Start SLR adapter for m39 lens

Printed from: USSRPhoto Forums

Topic URL: http://localhost:8088/modern/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2778

Printed on: 5/11/2026 5:24:11 AM

Topic

Topic author: kktra080

Posted on: 20150208124525

Hello dear forum members,
I wonder if anyone of you know where can I obtain an adapter to use m39 lenses on Start SLR camera. I have searched the web, even bought "unidentified soviet adapter" hoping it woul fit, but no success.
Starts seem to be quality made cameras, but with only one lens designed for it. I know the adapter wouldn't allow use of automated diaphragm and it would mean full manual operation, but still. Because Start is often referred to as Russian Exacta, I even searched the option of getting Exacta to m39 adapter, but no succes either.
Any ideas please?

Best regards to all,
Marko

Replies

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150209043250

Hello Marko,

I think that would help:
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Novoflex-Adapterring-Praktina-M39-PRALEI-/400845573309?pt=DE_Foto_Camcorder_Objetivanschl%C3%BCsse_Adapter&hash=item5d54420cbd

As far as I know, Start cameras were delivered with that sort of ring to use directly Zenit 39mm lenses. Of course, you will be in manual operation.

Amitiés. Jacques.

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150209062336

Thank you Jacques,
I have checked the link for the adapter- is Praktina lens mount (breech lock type) the same as the one on Start camera? On the web I have found data that Start has unique mount. If the mount is the same, than one can even use Praktina lenses on Start camera wihtout an adapter?

Best regards, Marko

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150209065051

The Princelle says that the Start has a "Praktina type" bayonet.
So, certainly you can use directly Praktina lenses.

Jacques.

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150209082300

Super, I'll order an adapter right now!

Merci beaucoup Jacques!
Marko

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150210122220

ATTENTION Praktina ring does not fit Start câmeras

The only way is doing the adapter together a competent leathe professional.

the adapter is unique.

LP

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150210125902

here we have the Start mount dimenions

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/1022015_start soesdinie.png

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/1022015_start soesdinie.png
From Zenit câmera Q&A
Regards
LP

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150210132517

another original extension tube and adapter for M39 can be seen at
Fedka
http://fedka.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=278&osCsid=8c986166eae89baa8152bcf762d3aa81[

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150210132758

its use can be seen at
http://t.hacquard.free.fr/site1/kmz_start_en.html

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150210134441

its use can be seen at
http://t.hacquard.free.fr/site1/kmz_start_en.html

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150210143624

So, Luiz, the mount would not be a "Praktina type", contrarily to what the Princelle says?
Of course, it would not be the first time.[:(]

But if I follow the Princelle:
See http://www.markerink.org/WJM/HTML/mounts.htm
Thickness of the ring: 50 - 45,46 = 4,54mm.

Of course, only if the bayonet of the Start is a Praktina one...

Jacques.

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150210153558

Luiz,

Fedka's ring seems only an extension tube, not a conversion Start/M39, by the description ??

Jacques.

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150210200349

Jacques It is a praktina type ... but smaller
the http://fedka.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=278&osCsid=8c986166eae89baa8152bcf762d3aa81[
shows the two adapters male and female

see again http://t.hacquard.free.fr/site1/kmz_start_en.html

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150210201409

More pictures of Start M39 adapter

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/1022015_start tubo 1.png

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/1022015_start tubo 1.png

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/1022015_start tubo 2.png

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/1022015_start tubo 2.png

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/1022015_start tubo 3.png

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/1022015_start tubo 3.png

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150210202706

You are absolutely right, Luiz. A smaller Praktina type...
Marko, I hope you didn't order the converter![:I]

Jacques.

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150211053016

The register of the Start is 42mm, if I read correctly your scheme, Luiz.
The Praktina's is 50mm. Not the same, hence my error.
Of course, it is impossible to mount a 39mm SLR lens (45,46mm register) on a Praktina (or at least to focus at infinity). No impossibility on a Start with the proper adapter. Fedka's one, for example...

