Adapting 4/3 lens to M4/3 body with adapter

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Hi, Looking for input on experience with using an Oly 50-200 4/3 lens on an Oly OM-D E-M5 body with an MMF-2 or 3 adapter. Finding some complaints about focus slowing down to lesser quality images. Any feedback appreciated. (Would be open to experience in general using an adapter with different lens, same body.) I understand the MMF-3 adapter is weatherproof while the MMF-2 is not. Thanks!

Hi MaryAnn,

Your information is all accurate. The combination works but focus is slow and inaccurate with complex scenes. Manual focus is dependable and IQ is excellent. The MMF3 is indeed weatherproof.

I now use the 50-200 on the EM1 with much better results.

Cheers,

Rick

Skeeterbytes wrote:

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Hi, Looking for input on experience with using an Oly 50-200 4/3 lens on an Oly OM-D E-M5 body with an MMF-2 or 3 adapter. Finding some complaints about focus slowing down to lesser quality images. Any feedback appreciated. (Would be open to experience in general using an adapter with different lens, same body.) I understand the MMF-3 adapter is weatherproof while the MMF-2 is not. Thanks!

Hi MaryAnn,

Your information is all accurate. The combination works but focus is slow and inaccurate with complex scenes. Manual focus is dependable and IQ is excellent. The MMF3 is indeed weatherproof.

I now use the 50-200 on the EM1 with much better results.

Cheers,

Rick

No plans to get EM1 so must decide if I want to deal with manual focus, etc. Thank you!

Eric Nepean wrote:

The Zuiko 50-200 SWD works very well on the E-M1 with either my cheap FOTGA adaptor or the more expensive Olympus. I think the adapter brand makes no difference.

However, mounting 43 lenses with any adapter on a Panasonic camera results in laughably bad auto focus.

The camera (and lens) makes the difference, not the adapter.

Any info on an E-M5? That's what I have. Did read up on adaptors (Amazon reviews). Oly is far more costly but the next best on their site, Fotodiox, didn't score well. Fotga didn't even come up in my search there unless its way down the list. Will check into it. Thank you!

Bobby J wrote:

Mary Ann, as previous posters have stated, your information is correct. If you already have an EM-5, I suggest staying with only native m4:3 lenses. 4:3 lenses can be adapted but AF doesn't function very well. However if you don't already have the camera and you think you'd like to use the 50-200, then you might look at Oly's website. They have EM-1 refurbs at decent prices. My EM-1 worked pretty well with the 4:3 lenses, and after a firmware update, they work about as well on the EM-1 as they did on the original 4:3 cameras. They are excellent lenses. I got rid of all mine and went to native m4:3 lenses mainly because I detested messing with the adaptor. That's just a personal quirk of my own. They work well. I DO miss my 50-200 however, it is a gem.

Thank you! I do have the EM5 and don't plan a change in the near future. I'll try to find a M4/3 lens that will work.

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Hi, Looking for input on experience with using an Oly 50-200 4/3 lens on an Oly OM-D E-M5 body with an MMF-2 or 3 adapter. Finding some complaints about focus slowing down to lesser quality images. Any feedback appreciated. (Would be open to experience in general using an adapter with different lens, same body.) I understand the MMF-3 adapter is weatherproof while the MMF-2 is not. Thanks!

AF is pretty useless except with the M1 so if you save $100 and just buy an MF adapter, you probably won't lose-out, unless you can't MF at all.  I've got both AF and MF adapters and I'd just as soon use the MF on the E-M5II.

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Bobby J wrote:

Mary Ann, as previous posters have stated, your information is correct. If you already have an EM-5, I suggest staying with only native m4:3 lenses. 4:3 lenses can be adapted but AF doesn't function very well. However if you don't already have the camera and you think you'd like to use the 50-200, then you might look at Oly's website. They have EM-1 refurbs at decent prices. My EM-1 worked pretty well with the 4:3 lenses, and after a firmware update, they work about as well on the EM-1 as they did on the original 4:3 cameras. They are excellent lenses. I got rid of all mine and went to native m4:3 lenses mainly because I detested messing with the adaptor. That's just a personal quirk of my own. They work well. I DO miss my 50-200 however, it is a gem.

Thank you! I do have the EM5 and don't plan a change in the near future. I'll try to find a M4/3 lens that will work.

Canon lenses work with fast AF on M4/3.

You can use Metabones adapters or the Kipon adapter.

Not all lenses work on all cameras with the various adapters but on my GX7, the Canon 40 2.8 STM and Canon 135 f2 L work very well......fast AF though AFS only.

The more expensive Metabones Speedboosters are focal reducers as well as allowing AF now.

