Lens adapter compatibility

M39 / LTM (Leica thread) lenses on Nikon 1 (CX) cameras

Can you use M39 / LTM (Leica thread) lenses on Nikon 1 (CX) cameras? Yes, with a simple mechanical adapter (manual focus). The M39 / LTM (Leica thread) flange distance is 28.80 mm and Nikon 1 (CX) is 17.00 mm, a difference of +11.80 mm.

+11.80 mm
Space for the adapter
28.80 mm
M39 / LTM (Leica thread) flange
17.00 mm
Nikon 1 (CX) flange
Verdict: Yes — a simple 11.8 mm adapter keeps infinity focus.

What to expect#

Aperture control: these are mechanical lenses with aperture rings — set the aperture on the lens and shoot in aperture-priority or manual.

Focus: use focus peaking and magnification in the viewfinder. Exposure metering works normally because the camera meters through the lens at working aperture.

Crop factor: on a 2.7× crop Nikon 1 (CX) body a 50 mm M39 / LTM (Leica thread) lens frames like 135 mm. A focal reducer (“speed booster”) can bring back some width and gain about a stop of light.

Other systems for M39 / LTM (Leica thread) lenses#

Frequently asked questions#

Will M39 / LTM (Leica thread) lenses autofocus on Nikon 1 (CX)?

No — adapted lenses are manual focus on this combination.

Does a M39 / LTM (Leica thread) to Nikon 1 (CX) adapter affect image quality?

A glass-free adapter is just a precisely machined spacer, so image quality is unchanged when it is built to the right thickness. Cheap adapters can be slightly too thin or thick, which shifts the infinity mark.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources