Can I adapt Praktica M42 lenses to a Panasonic Lumix G80, and what should I expect?
Asked 11/29/2020
2 views
2 answers
0
I have a Panasonic Lumix G80 with the 12-60mm kit lens, and I also found two older lenses from a Praktica MTL 5B film camera: a 50mm f/1.8 and a Sigma 70-210mm f/4-5.6. I believe these are M42 mount lenses.
Can these lenses be used on the G80 with an inexpensive adapter? If so, what type of adapter do I need? Also, when adapted to Micro Four Thirds, do the focal length and aperture change, and will camera aids like magnification or zebras still work? Finally, are these old lenses generally worth trying if they appear to be in decent condition?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
4
Are there any adapters for this lenses to the MFT mount that are relatively cheap (less than 50€)?
Search on your favorite auction site for "M42 MFT adapter". Sort by price. Consider limiting results to local sellers. Another option is to pair an M42-EF adapter with an EF-MFT adapter, which would open up some other options (other mounts, focal reducers).
When adapted, what will be the actual Focal Lengths and Apertures in the M43 system?
The focal lengths and apertures will be as marked on the lens.
I'm aware that those lenses are manual focus only, but will I still get Zebras, Magnification and the likes?
Focusing aids work with manual lenses on many mirroless cameras. I'm not familiar with your camera, but I'd be surprised if you didn't have any focusing aid available.
Is the quality of those lenses, after adapting, at least acceptable, or is not worth the investment/trouble?
I can't recall encountering a bad 50/1.4-2 lens, so I'd expect the 50/1.8 to be worth using. Most old 70-210/4-5.6 lenses I've used have been unimpressive, but you may be pleasantly surprised. That is part of the fun of trying out old lenses.
Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75526
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — these should use an M42-to-Micro Four Thirds adapter, and basic mechanical adapters are usually inexpensive. Search for an "M42 MFT adapter" or "M42 to micro four thirds adapter."
The lenses keep their stated focal length and aperture: 50mm f/1.8 stays 50mm f/1.8, and 70-210mm f/4-5.6 stays 70-210mm f/4-5.6. What changes on Micro Four Thirds is the field of view compared with 35mm film/full frame, not the lens’s physical focal length.
You should expect fully manual operation: manual focus, manual aperture control, no electronic communication, and no lens EXIF data from the lens. On mirrorless cameras like the G80, focus aids such as magnification generally work with manual lenses, and zebras are camera features, so they should still be available.
As for image quality, they’re certainly worth trying if the glass and mechanics are still in good shape. Just inspect carefully for haze, fungus, or stiffness from long storage in humidity. A cheap adapter makes this a reasonable experiment.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI5y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can I adapt M42 and Minolta/Sony A-mount lenses to a Micro Four Thirds or APS-C mirrorless camera?
Can I use a Canon FD-mount Kiron 28-210mm lens on a Panasonic GH4?
Can I adapt a screw-mount Soligor 450mm lens to a Nikon D90?
Can an MC Soligor 28-200mm lens be adapted to a Canon EOS Rebel T3i?
Can I use a Kiron 70-210mm f/4 Nikon film lens on a Nikon D3100?