Konica 40mm f1.8 “pancake” vintage lens, a gem for adaptation for any format, not only a great lens optically in it’s own right, but the adapter for Konica is a little shorter than other DSLR lenses. That and the fact that the lens itself is also short makes for a package that feels like a normal nifty fifty, as opposed to the exaggerated length feel & look most adapted lenses of a similar focal length. Consequently sees a good deal of use on my Full Frame (where I like the originally intended point of view best), my APS-C & 4/3. About $50 in mint condition on EBay, a relative hidden gem, especially at f1.8 (all other vintage pancakes of this size are 2.8 at their fastest). ✅
How well your camera handles focus peaking is important. I've tried the same old adapted lens on an early digital camera (from about 2012) and it is really difficult to tell when things are in focus. The same lens on a newer model camera (from 2018) presents no problem.
@@DamianBrown Thank you for the reply! Focus peaking on the X-T2 is quite good for all the adapted lenses I have tried, including some older ones from the 1950s or 60s. Later, I got myself an X-Pro1 to which I have added all the firmware updates (except for those from the last couple months, if there are any). Although I really fell for the X-Pro1 when it first came out, I waited until last December before buying a used one in like-new condition. It is the X-Pro1 which is tough to focus when using some older lenses. As near as I can determine, it could be due to a lack of contrast from some of the old lenses that is the problem. I have an awfully hard time seeing the focus cues (or even if there are any) when some older lenses are used. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. My original intention was to use only my Canon FD lenses which I acquired when only film was available. Being able to use such a wide array of adapted lenses has turned into an entire hobby in itself. I am very glad I didn't dabble in old sailboats, sports cars, and airplanes. I can see where that would lead!
I have adapted tons of vintage lenses both prime and zoom to M43 as well as Sony E mount. I really like the images I get on both of those systems. I can use the same vintage lenses on both of my mirror less systems M43 and Sony and the results are awesome. I get almost all my vintage glass from pawn shops. If you shop and are careful you can get really great deals.
I actually prefer to use vintage lenses on my Fuji camera. My absolute favourites are lenses that are well known and not so well known: The Flektogon 35mm f2.4 is in first place, Revuenon 55mm f1.4, then the Triotar 135mm f4, and of course the Biotar 58mm f2. Also love the Russian Jupiter lenses, sadly let go of the 135mm, which as as good as the Triotar. A recent acquisition is the Meyer-Optic Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f1.9. With a speed booster focal reducer adapter from M42 - Fuji FX I get all the bokeh az special effects and gain an extra stop. Could not be happier. Unfortunately, collecting old, weird lenses can be addictive...
I also use them on my X-T20 - my favourite ( so far ) is a Konica Hexanon 50 1.7, but I have Pentax 55, Mamiya 50 and Nikon 24 + 200 ones - they all have individual characteristics which make each one a lot of fun to use...
I am in Canada with a GH5S and wanted more artistic shots so I just bought a Helios 44-2 from Poland and a second Helios 44-2 Anamorphic converted lens from Nazi occupied Ukraine. If u r in England possibly many sellers of these Helios lenses in your local rags at cheap prices but over here we rely on either Ebay or Etsy and all the RUclips videos on these old lenses have driven the prices through the roof. I paid about $100 USD each and had to look a long time to find those prices. Trouble is with a Lumix 4/3, you'll need a speed booster because otherwise you end up with a 116mm telephoto lens. I was able to get a nice .7 Pixco speed booster from China for less than $100 CAD. Waiting for a night to go out and see how the flares and wide anamorphic views end up looking.
The market is a nightmare really, and yes... videos on RUclips are kind of the catalyst for that. Way of the world I'm afraid. I've hunted for cameras I've seen on here and the prices have gone through the roof since the video went up! We keep hunting though:)
Nice one Damian, vintage glass may not be razor sharp like modern options but hundreds are available all over the internet. My advice would be to go for the independent manufacturers like Soligor, Vivitar etc as they aren't commanding the higher prices like Nikon etc. Focus peaking is however an essential feature on any mirrorless body to nail focus.
All good & fun lenses. My 1st decent 35mm cams were Miranda & the lenses were pretty good as I recall. But what does one really know in his youth. I'm surprised they make a Miranda adapter. Great vid.