One lens I am looking at but might have to wait a month or two to get is the Canon 55-250 STM as I have a feeling that will be very nice on my GX7 with Kipon adapter.

Native lenses would be best IF there is one that suits you but Canon EF lenses can be a nice alternative.

RichRMA wrote:

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Hi, Looking for input on experience with using an Oly 50-200 4/3 lens on an Oly OM-D E-M5 body with an MMF-2 or 3 adapter. Finding some complaints about focus slowing down to lesser quality images. Any feedback appreciated. (Would be open to experience in general using an adapter with different lens, same body.) I understand the MMF-3 adapter is weatherproof while the MMF-2 is not. Thanks!

AF is pretty useless except with the M1 so if you save $100 and just buy an MF adapter, you probably won't lose-out, unless you can't MF at all. I've got both AF and MF adapters and I'd just as soon use the MF on the E-M5II.

For 4/3 lenses you still need a system adapter with the contacts to operated the aperture, even if planning on manually focusing.

I'd stick with an OEM adapter from Panny or Oly to ensure its square (both flanges parallel) and the contacts all work. I'd imagine they can be had used, which model shouldn't matter if weatherproofing is left out of the equation.

Cheers,

Rick

neil holmes wrote:

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Bobby J wrote:

Mary Ann, as previous posters have stated, your information is correct. If you already have an EM-5, I suggest staying with only native m4:3 lenses. 4:3 lenses can be adapted but AF doesn't function very well. However if you don't already have the camera and you think you'd like to use the 50-200, then you might look at Oly's website. They have EM-1 refurbs at decent prices. My EM-1 worked pretty well with the 4:3 lenses, and after a firmware update, they work about as well on the EM-1 as they did on the original 4:3 cameras. They are excellent lenses. I got rid of all mine and went to native m4:3 lenses mainly because I detested messing with the adaptor. That's just a personal quirk of my own. They work well. I DO miss my 50-200 however, it is a gem.

Thank you! I do have the EM5 and don't plan a change in the near future. I'll try to find a M4/3 lens that will work.

Canon lenses work with fast AF on M4/3.

You can use Metabones adapters or the Kipon adapter.

Not all lenses work on all cameras with the various adapters but on my GX7, the Canon 40 2.8 STM and Canon 135 f2 L work very well......fast AF though AFS only.

The more expensive Metabones Speedboosters are focal reducers as well as allowing AF now.

One lens I am looking at but might have to wait a month or two to get is the Canon 55-250 STM as I have a feeling that will be very nice on my GX7 with Kipon adapter.

Native lenses would be best IF there is one that suits you but Canon EF lenses can be a nice alternative.

So it seems there are all kinds of adapters. Didn't realize one could go from Canon to Oly. Time to research. Thanks!

Skeeterbytes wrote:

RichRMA wrote:

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Hi, Looking for input on experience with using an Oly 50-200 4/3 lens on an Oly OM-D E-M5 body with an MMF-2 or 3 adapter. Finding some complaints about focus slowing down to lesser quality images. Any feedback appreciated. (Would be open to experience in general using an adapter with different lens, same body.) I understand the MMF-3 adapter is weatherproof while the MMF-2 is not. Thanks!

AF is pretty useless except with the M1 so if you save $100 and just buy an MF adapter, you probably won't lose-out, unless you can't MF at all. I've got both AF and MF adapters and I'd just as soon use the MF on the E-M5II.

For 4/3 lenses you still need a system adapter with the contacts to operated the aperture, even if planning on manually focusing.

I'd stick with an OEM adapter from Panny or Oly to ensure its square (both flanges parallel) and the contacts all work. I'd imagine they can be had used, which model shouldn't matter if weatherproofing is left out of the equation.

Cheers,

Rick

Many of the comments I read about a non-Oly adapter spoke to bad or no connection. Sometimes it worth it to pay the price for keeping with the brand. Thank you!

rjsmomma wrote:

I have an EM5 and frequently use the 12-60mm 4/3 lens. Auto focus is slow, as reported. The lens motor often defocuses to the extreme end of its range, then travels back to near where it started, and frequently misses focus altogether, even if I was close to focus before hitting the button. I use the SAF+MF setting and usually just manually focus. I love that lens but I'm thinking of selling it to partially fund the m4/3 12-40mm. I've just about decided that the EM5 needs dedicated m4/3 lenses. (With the exception of the 50mm f/2.0. I'll keep that one forever.)

If you decide on the 50-200 I'd like to hear your opinion.

The 12-40 is pretty great. Will let you know if I make the leap to the 50-200. I got interested because of the range, that it's fast, and not too pricey.  

