Contax RF to Leica M39 adapter. Anyone who knows about?

[exaklaus]

Received with some other stuff this nice Contax Sonnar, which came with this adapter to Leica.
But it is a non-focussing one, so picture is sharp only around 3m.
Does anyone know it? It is an old one. The lot of stuff, I bought, was untouched for many years.
It looks originally made.
Anyone out there, knowing about it?

[philslizzy]

Focusing ones sell for over £100. I'd love one. A non focusing one seems a little pointless. Unless you could use it via an M39/M42 ring on a thin helical with a mirrorless.

I'd make an offer for the adapter if you're interested.

[iangreenhalgh1]

During the war, the Wehrmacht used Leicas, but Leitz couldn't supply enough lenses, so Zeiss were ordered to produce Sonnars in M39, it is these M39 Sonnars that were copied by the Russians.

Now, my guess is that Zeiss made this M39 adapter to be able to put existing stocks of Contax Sonars to use in some specific instance. The 3m focus distance suggests something like a passport/identification photograph setup. Imagine a Leica with a bulk roll back and a Sonnar fitted via adapter. Put a mark on the ground 3m from the camera, no need to focus. The ID photos were then produced by simple contact printing of the negative.

During the war, there was a vast requirement for identification papers, passes etc, so it makes sense that there would be a commensurate demand for passport photo equipment.

Just a guess of course, cool item.

Phil, can't you find a battered broken Kiev and remove the helicoid? That's what I did, pretty simple.

[exaklaus]

Thank you for your suggestions.
maybe during the time (maybe years) someone will tell me for sure.
Will not part from it, as it seems to be a unique piece.
And hey, it costs me nearly nothing, as it was part of a giant bunch of stuff.

Klaus

[duckrider]

[exaklaus]