Omnar and Skyllaney now offer a new M-mount lens conversions service (non-rangefinder lenses to rangefinder coupled M-Mount lenses):
M-Mount Lens Conversions Now Available from Omnar Lenses and Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics
Omnar Lenses and Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics are offering a new one-off, high-quality service converting non-rangefinder lenses to rangefinder coupled M-Mount lenses.
The conversion service provides full RF coupling from 0.67m to Infinity and takes advantage of the Omnar lens platform that was developed for the batch conversion of lenses such as the Canon 26mm f/6 optic that was used to produce Omnar CN26-6.
Rather than batch conversions, these lens conversions are one-offs and make use of some of the mechanical parts of the original lens.
Skylanney Opto-Mechanics are offering this service to customers who either have a working lens that they would prefer to use on an M-mount camera or who have lenses with various mechanical issues that could be fixed by changing the mount and focusing helical.
The Omnar lens platform is capable of converting optical blocks from lenses with 8mm to 52.4mm in focal length. This includes, but is not limited to lenses such as the 42mm Summar, 50mm Sonnar, 28mm Tessar, 35mm Biometar, 40mm Rollei, 21mm Biogon.
The process of conversion differs for each lens, but all conversions include:
- Reverse engineering the optical block to extract the true EFL value of the lens formula, and design of the adaptation mechanics to rehouse the lens into the Omnar lens platform.
- High precision calculation and machining of the rangefinder cam to ensure RF coupling from 0.67m to Infinity for M, VM and ZM bayonet rangefinder cameras.
- A high precision, all brass helicoid system designed and manufactured here in the United Kingdom.
- Laser engraved focus ring with your choice of metric or imperial distance increments.
- All brass finger tab.
- A clean, lubrication, and adjustment (CLA) of your existing optical block.
- A choice of Antique Brassing, House Black Matte or House Gloss Black on the new conversion parts (does not include re-paint of existing parts on the optical block such as aperture rings).
- 1 Year warranty on all parts and work.
Pricing and Lead Time
Omnar lens platform conversion prices start at 1,249 GBP. This includes your choice of in-house finish.
Certain optical blocks that require complex engineering solutions to facilitate the conversion cost extra.
Professional full lens re-paints through Camerakote of Staffordshire, England are available at an additional cost. A full range of colours available.
Removal of fungus, removal of haze, ultrasonic cleaning of oil drenched aperture blades are also charged additionally.
Conversions into Omnar currently require 8-12 weeks turnaround time from receipt of your lens.
This service uses the Omnar Lens platform but is offered directly through Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics.
Further information can be found on the Omnar lenses website here, and the Skyllaney website here. Please contact Skyllaney directly at info@skyllaney.com for more information
Omnar Lenses
Omnar Lenses is the brainchild of Hamish Gill, otherwise known for the photography website 35mmc.com and Chris Andreyo of Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics, known for their work repairing, customising and building esoteric lenses for m-mount cameras.
Chris and Hamish share a passion for rangefinder lenses, but also hold the same views when it comes to the build quality of lenses and the optics found within them. Owning a rangefinder camera need not be about owning lenses made by the same brand, nor should it need to be about shooting lenses that fit the commonly held view that sharpness is king, and aberrations should be avoided at all costs. In fact, choosing a lens should be about choosing image qualities that suit the goals and needs of the photographer, whatever those needs might be.
Omnar Lenses was created to fill a niche hole in the marketplace. Unusual or otherwise difficult to mount to rangefinder camera optics, housed in no-compromise mechanics.
More information about Omnar Lenses can be found on the website omnarlenses.com
Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics
Chris Andreyo worked for nearly two decades developing many high precision complex assemblies for various industries. This experience and expertise were brought to the world of lens repair and modification in 2019 when Chris formed Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics.
Chris’s unique set of expertise allows him to offer a set of services that typically would only be found in either the specialised engineering firms or the larger camera lens manufacturers of Germany and Japan.
Now based in Scotland, Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics have capabilities above and beyond the more typical camera lens technicians. They have invested equipment, machinery, building space, tools, software and the materials needed to provide a robust, modern set of services needed to become a designer and manufacturer of limited-edition boutique lenses
Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics are proud to be the only rangefinder lens manufacturer in the entire United Kingdom.
More information about Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics can be found on the website skyllaney.com.
