Which Leica M to 4/3 Micro Adapter?

T

triggerz

Member
Local time
1:21 PM
Joined
Jul 29, 2011
Messages
13
Hi All,

This has likely been discussed but I couldn't find it.
I need your recommendation on which Leica M to 4/3 Micro adapter to get - best bang for the $, or best built. Is Panasonic's DMW-MA2M worth it at $178? Or Cameraquests's offering at $179? Or are the China knock-off's at $30 good enough?

I recently bought a GF1 body and am thinking of pairing it w/ a Zeiss 35mm f/2 Biogon.

And while we're at it, i have several Nikon F bayonet-mount lenses. Is it worth pursuing a Nikon F adapter for the GF1 as well?

Thank you all.
 
A lot depends on how u plan to use the legacy lens. For example, if u are always going to use the LCD or evf to focus, u can get by with a cheaper knock off. If u plan to use zone focus or hyper focal point, u need a better one. The cheaper ones may end up with the an issue I think is called focus past infinity. The tolences from one adapter to another is not done under high quality control. U may end up with an adapter which the infinity focus is slightly ahead of the marked point on the lens.

From my own experience, I bought from same manufacturer, an M to Nex and a LTM to Nex adapter. The M had no issue with the correct point for inf focus. The ltm version was way off, it focused inf at about 1/5 inch ahead of the actual inf marking on lens.

Supposedly u are paying more for more accurate tolerances and quality control.

Any that is my experiences with the cheaper brands fwiw.

Gary
 
Thanks for your replies.

I have decided to play it safe and get the MA2M by Panasonic since the dimensions will be critical.

I plan to mount a Zeiss Biogon 35mm f/2.0 on a GF!. And since I'll be making the investment of this lens and have, on the GF!, I might as well play it safe and spend the $ on a MA2M. It will also buy me peace of mind.
 
triggerz said:
I plan to mount a Zeiss Biogon 35mm f/2.0 on a GF!. And since I'll be making the investment of this lens and have, on the GF!, I might as well play it safe and spend the $ on a MA2M. It will also buy me peace of mind.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't buy the Biogon for the purpose of using with the GF1, if that is what you have in mind. The GF1 is capable of producing exellent results with the dedicated m43 lenses. But handling and IQ is subpar with 35mm lenses.
 
I am getting the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 ASPH H-H020. What do you think of this lens? I notice that many use the Vario 14-45mm f/3.4-5.6 ASPH. What's your impression on this lens as well?
 
The 20mm is wonderful. I also own the 14-45 and it is very good value.
Both outperforms any Leica or CV lens I have used on this camera.
As far as I understand the 14-42 version has plastic mount and should probably be avoided for that reason.
 
Last edited:
I tried one of the fotodiox adapters from amazon.com - no luck with the infinity focusing and there was an unsettling amount of play between the lens and adapter. I might try another one since they "guarantee" infinity focusing. Not sure if the lens play is typical.
 
PAN F, I've ordered a Metabones adapter after seeing your feedback and other sites saying that the quality is very good - I'll report on it as well when I get it.
 
I use the Voigtlander adapter from Cameraquest and it's excellent. The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 pancake is also wonderful and lives on my E-P2 most of the time.
 
I have no doubts that the voightlander and panasonic adapters are well made and work properly, I'd rather not pay $150+ for something that can be had for much less.

I've received my metabones adapter today - everything mounts up nicely and with no play between the lens and adapter or between the adapter and camera. Focuses to infinity and a bit past which is a tad annoying, but acceptable for the $100 "discount." Right now I don't see any reason to pay more for the VL or Panasonic adapters, but we'll see how it holds up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom