Trius
Waiting on Maitani
(Yet) Another Legacy/MF Lens on XPro-1 Thread
So … Having surprised myself by getting an XPro-1 kit (used but cosmetically “mint” as far as I can see) rather than an X100T, I am starting to mull the options for using some of my collection of film SLR lenses.
I have read some of the threads on this topic and gained some insight. However, I still have questions. I could post in those various (old) threads, but would like to consolidate the sub-topics into one thread. It may even be helpful for others. So, be prepared for a lengthy OP.
As far as lenses, go, here is what I have:
There is no way I will regularly use all the different mounts on the XPro, even using cheap adapters with no optics. And I can only justify one high end adapter, e.g. the Metabones Speedbooster/Ultra. So to help make my decisions (or to further confuse me!) I have a some questions. Note that I am in the “slow photography” camp - even my “street” work is deliberate and somewhat slow compared to most street shooters.
I warned this would be a long OP! Have at it, and I hope this can be a landing pad for a general manual focus on Fuji X discussion. But answer my questions first!
So … Having surprised myself by getting an XPro-1 kit (used but cosmetically “mint” as far as I can see) rather than an X100T, I am starting to mull the options for using some of my collection of film SLR lenses.
I have read some of the threads on this topic and gained some insight. However, I still have questions. I could post in those various (old) threads, but would like to consolidate the sub-topics into one thread. It may even be helpful for others. So, be prepared for a lengthy OP.
As far as lenses, go, here is what I have:
- Zuiko 21/2
- Zuiko 28/2.8
- Zuiko 35/2.8
- Zuiko 50/1.4
- Zuiko 50/1.8 (three versions)
- Zuiko 100/2.8
- Vivitar/OM 28/2
- Hexanon AR 28/2.8
- Hexanon AR 40/1.8
- Hexanon AR 50/1.7
- Vivitar/AR 28/2.8
- Rikenon 50/1.4
- Rikenon 135/2.8
- Helios 55/1.8 44-2
- Micro Nikkor 55/3.5
- SMC Takumar 50/1.4 PK
There is no way I will regularly use all the different mounts on the XPro, even using cheap adapters with no optics. And I can only justify one high end adapter, e.g. the Metabones Speedbooster/Ultra. So to help make my decisions (or to further confuse me!) I have a some questions. Note that I am in the “slow photography” camp - even my “street” work is deliberate and somewhat slow compared to most street shooters.
- I prefer the optical viewfinder, but obviously the EVF is required for consistently good results with these lenses. For people who have tried or use this method, is it really worth it? I know that’s subjective, so I’d genuinely appreciate your experiences.
- Since the majority of my glass is Zuiko/OM, my initial leaning would be to splurge on the Metabones OM- > X Ultra adapter. That would give me a range of focal lengths and preserve my investment in the OM system. OTOH, I could sell of all but a bare bones OM film kit. Selling the 21/2 alone (sob!!!) would more than pay for the Metabones in another mount and defray some of the XPro purchase. Are the other lenses equal or better on the XPro? I can’t see buying even a cheap adapter for one mount, i.e. the Nikon or Pentax lenses. (I don’t even have a body for the Takumar - I bought it from Gene just to have give it a try and haven’t gotten a body for it.
) - Given that Fuji (and Zeiss) lenses made for the XPro are very good to superb, am I tilting at windmills? The best of those are not cheap, so I guess I’m trying to preserve as much of an investment in lenses as I can. I could liquidate ALL my analog gear, but I won’t. I’ll keep an OM kit (along with my 35SP and maybe an XA. The rest of the OM gear will be sold. I might keep the Ricoh at least for awhile since I haven’t even really used it since buying it; I should give it a chance. (The Nikkormat EL and Micro Nikkor will go as well as my Fujinon 90/8 for the 4x5.)
I warned this would be a long OP! Have at it, and I hope this can be a landing pad for a general manual focus on Fuji X discussion. But answer my questions first!
olakiril
Well-known
I did try that for some time, and while you can use the OVF with relatively deep dof, thinner dof and longer lenses required the EVF to get acceptable results both for focus and framing.
In general I was not that happy with the EVF experience. The EVF quality is not that good, and you can't really change between the OVF/EVF that fast to make it usable, especially with human subjects.
I sold it and decided to wait and I am glad the XPro2 is going to arrive with X100T's hybrid OVF which might solve the focus problem at least.
