Are there extension tubes for Micro Four Thirds lenses with electronic contacts?
Asked 9/12/2010
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I want to try macro photography with Micro Four Thirds, but my lenses rely on electronic communication for aperture control and image stabilization. Olympus sells the EX-25 for the older Four Thirds system, and I’m not seeing a Micro Four Thirds version listed. Are there MFT extension tubes available, especially ones that preserve electronic contacts? If not, what alternatives are worth considering for close-up work?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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In March 2012, Kenko announced the DG Extension Tube Set in Micro Four Thirds and Sony E mounts. Kenko says:
Basically, the new Extension Tube set (10mm and 16mm) for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX can be used at all camera shooting modes and exposure modes. And auto focus works properly.
(Read a few caveats in this blog post, though. Stabilization isn't mentioned but I assume it works.)I don't think they're yet available for sale, but in looking a the prices of other Kenko extension tubes I expect this set to be well over $100 and possibly over $200 based on the German pricing refered to in the blog linked above.
At a lower price, there are also non-electronic-coupled extension tubes: Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Kit for Micro 4/3, MFT Cameras
I haven't used it or anything by that company, and I can't vouch for it, but it does at least seem to exist, and it's only $15. (Which may or may not be a good sign.)
But Fotodiox is clear about the limitations:
The extension ring set has no electrical contact, so you will have to set your camera in manual focusing and manual exposure, or aperture priority mode for metering.
I include this even though it doesn't meet your requirements because someone else may make a different decision on the price/features compromise.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Micro Four Thirds extension tubes do exist, and the key distinction is whether they pass through the electronic contacts.
Electronic-contact tubes are the best fit for your needs because they preserve camera/lens communication for aperture control, and may also allow autofocus and stabilization depending on the lens/camera. Kenko announced a Micro Four Thirds DG Extension Tube Set (10mm and 16mm) specifically for this purpose.
Cheaper extension tubes are also available, but many do not maintain electronic coupling. With those, lenses that need power for aperture or focus control can be difficult or impossible to use properly.
If you can’t find suitable electronic tubes, close-up filters (diopters) are another option. They screw onto the front of the lens and let you focus closer. They’re simple and keep all normal lens electronics working, but image quality depends heavily on the quality of the diopter.
Another low-cost alternative is a reverse ring, but like basic extension tubes, it usually won’t preserve electronic control.
So: for modern MFT lenses that require electronic aperture control, look specifically for Micro Four Thirds extension tubes with electronic pass-through contacts.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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