The M-Files postscript

Early in the New Year, Jörg-Peter Rau wrote to suggest a series of articles on non-Leica cameras which used the M-mount. I readily agreed although it seemed like a lot of work at the time.

As it turned out, I was right. It was a great work for J-P, and I am still amazed at how he juggled all those cameras (and lenses), managing to test seemingly every permutation. I certainly learned a lot about equipment I had barely given thought to in the past. The M-files became a constant companion during the first four months of 2021, a fortnightly cycle of preparation, proofing and publishing.

The series represents a monumental investment in time and effort, and I am sure it will become a popular internet resource for anyone interested in the history of the M-mount. All this was only possible thanks to a number of helping hands who were generous with loans. Enthusiasts like David Babsky provided some cameras and lenses, says Jörg-Peter.

I am sure all readers of Macfilos join with me in thanking Jörg-Peter for all the insight and expert analysis he brought to this venture. Of course, the M Files are not complete despite all the effort that we put into it. Jörg-Peter has said that he will add a few more episodes about some popular, easy-to-find and interesting Zeiss and Voigtländer lenses within the next few months.

He might also be tempted to dive deeper into the Konica M mount system, most notably the 35/2 and the exotic 21-35 dual range lens. So if a Macfilos reader has such gear and is willing to support the project, I am happy to put them in touch with Jörg-Peter. He told me he also considers acquiring some selected items if reasonably priced.

If you are new to The M-Files, here are all the links to the Macfilos articles in English and the German versions published on Messsucherwelt.com.

The M Files in English

The M-Files series reviews cameras and lenses that are equipped with the M bayonet without actually belonging to the Leica M system. The ten parts are also available in the German language (see below):

1. Introduction to the M Files series
2. Voigtländer Bessa R4M with Voigtländer 35/1.4 and 21/4
3. Konica Hexar RF with Konica 50/2
4. Rollei 35 RF with Sonnar 40/2.8
5. Zeiss Ikon with ZM 25/2.8, 35/2.8 and 50/2
6. Bessa T with Voigtländer 35/2.5 and 15/4.5
7. Leica CL with Leica’s compact 40/2 and 90/4
8. Minolta CLE 40/2, 28/2.8, 90/4 and several 21mm wide-angles
9. Conclusion
10. Encore: It does not always have to be Leica – my top lens recommendations

Die M Files auf Deutsch

Die M-Files sind eine Serie über Kameras und Objektive, die mit dem M-Bajonett ausgestattet sind, ohne zum Leica-M-System zu gehören. Die zehn Teile sind auch in deutscher Sprache erschienen und stehen auf www.messsucherwelt.com bereit:

1. Einführung: Worum es in den M-Files geht
2. Die Weitwinkel-Expertin: Voigtländer Bessa R4M mit Voigtländer Nokton II 35/1.4 und Color-Skopar 21/4
3. Die moderne Messsucherkamera: Konica Hexar RF mit M-Hexanon 50/2
4. Ein großer Name: Rollei 35 RF mit Rollei Sonnar 40/2.8
5. Design trifft auf Tradition: Zeiss Ikon mit Carl Zeiss Biogon 25/2.8, Biogon 35/2.8 und Planar 50/2 ZM
6. Der Messsucher-Sonderling: Voigtländer Bessa T mit Voigtländer Heliar 15/4.5 und Color-Skopar 35/2.
7. Die andere Leica: Leica CL mit Summicron-C 40/2 und Elmar-C 90/4
8. Das unterschätzte Innovationspaket: Minolta CLE mit Minolta M-Rokkor 28/2.8, 40/2 and 90/4
9. Zusammenfassung: Die Vermessung der Messsucherwelt
10. Zugabe! Gedanken zu Nicht-Leica-M-Objektiven und eine persönliche Top-5-Hitliste

Read more from Jörg-Peter Rau

Our donations link is now back in action

Apologies to all readers who have tried to donate in the past four weeks and found the message, “this site can’t accept donations”. PayPal changed the rules and didn’t tell us, so we had no idea anything was wrong. We have now sorted this out. If you wish to make a small donation, we will be genuinely grateful. We are a non-commercial site, funded personally by the editorial team. Any assistance is appreciated.