Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/06/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]on 6/14/05 3:23 PM, Vick Ko at vick.ko@sympatico.ca wrote: > ROM compatibility, has anyone un-ROM'ed a lens? > > Suppose I find a fantastic deal on a ROM lens. I only have an SL2. > > What are my options: > > 1) find a R camera. Are ROM lenses compatible to all the R's, > including R3? > > 2) remove the ROM. Is this possible as DIY? Will there be enough cams > to operate the lens on an SL2? > > Regards, > > Vick Ko > Vic, Option 1 is viable. ROM lenses will fit any R body, R3 or newer. Option 2 is more involved than removing the ROM and adding cam(s). The flange is different too. Leica did this to prevent damage to a) the ROM contacts and b) to the SL and 'flex mirror. a) - the ROM contacts occupy the space where the first cam would have been. The 'flex and SL2 both have cam followers that will damage the ROM contacts. b) - beginning with the SL2, some R lenses have been made that require more mirror clearance. The R-only bayonet flange prevents the lens from being used on any Leicaflex body. There is also an SL2 and newer flange that will not work on the 'flex ad SL, but will fit SL2 and any R body. However, because of ROM fouling the R-only flange won't fit the SL2. What to do? Early R bodies are inexpensive, sometimes less expensive than converting the lens to 3-cam. Many, possibly most ROM lenses can be retrofitted to SL or SL2 3-cam configuration. The one ROM lens I've been able to examine was a damaged 80-200 f/4 Vario; the inner diaphragm ring had the holes pre-drilled and tapped for the cams, in addition to the ROM contacts, so if this is typical of ROM lenses, adding cams shouldn't be a big deal. The flange is another issue. DAG can modify the flange to fit the Leicaflexes, or the R-only flange can be swapped out for a Leicaflex-compatible flange. In addition to DAG, Leica USA does the conversion and I believe Sherry Krauter does too. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com