Oly 4/3 adapter - PhotoCamel

kenwae · 01-09-2008

I've been an Olympus user for about 30 years and have a pile of nice OM lenses. So, now that I'm finally thinking of going dslr, Olympus naturally comes to mind. I've done some research and they all seem pretty sophisticated these days. For me, there are two compelling reasons for the E510 and I'd like to hear any comments you all may have. One is the Image Stabilization feature is in the camera body, not the lens. Two, I can use all my OM lenses--with the adapter. How much quality is lost with the adapter? I'm mainly thinking of my 50mm macro on the dslr cause a dedicated zuiko 4/3 macro is expensive! Thoughts??...Thanks, Ken.

carlalex · 01-09-2008

Hi Ken, I,m guessing that since the sensor has a 2 crop factor that it wouldn't be the same as 50mm on flim and it wouldn't have AF either. you'll still be able to use the lenses but they won't seem the same.

Carl

kenwae · 01-09-2008

Thanks Carl...I'm okay with not having the AF....But, how does the 2 Crop factor fit in. I've seen that the 4/3 lens focal length are like half that of film...so, the 14-42mm that comes with the camera is equivalent to a 28-84 in 35mm terms. Does that mean that if I were to use the OM lens, say a standard 50mm, that it would render more like a 25mm on the 4/3?

carlalex · 01-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwae

Thanks Carl...I'm okay with not having the AF....But, how does the 2 Crop factor fit in. I've seen that the 4/3 lens focal length are like half that of film...so, the 14-42mm that comes with the camera is equivalent to a 28-84 in 35mm terms. Does that mean that if I were to use the OM lens, say a standard 50mm, that it would render more like a 25mm on the 4/3?

I've never had the need for this so I don't know. Somewhere I read that the lens is still the same so maybe it would be more like 100mm. Hopefully someone who knows more will chime in. If you go for it get the 2 lens kit

Carl

Olyirrisistity · 01-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlalex

I've never had the need for this so I don't know. Somewhere I read that the lens is still the same so maybe it would be more like 100mm. Hopefully someone who knows more will chime in. If you go for it get the 2 lens kit

Carl

The focal length will be 100mm on the 4/3 system. This would actually work out better for you if your interest is in macro, as the magnification is double. The 50mm is one of the best lens to use with an adapter for 4/3 (ie. others are less predictable).

henryp · 01-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwae

Two, I can use all my OM lenses--with the adapter.

Not all. See this list.

Olympus MF-1 OM Adapter:

When using this adapter, Autofocus (AF) is not available, Stop-down metering is used and Spot metering does not work properly. Although it is possible to use A (aperture priority AE) mode in auto exposure, the aperture display is not available and the aperture display in M (Manual) is not available. In P (Program AE) or S (Shutter speed - priority AE) mode, the shutter releases, but the auto exposure control does not work. The distance scale on the OM system lens may not indicate the actual distance, so users should always use the viewfinder for focusing.

kenwae · 01-10-2008

Henry, thanks for the compatibility chart...hadn't seen that before.

Mr. Pickles · 01-10-2008

As to the image quality, there is some but you'd hardly notice it. For some pretty good manual OM lens images on an older Olympus E-1 body, search the Portrait section for posts by AKRAB. She loves her older OM lens fitted unit.

Paul Shields · 01-11-2008

The 4:3rds cameras are probably the best out there for using 'legacy' lenses due to the registration distance, so they have lots of adapters available for all sorts of interesting glass. I did use a lot of OM lenses originally on my E-1, but sold them off over time as the Zuiko Digital lenses are basically a lot better. One OM lens I'd like to try is the 90mm f/2, but they're hard to find and still command a very nice premium

.