Since you already have the camera and the lenses, get a cheap adapter (no optics) and try them out for some time before investing more money. I doubt you will get similar performance to native Fuji glass which is excellent but also lacks the manual experience of adapted lenses.
FrankS
Registered User
I got the inexpensive ltm and M adapters. (thank you Joe!)
I suggest you do the same with an OM adapter to play around with your existing OM lenses.
That and your 18-55 should do nicely for a time. Then look at another fujinon lens after you've become more accustomed to what you have.
I suggest you do the same with an OM adapter to play around with your existing OM lenses.
That and your 18-55 should do nicely for a time. Then look at another fujinon lens after you've become more accustomed to what you have.
daveleo
what?
.
I use adapted lenses on my X-E1 (EVF only), very often.
Mounts: Minolta SR (MD/MC), Exakta (SLR), LTM.
I have inexpensive ($20USD) adapters that stay attached to each lens. Very few "problems" and all but one was easily solved. The one real problem was a Metabones basic adapter that was *incredibly* tight and I sent it back.
I am also of the "slow school" .... maybe even the "very slow school".
Aside from making my favorite images, the Minoltas are the nicest to handle. The rangefinder lenses make nice pictures (Canon is *very* nice) but the small rings are troublesome for me.
f16sunshine
Moderator
OM's should all be kept.
The are the easiest to adapt and use and as you probably know are excellent.
The front aperture ring and lens mount release on the lens make them really east to use.
The 2/21 is the last lens you would sell if you were me
Best!
The are the easiest to adapt and use and as you probably know are excellent.
The front aperture ring and lens mount release on the lens make them really east to use.
The 2/21 is the last lens you would sell if you were me
Best!
narsuitus
Well-known
In my case, before I purchased my first Fuji X lens for my X-Pro1 body, I used the following legacy lenses:
Nikon F lenses from 14mm to 1000mm
Asahi Pentax M42 screw mount lenses
Fujinon M42 screw mount lenses
Vivitar lenses with Nikon F mount
Vivitar lenses with M42 screw mount
I purchased the following adapters that had no optics:
Nikon lens to Fuji X body
M42 lens to Fuji X body
I gradually made the following replacements in the following order:
1. Fuji 23mm f/1.4 replaced the Nikon 24mm f/2
2. Fuji 56mm f/1.2 replaced the Nikon 50mm f/1.4
3. Fuji 16mm f/1.4 replaced the Nikon 18mm f/3.5
4. Rokinon 12mm f/2 replaced the Nikon 14mm f/2.8
5. Fuji 50 to 140mm f/2.8 zoom replaced a Vivitar 70-210mm f/3.5, a 135mm M42, and a 200mm M42.
The reasons I replaced my legacy lenses for Fuji X lenses include:
1. With the exception of the 12mm Rokinon, I gained auto focus control. I really needed auto focus because manually focusing was too slow and too inaccurate.
2. I gained shutter priority auto exposure control and programmed auto exposure control.
3. I gained lens speed (larger maximum aperture)
Adapted lenses that I have not replaced and probably will not replace include:
1. Nikon macro lenses (55mm f/3.5, 105mm f/2.8)
2. Nikon prime telephotos (400mm f/5.6, 500mm f/4, 1000mm f/11 mirror)
Lens Mount Adapters by Narsuitus, on Flickr
Nikon F lenses from 14mm to 1000mm
Asahi Pentax M42 screw mount lenses
Fujinon M42 screw mount lenses
Vivitar lenses with Nikon F mount
Vivitar lenses with M42 screw mount
I purchased the following adapters that had no optics:
Nikon lens to Fuji X body
M42 lens to Fuji X body
I gradually made the following replacements in the following order:
1. Fuji 23mm f/1.4 replaced the Nikon 24mm f/2
2. Fuji 56mm f/1.2 replaced the Nikon 50mm f/1.4
3. Fuji 16mm f/1.4 replaced the Nikon 18mm f/3.5
4. Rokinon 12mm f/2 replaced the Nikon 14mm f/2.8
5. Fuji 50 to 140mm f/2.8 zoom replaced a Vivitar 70-210mm f/3.5, a 135mm M42, and a 200mm M42.
The reasons I replaced my legacy lenses for Fuji X lenses include:
1. With the exception of the 12mm Rokinon, I gained auto focus control. I really needed auto focus because manually focusing was too slow and too inaccurate.
