What's the scoop with manual focus? (Olympus newbie here)

simonduz · Joined: 07 Aug 2009 Posts: 2

So I was shopping for a lens for my E-510 and everything is out of my price range right now so I start to investigate my options. I have read several articles about using these older lenses with great results but I want to know some specifics before I dive in.

Like I mentioned I have an Olympus E-510.
1) If I use a manual focus lens on my camera will I still have full use of the aperature settings, manually set by the man behind the camera of course?
2) Other than the adapter required for each mount type is there any catch to this?
3) Is there a list somewhere which has all of the different mounts that can be used with my camera?
4) Can I still use the camera to meter my subjects and then manually set the lens? (confused with this one)
Thanks in advance, now back to reading these interesting posts...

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

Welcome and enjoy your stay!

I'm sure some Oly-experts will answer your questions soon.

spiralcity · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 1207 Location: Chicago, U.S.A

Here's a little something you may want to check out.

http://oly43club.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=311

simonduz · Joined: 07 Aug 2009 Posts: 2

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Welcome!

I am Oly user too.

hexi · Expire: 2011-11-18

Welcome to manual lenses.

The deal with m42's ? well its quite the same that the B52's : not much talked about but amazing stuff ( i had to do that comparison !! don't ask why ) Wink

the deal with those lenses is that they're very good compare to today plastic and expensive ones , the m42's range is .. amazing, for all costs, all uses, all cameras ! buy some and you'll see by yourself.

Krisgage · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 681 Location: Singapore

hi simonduz !

greeting from fellow olympus e-510 user here !

1) If I use a manual focus lens on my camera will I still have full use of the aperature settings, manually set by the man behind the camera of course?

Yes you do ! You need it when you're using fast lens like f1.8, f1.4, f1.2 during bright sunny day, or getting sharper using russian or east german lenses or even just to create the mood for your images.

2) Other than the adapter required for each mount type is there any catch to this?

Yes ! Like me, I vow to make all the exotic , russian or other mount lenses worked on my e-510. i modified the mount, create adaptors etc Is the fun in DIY and using it ! You can read my journal for some ideas.

3) Is there a list somewhere which has all of the different mounts that can be used with my camera?

I think there should be a list somewhere. But I think, according to my experience, most mounts lenses works well with e-510 with an adaptor except for rangefinder lenses.

4) Can I still use the camera to meter my subjects and then manually set the lens? (confused with this one)

Yes you can ! Beside that you got IS for your lenses too ! Isn't that one stone kills two birds ? Laughing

CaptainPenguin · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 5:47 pm Post subject:

I assume that nthere are 4/3 to M42 adapters and there are definately OM to 4/3 adapters,I use M42 lenses on my Canon and the big advantage is speed,I have a 28mm f2.8 a 50mm f1.8 a 135mm f 2.8 a 200mm f3.3 andd and a 300mm f5.6 all of which cost in total less than £70.In EOS fit we would be talking several hundred pounds