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Best M42 to m4/3 adapter for Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4

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Marcus Stormwind

Marcus Stormwind

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Hi guys, I'm still quite new to photography so please excuse me for not knowing what I'm talking about. I'm looking at getting a Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with adapting this lens to their m4/3 camera and what adapters they recommend? I've been doing some research and it seems that with this lens, I shouldn't get an adapter with a "ring to depress the stopdown pin" since it will "interfere with the rear element as you focus to infinity" as well as "interfere with the aperture ring movement".

I've read reports saying that the Kiwi fotos M42 adapter for example is no good for this lens as the rear element protrudes back too far when the focus scale starts to approach infinity, and the adapter prevents the element from moving further back.

So can anyone recommend an adapter that won't have any problems with a correct distance flange to sensor? I'd like to avoid the Metabones or Novoflex as they are way out of my budget. I know you get what you pay for but I hope someone has had good experiences with a cheaper alternative. I'd appreciate specific brand suggestions and links if possible. Thanks a lot in advance!
 
Solution
B
Marcus Stormwind said:
EDIT: I just came across this one. It seems like a good solution. I was just wondering though, when they say, "it can be adjusted to be with flange or without flange" does that mean basically I can take off the ring usually used to depress the stop down pin in case it gets in the way of the infinity focus??
Click to expand...
A good solution. I got one of those off ebay a few years ago, and have not seen them for sale on ebay until your link. Price is good too.

You get two inserts, plus an allen wrench. You use the insert that best fits your lens. I found that the flanged insert worked fine with my three super takumar lenses, so I've never had to use the other one.
Marcus Stormwind said:
Hi guys, I'm still quite new to photography so please excuse me for not knowing what I'm talking about. I'm looking at getting a Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with adapting this lens to their m4/3 camera and what adapters they recommend? I've been doing some research and it seems that with this lens, I shouldn't get an adapter with a "ring to depress the stopdown pin" since it will "interfere with the rear element as you focus to infinity" as well as "interfere with the aperture ring movement".

I've read reports saying that the Kiwi fotos M42 adapter for example is no good for this lens as the rear element protrudes back too far when the focus scale starts to approach infinity, and the adapter prevents the element from moving further back.

So can anyone recommend an adapter that won't have any problems with a correct distance flange to sensor? I'd like to avoid the Metabones or Novoflex as they are way out of my budget. I know you get what you pay for but I hope someone has had good experiences with a cheaper alternative. I'd appreciate specific brand suggestions and links if possible. Thanks a lot in advance!
Click to expand...
There's several options, including using a focal reducer - "best" is subjective. If you're just after using the lens and getting the most speed and resolution, then use an m42-mft adapter with focal reduction or m42 to another mount - say EF - m42 to EF adapter and EF-MFT focal reducer.

The cost of a focal reducer is ~$100, but you'll "change" your 50mm F1.4 into a 35mm F1.0 combined lens.

I've found the reducer I use does improve central sharpness a little, but can encourage veiling. if light falls on it in a particular way. Dropping down to F2 (F1.4 in reality) and you're much sharper than normal, and it's usually enough to get rid of the veiling.
 
Marcus Stormwind said:
jeffharris said:
I have two of these:

http://www.fotodioxpro.com/m42-scre...ens-mount-adapter-with-aperture-shoulder.html
Click to expand...
It looks nice but I'm a little worried about the "Interior Shoulder Depresses the Lens Aperture Control Pin". Wouldn't it interfere with the rear element's ability to focus to infinity and affect the aperture ring movement? Do you have any problems with yours?
Click to expand...
Judging by the link in your original post, the "interior shoulder" may interfere with the movement of the rear element if you have one of the later versions of the Super Tak 50 1.4. I have an early version of that lens and the adapter I have (with the interior shoulder) doesn't cause any problems.

If you're worried just go with the Neewer adapter you found on Amazon.
 
Marcus Stormwind said:
jeffharris said:
I have two of these:

http://www.fotodioxpro.com/m42-scre...ens-mount-adapter-with-aperture-shoulder.html
Click to expand...
It looks nice but I'm a little worried about the "Interior Shoulder Depresses the Lens Aperture Control Pin". Wouldn't it interfere with the rear element's ability to focus to infinity and affect the aperture ring movement? Do you have any problems with yours?
Click to expand...
It works fine with both my SMC Takumars. 50mm f1.5 & 105mm f2.8.
 
Unfortunately, I just realised I can't order the Neewer one because they don't ship to Europe. I then tried Amazon UK and Germany and both don't ship to me (Switzerland). There are a few other options but since they are from China, they would take more than a month...