2. I gained shutter priority auto exposure control and programmed auto exposure control.
3. I gained lens speed (larger maximum aperture)
Adapted lenses that I have not replaced and probably will not replace include:
1. Nikon macro lenses (55mm f/3.5, 105mm f/2.8)
2. Nikon prime telephotos (400mm f/5.6, 500mm f/4, 1000mm f/11 mirror)
Lens Mount Adapters by Narsuitus, on Flickr
GaryLH
Veteran
I would keep the following in order of prepeference
- Olympus
- Konica
- Nikon macro
If u plan to zone/scale focus, Make sure that the adapter u buy focuses at infinity (inf mark on the lens = real inf focus point), not someplace just before it. It is possible to shim it if it is not. I tend to use the ovf when zone focusing.
In terms of the Fuji or Zeiss native lenses. The Fuji sales for Christmas season I believe may have already started. The same goes for Zeiss lenses but I don't think they started their sales deals yet.
I agree w/ your idea of getting the speedbooster for your most used lens set.
Gary
- Olympus
- Konica
- Nikon macro
If u plan to zone/scale focus, Make sure that the adapter u buy focuses at infinity (inf mark on the lens = real inf focus point), not someplace just before it. It is possible to shim it if it is not. I tend to use the ovf when zone focusing.
In terms of the Fuji or Zeiss native lenses. The Fuji sales for Christmas season I believe may have already started. The same goes for Zeiss lenses but I don't think they started their sales deals yet.
I agree w/ your idea of getting the speedbooster for your most used lens set.
Gary
Filzkoeter
stray animal
Zuikos + focal reducers on X Fujis are a great combination. The lenses are small, have nice performance & focal reducers are shorter then bare adapters for SLR lenses.
I'm actually in a very similar position as you, as I bought a X-E1 not long ago to use it with legacy lenses. I bought a cheap used no-name focal reducer for testing the concept, and the concept is great! Unfortunately the cheap no-name reducer is really not that good, it adds severe curvature of field + it generates that ugly "blue spot" reflection at more closed down apertures.
I have a Zhongyi/Mitakon Lens Turbo II now on its way to me (should arrive by next week), they are supposed to be of similar optical quality to the first Metabones versions. It's a shame that no Canon EF to Fuji-X Metabones Speedbooster exists, as nearly every other SLR mount (besides Canon FD and Konica) can be adapted with cheap & simple adapters to Canon EF.
The OVF won't be of much use besides shooting stopped down with scale focusing.
I'm actually in a very similar position as you, as I bought a X-E1 not long ago to use it with legacy lenses. I bought a cheap used no-name focal reducer for testing the concept, and the concept is great! Unfortunately the cheap no-name reducer is really not that good, it adds severe curvature of field + it generates that ugly "blue spot" reflection at more closed down apertures.
I have a Zhongyi/Mitakon Lens Turbo II now on its way to me (should arrive by next week), they are supposed to be of similar optical quality to the first Metabones versions. It's a shame that no Canon EF to Fuji-X Metabones Speedbooster exists, as nearly every other SLR mount (besides Canon FD and Konica) can be adapted with cheap & simple adapters to Canon EF.
The OVF won't be of much use besides shooting stopped down with scale focusing.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
I've had an X-Pro1 for years now. And, from time to time, try to play around with legacy lenses. But I always come back to the same old problem... to focus accurately, you have to use the EVF. And EVF in the X-Pro1 is not so great, especially when compared to newer EVFs like the one in the X-T1. I often found that the EVF was too dim. In the end I'd always end up selling my adapters and legacy glass and commit to using only the Fuji auto-focus lenses and thus be able to enjoy the optical finder.
As far as image quality goes, I got some beautiful images using the X-Pro1 with the Hexanon AR 28 and 40mm lenses. Those two little lenses, which can always be found on eBay for cheap, are the lenses that continually tempt me to go back to legacy lenses. I might try them again, but only on the X-T1. For the X-Pro1, I'm going to weld the new XF 35/2 onto it and leave it there.
As far as image quality goes, I got some beautiful images using the X-Pro1 with the Hexanon AR 28 and 40mm lenses. Those two little lenses, which can always be found on eBay for cheap, are the lenses that continually tempt me to go back to legacy lenses. I might try them again, but only on the X-T1. For the X-Pro1, I'm going to weld the new XF 35/2 onto it and leave it there.
