It is possible to use Leica screw mount (M39) lenses on a digital camera using an adapter. Adapters for Leica screwmount (M39 mount) lenses exist for Canon EOS, Nikon F, Sony NEX, micro 4/3 (MFT), Fuji-X and Nikon 1. Not all camera to Leica M39 mount lens combination allows focusing to infinity. As with all vintage lenses used on a digital camera using an adapter, focusing and aperture setting has to be set manually.

The Leica M39 screwmount (also often referred to as LSMt) was the first lens mount introduced by Leica with the Leica I Model C. All early Leica cameras up until the Leica M use the Leica M39 mount. Lenses using a M39 mount were produced both by Leica / Leitz as well as a whole range of other manufacturers such as Carl Zeiss, Steinheil, Old Delft, Canon and others.

The Leica M39 lenses offer one great advantage: the size. Especially the prime lenses are very compact and lightweight and often offer superb image quality.

Leica M39 adapter for Micro 4/3, Nikon F, Canon EOS, Sony NEX E-Mount, Nikon 1 and Fuji-X

There are a lot of adaptors available but I would personally recommend getting an adapter from Novoflex.

Leica M39 mount to Micro-4/3 adapter

Connectivity to micro-four-thirds (mft) is unproblematic. I would highly recommend investing in a solid high quality adapter from Novoflex. Focusing to infinity works fine. The only major drawback is that the images are cropped compared a full frame SLR. Even a 35 or 50 prime lens will feel like a telephoto. You can also find M39 adapters here:

Leica M39 mount to Canon EOS adapter

Mounting a Leica M39 mount lens to Canon EOS is a bit problematic as it will not allow you to focus to infinity. Still a great combination for portraiture and macro shots.

Leica M39 mount to to Nikon F adapter

Mounting a Leica M39 mount lens to Nikon F is a bit problematic as it will not allow you to focus to infinity. Still a great combination for portraiture and macro shots.

Leica M39 mount to Sony NEX E-Mount adapter

Connectivity to Sony NEX (e-mount) is unproblematic. I would highly recommend investing in a solid high quality adapter from Novoflex. Focusing to infinity works fine. The only major drawback is that the images are cropped compared a full frame SLR. Even a 35 or 50 prime lens will feel like a telephoto. I would therefore recommend getting a 35mm Leica M39 prime lens.

Leica M39 mount to Nikon 1 adapter

Connectivity to Nikon 1 cameras is unproblematic. I would highly recommend investing in a solid high quality adapter from Novoflex. Focusing to infinity works fine. The only major drawback is that the images are cropped compared a full frame SLR. Even a 35 or 50 prime lens will feel like a telephoto. I would therefore recommend getting a 35mm Leica M39 prime lens.

Leica M39 mount to Fuji X adapter

Connectivity to Nikon 1 cameras is unproblematic. I would highly recommend investing in a solid high quality adapter from Novoflex. Focusing to infinity works fine. The only major drawback is that the images are cropped compared a full frame SLR. Even a 35 or 50 prime lens will feel like a telephoto. I would therefore recommend getting a 35mm Leica M39 prime lens.