Olympus still need to provide a few fast primes to fill the obvious gap in the current lineup. Maybe there'll be something mentioned at PMA later this month..

kenwae · 01-11-2008

I've seen some rare OM lenses on ebay over the years. Tempting, but way to expensive. The Oly 35mm macro 4/3 is a pretty reasonable price, about $200 so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal on one of those; the 50mm macro is about $400. I like macro...to a point. I did buy myself a used microscope and an adapter for my OM and am experimenting with that...maybe one of these days I'll post a microphotograph...but, don't hold your breath. My new E510 is coming soon and I'll be climbing up the learning curve!

Paul Shields · 01-11-2008

Lots of fun to come then it seems

. I wonder how well something like the OM Macro 80mm bellows would work on the 4:3rds bodies? I don't think I've ever seen any examples.

kenwae · 01-11-2008

Yeah, looking forward to lots of fun. Unlike when I learned film shooting, too long ago, now I don't have to worry about the cost of film and processing...

I saw an OM bellows on ebay a few weeks ago and almost went for it but decided to go the microscope route instead and will likely try out the e510 with it, I have the needed adapters. Some years ago saw a 1000mm f11 zuiko and a 16mm fisheye zuiko on ebay. it's fun looking...

Leethal · 01-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwae

I've been an Olympus user for about 30 years and have a pile of nice OM lenses. So, now that I'm finally thinking of going dslr, Olympus naturally comes to mind. I've done some research and they all seem pretty sophisticated these days. For me, there are two compelling reasons for the E510 and I'd like to hear any comments you all may have. One is the Image Stabilization feature is in the camera body, not the lens. Two, I can use all my OM lenses--with the adapter. How much quality is lost with the adapter? I'm mainly thinking of my 50mm macro on the dslr cause a dedicated zuiko 4/3 macro is expensive! Thoughts??...Thanks, Ken.

Hey Ken,
One more thing...
The Image Stabilization doesn't work with the OM lenses.
To get the IS to work you will need a 4/3 mount lens.
Since you are thinking mostly of macro work, and should be using a tripod, this shouldn't be a problem.
I have an OM 50mm f2 Macro that I use with an adapter. The beautiful part is that you can use the Live-View with 7x or 10x magnification, and really nail your focus!!
The only problem I have is getting enough light to see the subject while I am stopped down. I need to get some continuous lighting for my macro work.
Good luck! Lee

kenwae · 01-14-2008

Thanks Lee...yeah, I almost always use a tripod so the IS isn't so much an issue and I'm looking forward to using the live view for these shots.

Paul Shields · 01-19-2008

Ken, what OM lenses are you using? I'd personally love to see some examples from the 55mm f/1.2 or 50mm f/1.2 if you happen to have those.

Olyirrisistity · 01-19-2008

Leethal wrote:
"The only problem I have is getting enough light to see the subject while I am stopped down. I need to get some continuous lighting for my macro work."

Can't you just get everything ready for the shot with the lens wide open and and stop down only before pressing the shutter?

01-09-2008	#1 (permalink)
kenwae Dromedary Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 1,123 CamelKarma: 943 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Oly 4/3 adapter I've been an Olympus user for about 30 years and have a pile of nice OM lenses. So, now that I'm finally thinking of going dslr, Olympus naturally comes to mind. I've done some research and they all seem pretty sophisticated these days. For me, there are two compelling reasons for the E510 and I'd like to hear any comments you all may have. One is the Image Stabilization feature is in the camera body, not the lens. Two, I can use all my OM lenses--with the adapter. How much quality is lost with the adapter? I'm mainly thinking of my 50mm macro on the dslr cause a dedicated zuiko 4/3 macro is expensive! Thoughts??...Thanks, Ken. __________________ __________________ Members don't see this ad. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Community, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.
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01-09-2008	#2 (permalink)
carlalex Vicuna Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 93 CamelKarma: 57 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Hi Ken, I,m guessing that since the sensor has a 2 crop factor that it wouldn't be the same as 50mm on flim and it wouldn't have AF either. you'll still be able to use the lenses but they won't seem the same. Carl

01-09-2008	#3 (permalink)
kenwae Dromedary Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 1,123 CamelKarma: 943 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Thanks Carl...I'm okay with not having the AF....But, how does the 2 Crop factor fit in. I've seen that the 4/3 lens focal length are like half that of film...so, the 14-42mm that comes with the camera is equivalent to a 28-84 in 35mm terms. Does that mean that if I were to use the OM lens, say a standard 50mm, that it would render more like a 25mm on the 4/3?
	__________________ ...a thousand words.

