Thread: Lens Adapters

I have a GF1 with the 20mm lens, and since I have some Leica-M lenses I'd like to also make use of these on the GF1. I've discovered that two adapters are available - one made by Voigtlander, and a much more expensive one made by Panasonic. Is there any difference/advantage that justifies the higher price of the Panasonic adapter, or do they both do exactly the same job?

And a second, related question - when using the 20mm lens with manual focus, I get an enlarged image on the screen to aid focusing. Does this also happen when using non-coupled lenses via an adapter, or does it require the special contacts that the Panasonic lenses have?

David

Novoflex makes a MFT to Leica M adapter with exact infinity focus and exact parallel lens to camera alignment. Voigtlander has not had a factory in decades. It is a brand name owned by another company.

Originally Posted by BobS

Novoflex makes a MFT to Leica M adapter with exact infinity focus and exact parallel lens to camera alignment. Voigtlander has not had a factory in decades. It is a brand name owned by another company.

The Novoflex adapter has the advantage of being slightly cheaper, so I might consider that one.
I realise that Cosina now owns the Voigtländer brand, but they make so many products under that name, including some excellent lenses, that I didn't think there would be any confusion.
I'm still hoping that there's someone out there who can answer my original questions.

David

Take your Leica lens to a shop and try connecting it to a M4/3 camera using various adapters and take some pictures. I found that cheapest ones worked fine. As long as the adapter mounts snuggly to the lens and camera it should be OK. If you take along a SD card you can try different cameras with your Leica lens and compare at home. My only problem was difficulty in focusing quickly.

Originally Posted by DavidStone

... And a second, related question - when using the 20mm lens with manual focus, I get an enlarged image on the screen to aid focusing. Does this also happen when using non-coupled lenses via an adapter, or does it require the special contacts that the Panasonic lenses have?

David

Hello David,

I have a GF1 and the Panasonic M Adaptor (I agree, it is ridiculously expensive)! Cost aside, it's a great asset if you have Leica lenses. The images are pretty good and contrary to some reports, I find it works equally well on Leica lenses with focal lengths from 24 to 90. The only problematic lens is my Voigtlander 15mm - there is severe loss of focus and aberration at the edges. Using the 15mm is a bit pointless anyway, because it equates to 30mm on the Lumix and thus loses the spectacular geometric qualities it produces with a full frame camera.

Panasonic have really thought out the interface. When you first fit the adaptor and a manual lens, you have to set up the manual parameters (e.g. selecting things like 'Shoot without Lens' and 'MF Assist' ). Once this is done however, refitting a Lumix auto lens makes the camera default to the usual settings. Magically, when you go back to the Leica set up, the camera automatically adopts your presets once more, and vice versa. Thus in effect, the camera is forever preset to adapt itself automatically to Leica or Lumix glass - wonderful!

Finally, manual focussing with the GF1 is a doddle - as you're composing, just press the thumbwheel to get a highly magnified image that facilitates precise focussing - much easier than with a Leica rangefinder!

Have no fears, the adaptor is a good purchase - the only question is which one ....