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Bobby J wrote:

Mary Ann, as previous posters have stated, your information is correct. If you already have an EM-5, I suggest staying with only native m4:3 lenses. 4:3 lenses can be adapted but AF doesn't function very well. However if you don't already have the camera and you think you'd like to use the 50-200, then you might look at Oly's website. They have EM-1 refurbs at decent prices. My EM-1 worked pretty well with the 4:3 lenses, and after a firmware update, they work about as well on the EM-1 as they did on the original 4:3 cameras. They are excellent lenses. I got rid of all mine and went to native m4:3 lenses mainly because I detested messing with the adaptor. That's just a personal quirk of my own. They work well. I DO miss my 50-200 however, it is a gem.

Thank you! I do have the EM5 and don't plan a change in the near future. I'll try to find a M4/3 lens that will work.

4/3 Lenses that have been optimized for CD-AF (contrast) will work reasonably well on most m4/3 cameras (http://left404.com/photos/43-lenses-on-m43-bodies/). For telephoto, only the 40-150 II seems decent.

The pdaf lenses will struggle a lot more except with the em-1.

MatLD wrote:

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Bobby J wrote:

Mary Ann, as previous posters have stated, your information is correct. If you already have an EM-5, I suggest staying with only native m4:3 lenses. 4:3 lenses can be adapted but AF doesn't function very well. However if you don't already have the camera and you think you'd like to use the 50-200, then you might look at Oly's website. They have EM-1 refurbs at decent prices. My EM-1 worked pretty well with the 4:3 lenses, and after a firmware update, they work about as well on the EM-1 as they did on the original 4:3 cameras. They are excellent lenses. I got rid of all mine and went to native m4:3 lenses mainly because I detested messing with the adaptor. That's just a personal quirk of my own. They work well. I DO miss my 50-200 however, it is a gem.

Thank you! I do have the EM5 and don't plan a change in the near future. I'll try to find a M4/3 lens that will work.

4/3 Lenses that have been optimized for CD-AF (contrast) will work reasonably well on most m4/3 cameras (http://left404.com/photos/43-lenses-on-m43-bodies/). For telephoto, only the 40-150 II seems decent.

The pdaf lenses will struggle a lot more except with the em-1.

Thank you for this info.

RichRMA wrote:

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Hi, Looking for input on experience with using an Oly 50-200 4/3 lens on an Oly OM-D E-M5 body with an MMF-2 or 3 adapter. Finding some complaints about focus slowing down to lesser quality images. Any feedback appreciated. (Would be open to experience in general using an adapter with different lens, same body.) I understand the MMF-3 adapter is weatherproof while the MMF-2 is not. Thanks!

AF is pretty useless except with the M1 so if you save $100 and just buy an MF adapter, you probably won't lose-out, unless you can't MF at all. I've got both AF and MF adapters and I'd just as soon use the MF on the E-M5II.

Thank you for this info.

MaryAnnMachi wrote:

Hi, Looking for input on experience with using an Oly 50-200 4/3 lens on an Oly OM-D E-M5 body with an MMF-2 or 3 adapter. Finding some complaints about focus slowing down to lesser quality images. Any feedback appreciated. (Would be open to experience in general using an adapter with different lens, same body.) I understand the MMF-3 adapter is weatherproof while the MMF-2 is not. Thanks!

I have an E-M5, and also an E-M1.  I had both versions of the 50-200 (original and SWD version). The original 50-200 was better on the E-M5, while the SWD version was better on the E-M1.  Because no 4/3 lenses are really very good on the E-M5 (and I include the CDAF-optimized 4/3 lenses as well), I sold the original 50-200 and kept the SWD version for use exclusively on my E-M1.

There are advantages to the original 50-200, namely the lens hood is reasonable size (the hood on the SWD version is huge), and the bayonet mount on the front is compatible with the ring flash mount (I have the Olympus ring flash, but have adapted it for use on other lenses).

The images are great as long as you get focus.  Auto focus is slow, and will miss often.  I almost always touch up with manual focus.  Here's how I handle theses lenses on the E-M5:

Set Fn2 to MF.  This will toggle between manual focus and auto focus.

Set Record to Magnify.  The will magnify the image for manual focus adjustment.

Define a MySet with the mode set to Key Line (art mode 11).  This mode simulates focus peaking.

Define Fn1 to switch to the above MySet.  You have to hold the button down to temporarily activate the MySet; when you release it you are switched back to the current settings.

I always recommend that people upgrade to an E-M1 if they are going to use 4/3 lenses; the other m4/3 cameras were not designed to handle those lenses.  But if you really want to try 4/3 lenses, getting proficient at manual focus will be your friend.