01-10-2008	#7 (permalink)
kenwae Dromedary Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 1,123 CamelKarma: 943 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Henry, thanks for the compatibility chart...hadn't seen that before.
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01-10-2008	#8 (permalink)
Mr. Pickles Camel Breath Location: Old Folks Home Posts: 11,310 CamelKarma: 2448 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter As to the image quality, there is some but you'd hardly notice it. For some pretty good manual OM lens images on an older Olympus E-1 body, search the Portrait section for posts by AKRAB. She loves her older OM lens fitted unit.
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01-11-2008	#9 (permalink)
Paul Shields senses working overtime Location: right here, right now Posts: 10,860 CamelKarma: 1333 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter The 4:3rds cameras are probably the best out there for using 'legacy' lenses due to the registration distance, so they have lots of adapters available for all sorts of interesting glass. I did use a lot of OM lenses originally on my E-1, but sold them off over time as the Zuiko Digital lenses are basically a lot better. One OM lens I'd like to try is the 90mm f/2, but they're hard to find and still command a very nice premium . Olympus still need to provide a few fast primes to fill the obvious gap in the current lineup. Maybe there'll be something mentioned at PMA later this month..
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01-11-2008	#10 (permalink)
kenwae Dromedary Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 1,123 CamelKarma: 943 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter I've seen some rare OM lenses on ebay over the years. Tempting, but way to expensive. The Oly 35mm macro 4/3 is a pretty reasonable price, about $200 so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal on one of those; the 50mm macro is about $400. I like macro...to a point. I did buy myself a used microscope and an adapter for my OM and am experimenting with that...maybe one of these days I'll post a microphotograph...but, don't hold your breath. My new E510 is coming soon and I'll be climbing up the learning curve!
	__________________ ...a thousand words.

01-11-2008	#11 (permalink)
Paul Shields senses working overtime Location: right here, right now Posts: 10,860 CamelKarma: 1333 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Lots of fun to come then it seems . I wonder how well something like the OM Macro 80mm bellows would work on the 4:3rds bodies? I don't think I've ever seen any examples.
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01-11-2008	#12 (permalink)
kenwae Dromedary Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 1,123 CamelKarma: 943 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Yeah, looking forward to lots of fun. Unlike when I learned film shooting, too long ago, now I don't have to worry about the cost of film and processing... I saw an OM bellows on ebay a few weeks ago and almost went for it but decided to go the microscope route instead and will likely try out the e510 with it, I have the needed adapters. Some years ago saw a 1000mm f11 zuiko and a 16mm fisheye zuiko on ebay. it's fun looking...
	__________________ ...a thousand words.

01-14-2008	#14 (permalink)
kenwae Dromedary Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 1,123 CamelKarma: 943 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Thanks Lee...yeah, I almost always use a tripod so the IS isn't so much an issue and I'm looking forward to using the live view for these shots.
	__________________ ...a thousand words.

01-19-2008	#15 (permalink)
Paul Shields senses working overtime Location: right here, right now Posts: 10,860 CamelKarma: 1333 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Ken, what OM lenses are you using? I'd personally love to see some examples from the 55mm f/1.2 or 50mm f/1.2 if you happen to have those.
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01-19-2008	#16 (permalink)
Olyirrisistity Vicuna Posts: 53 CamelKarma: 39 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Oly 4/3 adapter Leethal wrote: "The only problem I have is getting enough light to see the subject while I am stopped down. I need to get some continuous lighting for my macro work." Can't you just get everything ready for the shot with the lens wide open and and stop down only before pressing the shutter?