According to this post, mine would probably be a later Super-Takumar judging by the parts number. Oh well, I think I'll give Fotodiox a go anyway and report back. They do say "Infinity focusing is guaranteed"! :P
 
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Marcus Stormwind said:
EDIT: I just came across this one. It seems like a good solution. I was just wondering though, when they say, "it can be adjusted to be with flange or without flange" does that mean basically I can take off the ring usually used to depress the stop down pin in case it gets in the way of the infinity focus??
Click to expand...
A good solution. I got one of those off ebay a few years ago, and have not seen them for sale on ebay until your link. Price is good too.

You get two inserts, plus an allen wrench. You use the insert that best fits your lens. I found that the flanged insert worked fine with my three super takumar lenses, so I've never had to use the other one.
 
Solution
baxters said:
Marcus Stormwind said:
EDIT: I just came across this one. It seems like a good solution. I was just wondering though, when they say, "it can be adjusted to be with flange or without flange" does that mean basically I can take off the ring usually used to depress the stop down pin in case it gets in the way of the infinity focus??
Click to expand...
A good solution. I got one of those off ebay a few years ago, and have not seen them for sale on ebay until your link. Price is good too.

You get two inserts, plus an allen wrench. You use the insert that best fits your lens. I found that the flanged insert worked fine with my three super takumar lenses, so I've never had to use the other one.
Click to expand...
Thanks baxters. I've just ordered it, will report back with my experiences...in about a month :(
 
Marcus Stormwind said:
Tom Caldwell said:
Here it is:

http://stores.ebay.com/RJ-camera-accessory-store

Appaerently a name-change

--
Tom Caldwell
Click to expand...
Thanks Tom. I just had a look but it seems they only have one M42-m4/3 adapter which is this one. The other two they have is either a macro adapter or speed booster which I don't really want. Regarding the normal adapter though, they had this to say:

"this is not standard M42 - M4/3 adapter (which should be much thicker) ... it will not allow proper focusing if you use a standard M42 lens with it... this flange adapter is mainly used with helicoids, or modifed lenses (to use with M4/3body)"

So doesn't look like what I need unfortunately.

EDIT: I just came across this one. It seems like a good solution. I was just wondering though, when they say, "it can be adjusted to be with flange or without flange" does that mean basically I can take off the ring usually used to depress the stop down pin in case it gets in the way of the infinity focus??
Click to expand...
Try messaging them - I have always found them very responsive. I will also post up an image of my standard RJ M42-M4/3 adapter which does exist and works fine. Maybe they don't have all their products listed?

Mention my name and tell them I said they had best look after you (grin). Disclaimer: I have no commercial contacts with RJ and buy my gear from them with my own money - I have just bought a fair anount from them and been a satisfied customer and they know me well.

On earlier occasions I have found it sometimes difficult to find particular products on their site and have had to ask if they truly had the product I was looking for in stock only to be given a direct link.

I also have their M42-M4/3 focal reducer which is actually a little smaller physically than the dumb adapter - it also works fine. As noted earlier it does look like the pin-pusher inner ring can be removed if the adjustable angle flange is first loosened and taken out. But I have no reason to do this as the Takumar 50/1.4 works perfectly the way it comes out of the box - even the lens markings have lined up almost perfectly.

I have noted that some adapters very obviously have a removable "pin-pusher" ring.

--
Tom Caldwell
 
Last edited:
Marcus Stormwind said:
Tom Caldwell said:
Here it is:

http://stores.ebay.com/RJ-camera-accessory-store

Appaerently a name-change

--
Tom Caldwell
Click to expand...
Thanks Tom. I just had a look but it seems they only have one M42-m4/3 adapter which is this one. The other two they have is either a macro adapter or speed booster which I don't really want. Regarding the normal adapter though, they had this to say:

"this is not standard M42 - M4/3 adapter (which should be much thicker) ... it will not allow proper focusing if you use a standard M42 lens with it... this flange adapter is mainly used with helicoids, or modifed lenses (to use with M4/3body)"

So doesn't look like what I need unfortunately.

EDIT: I just came across this one. It seems like a good solution. I was just wondering though, when they say, "it can be adjusted to be with flange or without flange" does that mean basically I can take off the ring usually used to depress the stop down pin in case it gets in the way of the infinity focus??
Click to expand...
This seems to be what you are looking for:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/M42-lens-G1...ens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item518cf2bc27

Mine has a black innner "pin-pusher" ring which seems seperate from the M42 thread - the one illustratred seems to be "silver". I have never needed to change mine from how it came out of the box and the Takumar 50/1.4 (and others) works fine with it.

RJ claim to be manufacturers who sell (and I have no reason to disbelieve this) - they are not simply resellers, but they may be reselling some of the product that they offer for sale.

