Thread: Adapters

Well, I finally did it. I bought two new adapters for my E-PL1. One is for my older Nikon lenses. It will be a pleasure to be reunited with my 43-86 portrait zoom that I used for many years and my old 50mm f-1.4 may add to my simple photography as well. The second adapter if for my Tamron SP 500mm mirror lens. I used to use this on my F2 back when I used film cameras. I didn't want to use the Adaptall 2 mount on the Nikon to micro 4/3s adapter so I got a separate adapter. The idea of two adapters on the same lens didn't appeal to me.
One of the main reasons I bought the E-PL1 was to be able to use some of my old lenses with a digital camera and it works well. I wish something like this had been available years ago.
Hal

I am curious to know how well and how quickly you can focus when using older prime lens of longer focal lengths.

Your thoughts and observations are appreciated before I buy a camera.

I can focus very well. The photos are sharp and crisp. I do think that the screen limits the ease of focusing so I am considering an electronic viewfinder. Focusing is pretty much like it was in the days before autofocus.

Panasonic enlarges the centre of the screen for better focusing but that still doesn't impress me and adding a view finder makes the camera into an SLR again in size and shape. I'll probably wait for new developments as the adapters that I have purchased are long term insurance for my collection of Leica lenses.

I'll do a few more tests at the local camera shop using their demo cameras before making a decision on which camera body works best for me.

Thanks for your reply.

I have just bought an E-LP1 with the idea of using my old Leica and not so old Nikon lenses. I have tried manual focussing using the LCD but find it impossible in bright light. I guess the VF2 is my next option.

I have an arsenal of Nikon kit (D3, D300s, D90) so I do not really want a complete new system, just something as a walkabout and travel camera. I had a Sigma DP1 which took excellent pictures but was way too slow, less than 50% keepers. The Leica D-Lux 4 was better, but the IQ did not compare. Now I am trying m4/3.

So far the results are promising, but I am not sure of the kit 14-42 lens. It seems lacking in sharpness and contrast compared to even the budget Nikon lenses such as the 18-55. Is it just me or am I expecting too much?

Jaykay,
I use old Nikon and Olympus lenses on my E-PL1. I seldom use the 14-42 kit lens, but that is because I prefer to focus manually and not worry about the time involved in waiting for the camera to do it. I mostly use an old Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4 lens that was the normal lens on my F-1 all those years ago. I also like the 43-86 Nikkor and my Olympus 90mm 1:2 lens. I use the Aperture preferred setting on the camera and focus wide open and then stop down. These are sharp and easy to focus in most lighting conditions, but not bright light. I think the only solution for that is the VF2. I have not yet sprung for the cost of one of those. If you get one, please report back on your results. Thanks in advance,

Hal

@ halmanas. Agree with your assessment. I've been using a m4/3-M42 adapter on my Pana GH2 and Oly E-P1, in conjunction with a Super Takumar 1.4/50 and a MIR 1B 2.8/37. It works very well on both bodies, but I do prefer the GH2 over the E-P1 because of the EVF. In fact, on the E-P1 I have to use the live view, and that complicates things a lot. All in all, for me it's a pleasure to use those old gems on modern bodies, but on the GH2 it's much easier.