Does anyone know of a source for inexpensive rear caps (M)? I plan to epoxy the two together, etc...but hate to use the ones that came with my lenses and it seems silly to spend $40 for two Leica caps. Have been trying to contact Konica parts, but the person I need to speak to has not been available. Any ideas? Thanks.

-- Bob (robljones@home.com), April 26, 2001

Answers

Why not use the standard Leica-issue gray "double rear lens coupler"? These may be perfect for your intended use and can be found on eBay from time-to-time for under $20 US. I even talked my local dealer out of a used one for $10. I don't have the part number with me right now, but I could find it if helpful.

These are made for both M lenses and R lenses. The M coupler has a "hole" in the center for some of the wide-angle back-focus extensions. This means you have to be somewhat careful about how you pair the lenses on the coupler. My rule of thumb is "1 wide-angle lens plus 1 lens of 50mm or longer". But be particularly careful with the 21mm - I don't even use the coupler on the 21mm.

Seems to have worked just fine for me so far.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), April 26, 2001.

Ken,

I forgot about those, but, what if you take one lens off and don't put another one back on? What do you do with the open end?

-- Bob (robljones@home.com), April 26, 2001.

Bob:

I purchased some Leica versions on eBay for the same purpose. My problem with the Leica back-to-back holder was that when one lens is removed, the other's rear element is exposed, and the darn thing costs about $60 new! I don't know if there is a direct source, but the Voightlander LSM to M adapters come with an M-compatable rear cap.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), April 26, 2001.

"...what if you take one lens off and don't put another one back on? What do you do with the open end?"

I insert my body cap in the open side. Kills two birds with one stone - closes the open side of the coupler and helps me keep track of my body cap.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), April 26, 2001.

Finally got through to Konica. They have them for $3.95 a piece. Total cost for two including shipping was $11.92!

-- Bob (robljones@home.com), April 26, 2001.

If you use the Leica back to back lens connector, be very careful. Some M lenses have rear elements that protrude further from the rear bayonet than others. If if you try to mount two such lenses...ouch! It is a much better idea to glue two regular caps back to back.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), April 26, 2001.

Bob, the Konica (spare part) cap idea is a good one. Just to add to this thread for the future, I see $6 generic lens and body caps for Leica M in stores here in Japan. They appear to be perfectly functional and sturdy-I have a few.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), April 26, 2001.

Hi,

Cheap caps can be had for about $3.00 just do an ebay search under both leica caps and leica cap. Also www.americaneaglefilters.com will sell you all you need you cannt beat the price.

Luis

-- Luis Perez (lfpiii@aol.com), January 11, 2002.