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Trius
Waiting on Maitani
OM's should all be kept.
The are the easiest to adapt and use and as you probably know are excellent.
The front aperture ring and lens mount release on the lens make them really east to use.
The 2/21 is the last lens you would sell if you were me
Best!
Yeah, I here you on the 21/2. It is a very special lens, and if I sold it while retaining a basic OM kit, I know I'd be kicking myself.
I've had an X-Pro1 for years now. And, from time to time, try to play around with legacy lenses. But I always come back to the same old problem... to focus accurately, you have to use the EVF. And EVF in the X-Pro1 is not so great, especially when compared to newer EVFs like the one in the X-T1. I often found that the EVF was too dim. In the end I'd always end up selling my adapters and legacy glass and commit to using only the Fuji auto-focus lenses and thus be able to enjoy the optical finder.
As far as image quality goes, I got some beautiful images using the X-Pro1 with the Hexanon AR 28 and 40mm lenses. Those two little lenses, which can always be found on eBay for cheap, are the lenses that continually tempt me to go back to legacy lenses. I might try them again, but only on the X-T1. For the X-Pro1, I'm going to weld the new XF 35/2 onto it and leave it there.
Jamie - I'm sorta assuming you didn't get the reducing type of adapters which might have made the dimming issue a little less prominent. Or does that not matter?
And I have no doubt both of those Hexanons would be great performers.
I know that the XPro-1 EVF isn't up to the standards of the XT-1 and X100T, but then I don't have either of those nor have I even picked them up and experienced the improvement. So ignorance is a kind of bliss.
Everyone - this is all really good feedback, and it helps me sort out a plan. I will probably let ideas digest for quite awhile. I'm in no real hurry, especially considering I'm still learning the ins and outs of the camera. For example, I recently turned on some bracketing and for the life of me I can't figure out how to turn it off! And I still haven't sorted out the Custom settings I want.
I also have one 3rd party battery that seemed to die VERY quickly, so I need to test it some more before I lose my return privilege.
So much to learn ...
I AM leaning towards at least getting an adapter with no optics for the Zuikos just to get a feel for the focusing and framing. The 21/2 would have an approximate effective FOV of a 32mm, which is a nice compromise between 28 and 35. I can live with any colour issues as mostly I work in b&w.
kshapero
South Florida Man
I, too, tried with M mount, LTM and Nikon adapters but using the EVF was never satisfying. I have sold all my adapters and use only the fine Fuji lenses.
I have:
18mm f2
27mm f2.8
35mm f1.4
35mm f2 (just got it, I love it)
Looking to soon add the 90.
I have:
18mm f2
27mm f2.8
35mm f1.4
35mm f2 (just got it, I love it)
Looking to soon add the 90.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Akiva - How do you like the 18/2? I have read that it's very good, but not up to the same optical quality as the 23 and either of the 35s.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
The best non-Fuji batteries I've owned are Wasabi. They have performed as well as my Fuji batteries. I get them on Amazon.
Yeah, I here you on the 21/2. It is a very special lens, and if I sold it while retaining a basic OM kit, I know I'd be kicking myself.
Jamie - I'm sorta assuming you didn't get the reducing type of adapters which might have made the dimming issue a little less prominent. Or does that not matter?
And I have no doubt both of those Hexanons would be great performers.
I know that the XPro-1 EVF isn't up to the standards of the XT-1 and X100T, but then I don't have either of those nor have I even picked them up and experienced the improvement. So ignorance is a kind of bliss.
Everyone - this is all really good feedback, and it helps me sort out a plan. I will probably let ideas digest for quite awhile. I'm in no real hurry, especially considering I'm still learning the ins and outs of the camera. For example, I recently turned on some bracketing and for the life of me I can't figure out how to turn it off! And I still haven't sorted out the Custom settings I want.
I also have one 3rd party battery that seemed to die VERY quickly, so I need to test it some more before I lose my return privilege.
So much to learn ...
I AM leaning towards at least getting an adapter with no optics for the Zuikos just to get a feel for the focusing and framing. The 21/2 would have an approximate effective FOV of a 32mm, which is a nice compromise between 28 and 35. I can live with any colour issues as mostly I work in b&w.
FrankS
Registered User
Love wasabi!