--
Tom Caldwell
 
Last edited:
GM1 with Takumar 50mm f1.4 on RJ M42 to M4/3 adapter



The lens on camera

The lens on camera



The aperture pin and the internal pin-pusher ledge

The aperture pin and the internal pin-pusher ledge



A busy image

A busy image



Pelican Sentinel

Pelican Sentinel



Texture and shape

Texture and shape



A Shed

A Shed

All GM1+Takumar 50/1.4 on dumb RJ M42 to M4/3 adapter. All jpg ex-camera.

(Illustrative images are by Ricoh GRDIV - cropped)

--
Tom Caldwell
 
Thanks a lot for the information Tom. I've already ordered one from the link I mentioned earlier but if I need another one or if the one I ordered doesn't work out then I'll check out your recommendation.
 
Marcus Stormwind said:
Thanks a lot for the information Tom. I've already ordered one from the link I mentioned earlier but if I need another one or if the one I ordered doesn't work out then I'll check out your recommendation.
Click to expand...
Marcus

The focal reducer adapter for M42 to M4/3 is actually shorter than a dumb adapter - 20mm versus 26mm - not much really but visually quite a lot. It is heavier because of the extra glass inside.

The lens is then technically gathering f1.0 levels of light at maximum aperture but I think it possibly does not work quite as well as with the dumb adapter also at maximum aperture.

Certainly the shots in good light are fine but the shots in low light are perhaps not as good as the brighter lens might promise. I put it down to the smaller dof and difficulty in focusing in low light.

One stopped down and in good light the focal reduced lens is a good performer. Why do this? Perhaps because the focal reduced lens is a FF eq 70mm f1.0 as opposed to the plain adapter giving FF eq 100mm f1.4. None of this is to be sneezed at.

Send my focal reduced adapter back? Even if it were possible - no way I like it too much.
 
I bought one on Amazon for $20 2 years ago, labeled 'Rainbow'. When I went to check on it for you just now it is provided by Fotasy for $10. These are nothing more than a screw in flange, with a polished rim that depresses the pin. As a former Pentax Spotmatic guy from 1964, I have the M$@ Takumar and other lenses that now have a second life on the Lumix G5. Love the 55mm f/1.4 for portraits and 135mm f/2.8.

-

-
Rich
Take many pictures - a few are keepers, the rest are are lessons.
 
Tom Caldwell said:
Marcus Stormwind said:
Thanks a lot for the information Tom. I've already ordered one from the link I mentioned earlier but if I need another one or if the one I ordered doesn't work out then I'll check out your recommendation.
Click to expand...
Marcus

The focal reducer adapter for M42 to M4/3 is actually shorter than a dumb adapter - 20mm versus 26mm - not much really but visually quite a lot. It is heavier because of the extra glass inside.

The lens is then technically gathering f1.0 levels of light at maximum aperture but I think it possibly does not work quite as well as with the dumb adapter also at maximum aperture.

Certainly the shots in good light are fine but the shots in low light are perhaps not as good as the brighter lens might promise. I put it down to the smaller dof and difficulty in focusing in low light.

One stopped down and in good light the focal reduced lens is a good performer. Why do this? Perhaps because the focal reduced lens is a FF eq 70mm f1.0 as opposed to the plain adapter giving FF eq 100mm f1.4. None of this is to be sneezed at.

Send my focal reduced adapter back? Even if it were possible - no way I like it too much.
Click to expand...


I think I have the same focal reducer as you and I agree, it's really nice. I bought it thinking I would use it as a toy, but it is much better than that.









 

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Tom Caldwell said:
Marcus Stormwind said:
Thanks a lot for the information Tom. I've already ordered one from the link I mentioned earlier but if I need another one or if the one I ordered doesn't work out then I'll check out your recommendation.
Click to expand...
Marcus

The focal reducer adapter for M42 to M4/3 is actually shorter than a dumb adapter - 20mm versus 26mm - not much really but visually quite a lot. It is heavier because of the extra glass inside.

The lens is then technically gathering f1.0 levels of light at maximum aperture but I think it possibly does not work quite as well as with the dumb adapter also at maximum aperture.

Certainly the shots in good light are fine but the shots in low light are perhaps not as good as the brighter lens might promise. I put it down to the smaller dof and difficulty in focusing in low light.

One stopped down and in good light the focal reduced lens is a good performer. Why do this? Perhaps because the focal reduced lens is a FF eq 70mm f1.0 as opposed to the plain adapter giving FF eq 100mm f1.4. None of this is to be sneezed at.

Send my focal reduced adapter back? Even if it were possible - no way I like it too much.
Click to expand...
 
I'd recommend an EF adapter. You can use m42/pentax k/nikon F lenses on EF mounts with a cheap adapter, Canon EF lenses as designed, and all with one focal reducer.
 
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