Sorry, Marko. And thanks, Luiz!
Jacques.

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150211090617

No problem Jacque,
I have made my share of mistakes, so I wanted to make sure this time and arranged to meet my fellow forum member Ziga. He offered to lend his Praktina lens to mount them to Start, to make sure. Now we don't even need to do that since Luiz made a brilliant clear case.
I have some accessories for the Start- a waist level finder and macro extension tubes, but I don't have the adapter. The one on Yuriy's (Fedka) site looks like a short macro extension, not an adapter. The thin ring on the second link Luiz provided is obviously what I need. I have never seen it before, even on a photo.
So I should be on the lookout for it. Maybe write an e-mail to Rafael at rafcamera...

Thank you both- Jacques and especially Luiz for making the issue resolved.

Best regards to all,
Marko

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150211125824

No need to write to Rafael! Found a kit on eBay. I hope it works, on the photos it is exactly like the one Luiz posted.

Thanks friends!

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150211224118

Hello KKtra pls send the link of such rings
Regads

LP

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150212070948

Hi Luiz,
here it is:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181656613179?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Regards, Marko

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150212103155

Bravo! [:)]

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150212131031

I have checked the wiki catalogue- the accessories section on macro bellows and extension rings created by David Tomlinson. But the images for Start camera rings are not like the ones Luiz posted or what I have ordered from eBay. The text also says that an adapter to m42 lens is included. Were there more than one set available for the camera? Especially the adapter to m42 puzzles me...

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150213143510

Marko a perfect buy. the rear "male" ring adapts all M39 Zenit lenses and give correct infinity

Although IT IS IMPOSSILE manufacture a M42 adapter. as yo see in the Diagram Picture I posted the tube dimention and câmera throat is only 40.5mm Tolerance X3

Impossible to fit a 42mm into a 40.5mm tube

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150213151819

Thanks Luiz,
given the fact that adapter to M42 lens could not be made, should the WIki entry on Start accessories be edited? I don't recognize the "wide bright ring" on the photos of the Wiki entry:
http://ussrphoto.com/Wiki/default.asp?WikiCatID=123&ParentID=3&ContentID=1483&Item=Start+Macro+Rings%2E
What is it?

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150213184328

Really I cannot say what is the large bright plain ring.
We can't see its back
By sure it not belongs to the set.
Regards
LP

Reply author: RCCCUK

Replied on: 20150214021404

Hi Marko,

You are absolutely correct. The adapter ring is M39 NOT M42. Many thanks. I have edited the Wiki accordingly. I will check further as to whether this ring is original.

David.

Reply author: kktra080

Replied on: 20150214102338

Thank you David,

best regards
Marko

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150214104228

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Luiz Paracampo
 Really I cannot say what is the large bright plain ring.
We can't see its back
By sure it not belongs to the set.
Regards
LP
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Perhaps an adapter Praktina/M39 like the one I had proposed at the beginning of the thread? [;)]

Jacques.

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150214193222

Praktina can't accept any adapter due its large distance flange/film plane

regards
LP

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20150215041020

Yes, Luiz: 50mm for the Praktina.
I was only pointing the likeness between the "wide bright ring" quoted by Marko and this "Praktina/M39 adapter ring": I cite eBay.

Amitiés. Jacques.

Reply author: RCCCUK

Replied on: 20150215095134

Here is a copy of the instruction leaflet:-

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/1522015_Start1.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/1522015_Start1.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent/1522015_Start2.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/1522015_Start2.jpg

David.

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150215125550

Ok people read "Perehodnye i Udlinitel'nyie Koltsa"

or "Transference and Extension Rings" for Start Photocameras

of course Transference +to accept M39 thread.

the ring 5 makes Start câmera accept Zenit M39 lenses

Regards
LP

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20150215125646

Thanks David for the leaflet

Great!

LP