Extension Helicoid: LLL M-L Macro
Review and photo examples using LIGHT LENS LAB M-L Macro with LEICA T typ701
Table of contents
Gallery
- All photos are taken at the lens’s shortest focusing distance + maximum helicoid extension.
Review
1．Overview
The LIGHT LENS LAB M-L Macro is a mount adapter equipped with an auxiliary helicoid for the Leica L mirrorless mount, manufactured by LIGHT LENS LAB in China and sold in Japan by Focus Studio and others.
Equipped with an auxiliary helicoid, the lens can be brought closer to the subject than usual, allowing you to focus closer than the lens’ minimum shooting distance.
The main specifications are as follows, and details are listed in the table.
- Extended distance: 2mm
- Infinity lock mechanism
- With focus lever
- Weight: Approximately 100g
- Adapter color variations: Silver and gold
2．Usability
When I tested the LIGHT LENS LAB M-L Macro on a mirrorless camera, the LEICA T typ701, there was no significant rattle or snagging when removing it, and there was no problem with removal.
Next, I tested the mount adapter with a Leica M mount lens, and there were no problems with this either.
I had been looking for a mount adapter with an auxiliary helicoid for the TL/SL for some time, but I had been hesitant to purchase one because, apart from products shipped from China, even second-hand ones cost around 25,000 yen.
I saw this mount adapter with an auxiliary helicoid at a second-hand store, and bought it because it was not that expensive.
The reason it was so cheap is probably because the extension distance of the auxiliary helicoid is modest at 2mm, and because the LIGHT LENS LAB brand is not well known.
The focus lever, which is an accent of the adapter, can be a bit of a nuisance when using lenses with focus levers. It may be possible to eliminate the lever, as with the Voigtlander extenstion helicoid adapter.
The gallery shows examples of close-up photography taken with the Ms-Optics APOQUALIA G 1.3/35 and the LEICA T typ701, and shows the difference in bokeh that occurs when changing the aperture value.
In the photo examples below, the one on the left is the lens’s minimum focusing distance, and the one on the right shows the auxiliary helicoid being extended to take a closer shot, demonstrating that close-up shooting is possible by extending the helicoid.
3．Summary
To sum up the LIGHT LENS LAB M-L Macro, using this adapter shortens the minimum shooting distance, expanding the variety of photography options.
There is no noticeable rattle when the lens or camera is attached, and it is well-made.
The new price is only slightly cheaper than the SHOTEN brand “LM-LSL M II”, so it is not particularly cost-effective.
There are only a few adapters equipped with an auxiliary helicoid for the Leica L mirrorless mount, so it is welcome that there are more options.
Specification
| Model number | L-M-L-MACRO (Silver), L-M-L-MACRO (Gd) (Brass Gold) |
| Function | Helicoid (extension: 2mm), infinity lock mechanism, focus lever |
| Compatible Lens Mount | LEICA M |
| Compatible Camera Mounts | L (Leica, Panasonic, Sigma) |
| Materials | Brass |
| Weight | Almost 100g |
| Note. | Please set the camera’s “Lensless Release” setting to ON before use. For instructions on how to set it, please refer to the camera’s instruction manual. |
| Note 1 | When using a retractable lens, do not retract it while it is attached to the camera. |
| Note 2 | Due to individual differences in the equipment being attached, changes in shape due to aging or damage, the fit may be different from normal (tight, loose, with some play, etc.) or it may not be possible to wear the equipment. |
| Note 3 | In order to accommodate individual differences in lenses, they may be designed to be slightly over-inflated. Please check the actual focus position while shooting. |
| Note 4 | We cannot guarantee full compatibility and use of adapters is at your own risk. |
| Note 5 | Depending on the production lot, the product you receive may differ slightly from the product information. |
Reference links
- Focus Studio Mail Order Page
- APOQUALIA G 1.3/35・Shige’s hobby
- LEICA T typ701・Shige’s hobby
Update history
- 2025.4.19
Affiliate links
- LIGHT LENS LAB Mount Adapter M-L Macro (M mount lens to L mount conversion) Lens adapter with helicoid Made of brass ・Ads by Amazon
- SHOTEN Mount Adapter LM-LSL M II (Leica M Mount Lens to L Mount Conversion) with Helicoid・Ads by Amazon