Olympus E 4/3's system and manual focus lenses

pat donnelly · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 1:01 pm Post subject: m4/3 adaptors

Declan
The two body types of 4/3 require different adaptor types!!!!

Verify before you buy as confusion exists in the Chinese bucket shops, RJ may be the best even if more expensive, as they helped pioneer 4/3 adaptors?

Atilla just meant that a chip (which can be transferred from one body type to another) which lights the confirmation of focus light, is not necessary on the m4/3 body types as they can magnify live view focus.

declan · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 162 Location: Indonesia

pat donnelly · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 10:56 am Post subject:

No problem!

Confusion exists and I did not want you to suffer the consequences of their errors.

mikenco · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 80

I have an E420 and until recently knew nothing about any difference of adapter sizes. I read somewhere that the AF chip makes little difference to outcome of your photos.

So, I bought a "OM to 4/3" (non-AF focus type) generic adapter and also bought a few lenses..

This pic, I shot on 'manual' using nothing but 'through the lens' metering and manual focus..

(KIRON 80-200MM f/4.5 on Olympus E420 body)

"Cal, in the snow.."

I may be failing on many levels (I am just a keen amateur), but I am personally pleased with the photos that I make for myself.

I hope this helps a similar keen amateur who is pondering about buying a legacy lens and adapter from somewhere like eBay.

Mike Smile

WolverineX · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 7:07 am Post subject:

pat donnelly · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 7:38 am Post subject: It's not Rocket Science!

But it is not easy either. You took a risk, submitting a picture.

But it paid off! Good one! Now get out there and find out the weaknesses in that lens! They are the interesting bits that will add even more to your pictures.

They are what set your pictures apart from anyone elses, except with identical or better knowledge and equipment. Even, then, we cosole ourselves with our efforts.

The problem I find with a large zoom is weight and bulk? It stops me from bringing the equipment everywhere, so I take the ep 1.

mikenco · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 80

I don't find the Kiron 80-200 too big to drag around, but agree that some lens are bit large. My Paragon f8 500mm is like a tank barrel. Laughing

The only weakness I have found with these old lens is mostly a failing on my part, which is manual focussing. I'll spend a while getting everything perfect, then fluff up the focussing by a few mm. I am out of practice with manual focussing, but am enjoying getting back to grips with it.

I'm looking forward to better weather when I can get out and find more subjects.

Karhallarn · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 577

Hey fellow Olympians!

Does anyone of you use an e620/600 with manual glass? If so, how do you focus? Viewfinder or liveview? If you use the viewfinder, do you use a magnifying eye piece?
I don't get the right focus with the viewfinder!

mikenco · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 80

Magnify the live view.

Not sure if your cameras OS works the same, but this works on my e420.

Push the live view button to turn on the rear screen. Then push the 'info' repeatedly button until a small green square appears on the screen. Now push the 'ok' button. "7x" should appear in the bottom left and the screen should magnify. move the option dial and it should switch to "10x".

I find this only really useful for manual focusing whilst on a tripod.

I hope it works for you.

Karhallarn · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 577

That is what I do at the moment!

I thought a magnifying eyepiece would be an alternative!

mikenco · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 80

I have seen them on ebay. They do look good, but are not cheap as you probably know. I'd be interested too to hear from anyone who has one.

mikenco · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 80

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TENPA-1-36x-Magnifier-Eyepiece-OLYMPUS-E-420-E-450-/370536966671?pt=US_Viewfinders_Eyecups&hash=item5645b96a0f#ht_5773wt_958

What stops these falling off?.. I have already lost two standard eye pieces while carrying the camera on the strap over my shoulder.

Chobuck · Joined: 22 Aug 2011 Posts: 1

Hi everyone,
I have an Olympus E-620 4/3 with Vivitar 650-1300mm zoom. I got an A/F confirm for this lens. One problem I'm having with this lens/camera is that I cannot figure out how to adjust the F-stop. The camera sets it at F-2.8 and I cannot get it to change to anything else. If I put on of the Olympus lenses on I can adjust F-stop to any number I wish. Any ideas?

Karhallarn · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 577

If programmed correctly the Adapter tells the camera the widest aperture! But it has to be programmed for every single lens again!

Anyway, you can't adjust the f-stop as with AF lenses as there is no coupling what so ever between lens and camera!

declan · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 162 Location: Indonesia

uberprutser · Joined: 01 Dec 2012 Posts: 19

I just went trough this topic and there was a lot written about focus confirmation.
So wanted to add that the Panasonic Lumix DMC L10k has a focus confirmation LED in the viewfinder information display.
This is obviously not an Olympus DSLR, although it uses a lot of Olympus tech. I seemed pointless to to start a separate topic about Panasonic DSLR' s since they only made two. (Not counting the rebranded Lieca cameras)
As far as I know this is the only four thirds DSLR with a build in confirmation LED. This and the lower AA filter makes me hold on to it.

Karhallarn · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 577

The Panasonic L1 has the same confirmation tech build inside!

Prince Piast II the Brave · Joined: 10 May 2023 Posts: 1 Location: Poland