p.m.
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.)
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.
Mukul Dube 
, Jan 30, 2012; 04:14 a.m.
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.
Alex Shishin 
, Jan 30, 2012; 06:06 a.m.
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.
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.
Anthony Oresteen , Jan 30, 2012; 10:02 a.m.
I used a 100mm f/35 Canon on my M3 in the 80's with no issues. I used the 90mm frame lines.
The M3 has the best RF for long lenses. I'd use an M3 with that lens.
Mukul Dube , Jan 30, 2012; 11:30 a.m.
An M3 is certainly an option. I used one with a 105mm lens, with a little care while framing.
Steve Bellayr , Jan 30, 2012; 03:25 p.m.
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.
Anthony James , Jan 30, 2012; 03:26 p.m.
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?
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.
I'm afraid I feel another camera addiction coming on...
Thanks again,
AJ
John Shriver , Jan 30, 2012; 05:50 p.m.
Yes, the M to LTM adapters provide perfect rangefinder coupling. (Unless they are cheap off-brand ones that are not exactly 1mm thick.)
The beam splitter in a Canon rangefinder is cemented, so it tends to not have bad aging problems.
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.