As an owner of the exact same camera. I have to ask, which is the best combo? Which lenses work best and which adaptor? Some generally work better than others from reading on the subject.
Old Takumar and OM Zuiko System lenses are my favorites.You can go crazy and get a speed booster, works really well, piched up a used Metabones for cheap.
I bought some m43 kit in 2014, but I've noticed in the UK prices for m43 kit has really gone up. Here in the UK Fuji and APC kit is sometimes cheaper, no idea why m43 is so expensive.
Somewhat my strategy also. But, it will be difficult (or imposiible) to shoot at less than 50mm equivalent. But, can fill this void by getting budget Chinese lenses; TT Artisan, etc
Hi I've just got a tamron 70-300mm for £40 to put on my Olympus E-M10III I've just got pk-M4/3 adaptor i plan using camera in manual any tips would be great
Do the m4/3 adaptors affect the aperture speed or cause a step down in brightness? I've started to notice some nice looking vintage lenses on ebay, but for my purposes I'm wary about losing too much light.
Nice video! Do you happen to have any footage/images of some of these lenses in action on your m4/3 cameras? Trying to decide which ones I like the look of
As far as I can tell it doesn't matter unless you're using IBIS.. then it's less easy to say because ideally you'd set it to the focal length you want to use. You could try something in the middle and see how the IBIS performs
Hi Damian, brilliant video, just what I'm looking for!!! I have just bought the exact same Vivitar 28mm 1:2.8 Wide Angle (OM mount) only to realise that it doesn't fit my OM-D EM-10 natively. Can you please advise which adapter I can use for it with my Olympus. thanks.
Hey, so basically with my lumix G7, if I'd like something close to a 50mm with a vintage lens, that means I should go for a 28mm or 24mm (with adapter) ? Thanks !
Hola desde México tengo unos lentes Miranda Auto Sensores EE pero no encuentro adaptador para mí Lumix G7 sabes si los fabrican o cuál se puede adaptar para usarlo saludos
Question about using long lenses on m43 bodies....if using a tripod what do you feel max weight of lens before having to use a support bracket? I'm just a bit concerned about damaging the camera body with a heavy lens. I'm using an Olympus EM10
I have a question about the aperture for vintage lenses with adapters, if you change the aperture on the lens rings, because the aperture on the camera controls will not change do you just have to shoot in manual mode and only change the shutter speed or do i need to also set the aperture to the same amount on the lens?
You have to set the aperture on the lens only :) It won't register on the camera because there's no electronic contacts but naturally you can meter manually and shoot away.
@@DamianBrown I see alot of guides suggesting shooting in aperture priority for vintage lenses but how would this work exactly if the aperture controls on my camera wont change when i adjust them on the lens?
Konica 40mm f1.8 “pancake” vintage lens, a gem for adaptation for any format, not only a great lens optically in it’s own right, but the adapter for Konica is a little shorter than other DSLR lenses. That and the fact that the lens itself is also short makes for a package that feels like a normal nifty fifty, as opposed to the exaggerated length feel & look most adapted lenses of a similar focal length. Consequently sees a good deal of use on my Full Frame (where I like the originally intended point of view best), my APS-C & 4/3. About $50 in mint condition on EBay, a relative hidden gem, especially at f1.8 (all other vintage pancakes of this size are 2.8 at their fastest). ✅
Brilliant, thanks for the tip!
How well your camera handles focus peaking is important. I've tried the same old adapted lens on an early digital camera (from about 2012) and it is really difficult to tell when things are in focus. The same lens on a newer model camera (from 2018) presents no problem.
Absolutely. I found my Fuji's are brilliant for focus peaking even the first gen X series gear.
@@DamianBrown Thank you for the reply!
Focus peaking on the X-T2 is quite good for all the adapted lenses I have tried, including some older ones from the 1950s or 60s.
Later, I got myself an X-Pro1 to which I have added all the firmware updates (except for those from the last couple months, if there are any). Although I really fell for the X-Pro1 when it first came out, I waited until last December before buying a used one in like-new condition.
