Pros/cons of using M lenses on G1

Even though the lens focuses beyond infinity, it doesn't hurt the minimum focus distance too much. My Nokton focuses at about .8M, rather than .7M.

The biggest problem (other than rendering the lens markings useless) is that the lens achieves its field of focus over a much narrower rotational angle. This gives you fewer degrees of rotation per change in focus, which makes focusing a little bit more difficult than it would normally be. Sometimes, just a tiny little nudge to the lens will throw the focus WAY off, rather than changing it subtly. In my focus tests, everything from 4M to beyond 10M was focused within a range of 2M-3M on the adapted Nokton.

I never saw any mention of this before I bought the G1 and the Novoflex adapter. If I had, I might not have bought it.

-egor
 
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Dear all;

Over the weekend, I got a mail from CQ/Stephen saying the first batch of adapters was in, and I have sent my PayPal.

Apparently there is more demand than adapters.

If there is joy in the world, I will be able to use my CV 15/25/40 on the G1 at my next photo shoot coming up 15 Feb.

As I also use the M6, I should be able to give some comparison photos.

Dave
 
The wackiness of the rotational range of M-mount rangefinder lenses is definitely a problem (at least with the Novoflex). I spent quite a bit of time analyzing this (and other) problems with adapting lenses to the G1.

I wrote up a lengthy posting of my impressions in Part 4 of a blog I created about my search for a good "street camera."

http://www.ultrasomething.com/photography/2009/01/like-a-leica-part-4/

In that post, I talk about how I've tried different focal lengths, and gotten different results. I've also talked about some other problems; how they affect the usability; and what Panasonic (and/or others) can do to improve the experience. Since it's lengthy, I thought I'd just post the link rather than rehash it here. Hope that's OK with the forum rules?

-egor
 
For the adapters to work properly at all distances they obviously have to have the exact flange distance. I can't see the adapter manufacturers getting that wrong...

I just did a test with a Nikon lens, using a Nikon --> 4/3 adapter and the Panasonic 4/3 to µ4/3 adapter. The distance indicated on the lens matches actual distance...I don't have an M adapter here to try this with an M lens, however.
 
Which specific adapter are you discussing that does not focus properly at infinity?
Click to expand...

Novoflex...

With my 35mm Nokton, Infinity focus is achieved at slightly over 3M on the Nokton lens' scale -- not good.

I discuss this lens (and others) in a lengthy post on my blog:

http://www.ultrasomething.com/photography/2009/01/like-a-leica-part-4/

It's encouraging to hear that you've had success with a different adapter, though it's very discouraging to know I might have wasted C$280 on the Novoflex.

-egor
 
Nice blog, well written. 🙂

Although I still don't understand how this is possible.

I have a Novoflex, although it is floating around in a shipping container somewhere. I'll do a test when it comes back.

I just tried a Pentax screw mount lens, using an M42 --> 4/3 and the Panasonic 4/3 --> µ4/3, and the distance indicator is perfect on that lens, too.
 
So the Novaflex adapter is the problem with the infinity focus?
Click to expand...

The jury is still out since, I don't think any of us have adapters from different companies. That said, it seems that those who have said there are problems are using Novoflex. "Scho" said he has no trouble with his Milch. It would be good to hear from others with different M-Mount adapters to see if it is, indeed, a Novoflex specific problem.

If it is, I'm going to try and strong-arm my dealer into taking it back. 🙂

-egor
 
There are only three basic things a lens adapter has to get right: precise flange distance, secure mounting of the lens, and secure mounting on to the camera. I can't imagine how Novoflex, who is not some company working out of a garage that started doing business yesterday, would get one of these wrong.

Anyway, my Novo should be here tomorrow, and I can try this on a couple of lenses.
 
The biggest problem (other than rendering the lens markings useless) is that the lens achieves its field of focus over a much narrower rotational angle. This gives you fewer degrees of rotation per change in focus, which makes focusing a little bit more difficult than it would normally be. Sometimes, just a tiny little nudge to the lens will throw the focus WAY off, rather than changing it subtly. In my focus tests, everything from 4M to beyond 10M was focused within a range of 2M-3M on the adapted Nokton.

I never saw any mention of this before I bought the G1 and the Novoflex adapter. If I had, I might not have bought it.



I have good news from Novoflex.
They offer a replacement as the first batch was wrong...

"Dear Mr. Nemeth,

This problem has occured at delivery of the first series.

Please send us your adapter directly (see address below) for a free exchange to the new series.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Best regards,"


I got this answer on my complaints from Novoflex.


So I hope again...

nemjo
 
It appears so...I emailed them, waiting for reply...

The Rayqual/Cameraquest appears to be the best designed adapter, even before the recall. This must be embarrassing.
 
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