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
The suspect in this case is Halcyon. I'll give it another try. Even though I am pretty sure I charged it fully after I received it, it's possible it wasn't actually topped up. I also bought an UltraPro. I saw the Wasabis and will give them a try next.
Frank: Me too. Especially when I have clogged sinuses.
willie_901
Veteran
In my experience the effort required to use adapted lenses is described by #3... tilting at windmills.
I realize others enjoy the process of experimenting with legacy lenses and sorting things out. And certainly adapted lenses open up more diverse options as rendering styles go.
In some situations it is convenient and practical to focus analog lenses with the EVF and then switch to the OVF for the final framing. In other situation the using just EVF is the way to go.
I realize others enjoy the process of experimenting with legacy lenses and sorting things out. And certainly adapted lenses open up more diverse options as rendering styles go.
In some situations it is convenient and practical to focus analog lenses with the EVF and then switch to the OVF for the final framing. In other situation the using just EVF is the way to go.
daveleo
what?
^ definitely
For me it's just a (very) big kick to slow way down and use old MF lenses and admire their output.
But most of my picture taking is with one of my 4 Fuji lenses.
For me it's just a (very) big kick to slow way down and use old MF lenses and admire their output.
But most of my picture taking is with one of my 4 Fuji lenses.
willie_901
Veteran
The 18/2 is a reportage lens. At least this is how Fujifilm initially marketed this lens.
I think on-lens firmware upgrades have improved the rendering at the frame edges because the automated, post-acquisition, barrel-distortion correction parameters are better.
Still, this lens' compact size does compromise frame-edge performance. The 23, 14 and 16 primes are much better for edge to edge performance. They are also much larger and heavier.
Both 35s are in between these the 18 and 23, 14 and 16 primes. I used both of 35s and the 35/2 is more of a reportage lens than the 35/1.4. While the 35/2's frame center is sharp wide open, the frame-edge sharpness is a bit behind the 35/1.4 at all apertures.
I think on-lens firmware upgrades have improved the rendering at the frame edges because the automated, post-acquisition, barrel-distortion correction parameters are better.
Still, this lens' compact size does compromise frame-edge performance. The 23, 14 and 16 primes are much better for edge to edge performance. They are also much larger and heavier.
Both 35s are in between these the 18 and 23, 14 and 16 primes. I used both of 35s and the 35/2 is more of a reportage lens than the 35/1.4. While the 35/2's frame center is sharp wide open, the frame-edge sharpness is a bit behind the 35/1.4 at all apertures.
kshapero
South Florida Man
Ok, I forgot, I still use the Nikon 105/2.5 and I love it.
Dante_Stella
Rex canum cattorumque
The 21/2 is something you may want to use someday on an FX camera. Keep that one.
The rest are relatively inexpensive on the used market, and when you want to reacquire, it will be easy to do so. Adapted lenses are not as much fun as you might think with most adapters; the adapters are cut short to assure infinity focus, and zone focusing is not always reliable with short lenses.
Most native X lenses crush most adapted SLR and RF lenses on that sensor, and they can take advantage of invisible (to you) corrections via Photoshop. They are also orders of magnitude faster to use. And they are on perpetual super sale. The one downside is that they are a proprietary mount that represents a very small share of mirrorless market share will not be adaptable to anything else (you will get at least one sensor upgrade in the XPro2, should it ever come out). So buy used, and buy when you actually need them. The 18-55mm OIS lens (~400 used) is better than most things you would adapt, it's cheap, and yes, you can use it on the X-Pro, both with the EVF and OVF.
Dante
The rest are relatively inexpensive on the used market, and when you want to reacquire, it will be easy to do so. Adapted lenses are not as much fun as you might think with most adapters; the adapters are cut short to assure infinity focus, and zone focusing is not always reliable with short lenses.
Most native X lenses crush most adapted SLR and RF lenses on that sensor, and they can take advantage of invisible (to you) corrections via Photoshop. They are also orders of magnitude faster to use. And they are on perpetual super sale. The one downside is that they are a proprietary mount that represents a very small share of mirrorless market share will not be adaptable to anything else (you will get at least one sensor upgrade in the XPro2, should it ever come out). So buy used, and buy when you actually need them. The 18-55mm OIS lens (~400 used) is better than most things you would adapt, it's cheap, and yes, you can use it on the X-Pro, both with the EVF and OVF.
Dante