It is the X-Pro1 which is tough to focus when using some older lenses. As near as I can determine, it could be due to a lack of contrast from some of the old lenses that is the problem. I have an awfully hard time seeing the focus cues (or even if there are any) when some older lenses are used. Perhaps I am doing something wrong.
My original intention was to use only my Canon FD lenses which I acquired when only film was available. Being able to use such a wide array of adapted lenses has turned into an entire hobby in itself. I am very glad I didn't dabble in old sailboats, sports cars, and airplanes. I can see where that would lead!
🤩 Try a 500mm f8 mirror lens on this camera body and have a lot of fun with your featherlight 1000mm eq. setup. 👍🏻
I was eyeing up a 1000mm the other day 😄
I have adapted tons of vintage lenses both prime and zoom to M43 as well as Sony E mount. I really like the images I get on both of those systems. I can use the same vintage lenses on both of my mirror less systems M43 and Sony and the results are awesome. I get almost all my vintage glass from pawn shops. If you shop and are careful you can get really great deals.
I love it!
low budget posse in the house lol Great review, need to try out those gobe adapters!
Does the job man
I actually prefer to use vintage lenses on my Fuji camera. My absolute favourites are lenses that are well known and not so well known: The Flektogon 35mm f2.4 is in first place, Revuenon 55mm f1.4, then the Triotar 135mm f4, and of course the Biotar 58mm f2. Also love the Russian Jupiter lenses, sadly let go of the 135mm, which as as good as the Triotar. A recent acquisition is the Meyer-Optic Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f1.9. With a speed booster focal reducer adapter from M42 - Fuji FX I get all the bokeh az special effects and gain an extra stop. Could not be happier. Unfortunately, collecting old, weird lenses can be addictive...
I also use them on my X-T20 - my favourite ( so far ) is a Konica Hexanon 50 1.7, but I have Pentax 55, Mamiya 50 and Nikon 24 + 200 ones - they all have individual characteristics which make each one a lot of fun to use...
Ye I do prefer doing this on my Fuji gear too. Thanks for the lens recommendations! Quality choices there
I am in Canada with a GH5S and wanted more artistic shots so I just bought a Helios 44-2 from Poland and a second Helios 44-2 Anamorphic converted lens from Nazi occupied Ukraine. If u r in England possibly many sellers of these Helios lenses in your local rags at cheap prices but over here we rely on either Ebay or Etsy and all the RUclips videos on these old lenses have driven the prices through the roof. I paid about $100 USD each and had to look a long time to find those prices. Trouble is with a Lumix 4/3, you'll need a speed booster because otherwise you end up with a 116mm telephoto lens. I was able to get a nice .7 Pixco speed booster from China for less than $100 CAD. Waiting for a night to go out and see how the flares and wide anamorphic views end up looking.
The market is a nightmare really, and yes... videos on RUclips are kind of the catalyst for that. Way of the world I'm afraid. I've hunted for cameras I've seen on here and the prices have gone through the roof since the video went up! We keep hunting though:)
Nice one Damian, vintage glass may not be razor sharp like modern options but hundreds are available all over the internet. My advice would be to go for the independent manufacturers like Soligor, Vivitar etc as they aren't commanding the higher prices like Nikon etc. Focus peaking is however an essential feature on any mirrorless body to nail focus.
I think Focus Peaking is the key for me too
All good & fun lenses. My 1st decent 35mm cams were Miranda & the lenses were pretty good as I recall. But what does one really know in his youth. I'm surprised they make a Miranda adapter. Great vid.
Ah youth.... remember the days of finding all sorts of cool, now vintage, camera gear in every other shop :)
@@DamianBrown yep! Garage sales. 5-10 bucks would get me a camera & 1 or 2 lenses. Somtimes more!
Very interesting and educational review...
As an owner of the exact same camera. I have to ask, which is the best combo? Which lenses work best and which adaptor? Some generally work better than others from reading on the subject.
Old Takumar and OM Zuiko System lenses are my favorites.You can go crazy and get a speed booster, works really well, piched up a used Metabones for cheap.
Good shout, still need to get me some OM lenses!
I bought some m43 kit in 2014, but I've noticed in the UK prices for m43 kit has really gone up. Here in the UK Fuji and APC kit is sometimes cheaper, no idea why m43 is so expensive.
I'm finding that second hand m43 gear is very cheap here though.
Which camera is that one? Thanks for the video!
Hey it's my Panasonic GX80 (Also know as GX85).. Love it!!!
Somewhat my strategy also. But, it will be difficult (or imposiible) to shoot at less than 50mm equivalent. But, can fill this void by getting budget Chinese lenses; TT Artisan, etc
Absolutely, there are some decent lenses out there.
Amazing, thank you!
Enjoy, I love it!
You missed the best ones, Hexanon lenses. Very underrated.
Good pick!
Hi I've just got a tamron 70-300mm for £40 to put on my Olympus E-M10III I've just got pk-M4/3 adaptor i plan using camera in manual any tips would be great
Focus peaking is my favourite tip! Try different colours to see what suits you best. It makes manual focusing much easier
Do the m4/3 adaptors affect the aperture speed or cause a step down in brightness? I've started to notice some nice looking vintage lenses on ebay, but for my purposes I'm wary about losing too much light.
Hi, they are usually glass free so it's not affected
Nice video! Do you happen to have any footage/images of some of these lenses in action on your m4/3 cameras? Trying to decide which ones I like the look of
Sorry for the late reply! I'll try to get some examples up!
@@DamianBrown oh wow I appreciate that. Take your time!
Great video! In case of vintage ZOOM lens, what is the correct focus lenght? I have a canon fd 35-70mm, the focus lenght in my m4/3 will be 35 or 70?
As far as I can tell it doesn't matter unless you're using IBIS.. then it's less easy to say because ideally you'd set it to the focal length you want to use. You could try something in the middle and see how the IBIS performs
Hi Damian, brilliant video, just what I'm looking for!!! I have just bought the exact same Vivitar 28mm 1:2.8 Wide Angle (OM mount) only to realise that it doesn't fit my OM-D EM-10 natively. Can you please advise which adapter I can use for it with my Olympus. thanks.
OM to M4/3 amzn.to/3cRTbM6 - Something like this!
Excellent video. Question, what model Lumix camera are you using in this video ?
GX80 / 85
@@DamianBrown thanks
I have Meyer Gorlitz Dioplan 50 mm and a Lumix g1. In aperture priority I can only change the exposure compensation.
That's strange. Have you tried any other lenses? Sounds like a G1 thing
Hey, so basically with my lumix G7, if I'd like something close to a 50mm with a vintage lens, that means I should go for a 28mm or 24mm (with adapter) ?
Thanks !
Ye I reckon that'd work a treat!
Will I be able to mount old canon lens to any mft camera or black magic pocket camera 4k with this adapter.
Hola desde México tengo unos lentes Miranda Auto Sensores EE pero no encuentro adaptador para mí Lumix G7 sabes si los fabrican o cuál se puede adaptar para usarlo saludos
Buenos días. Algo así? amzn.to/4bBXXee
Question about using long lenses on m43 bodies....if using a tripod what do you feel max weight of lens before having to use a support bracket? I'm just a bit concerned about damaging the camera body with a heavy lens. I'm using an Olympus EM10
Generally the big zooms with tripod collars are the ones to worry about. I guess over 1kg as a starting number
That's good news...I want to try a legacy Pentacon 135mm on my EM10, it weighs about 340gms plus adapter, another 70gms...did should be ok! Thx
I have a question about the aperture for vintage lenses with adapters, if you change the aperture on the lens rings, because the aperture on the camera controls will not change do you just have to shoot in manual mode and only change the shutter speed or do i need to also set the aperture to the same amount on the lens?
You have to set the aperture on the lens only :) It won't register on the camera because there's no electronic contacts but naturally you can meter manually and shoot away.
@@DamianBrown I see alot of guides suggesting shooting in aperture priority for vintage lenses but how would this work exactly if the aperture controls on my camera wont change when i adjust them on the lens?
How do you set focus mode ? Is it automatic?
All manual, focus peaking helps a lot
@@DamianBrown I like everything at my gx 85 except evf..
Speaking too quickly..it's too fast for teaching...
Seems a lot of people didn't feel the same but I hear you, we all have personal preferences.
Listening too slowly...