Is it safe to use an M42-to-EOS adapter with old Zenit lenses on a Canon 50D?
Asked 6/25/2011
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2 answers
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I found a couple of old Zenit M42 screw-mount lenses and am considering a low-cost M42-to-EOS adapter for use on a Canon 50D. The lenses are not in great condition, so I’m mainly wondering about safety rather than image quality.
Are there any real risks to the camera body or mount when using this kind of adapter? For example, could a poorly made adapter damage the EOS mount, get stuck, or cause focusing problems? Also, are there any lens-specific issues to check for, such as rear elements or pins protruding too far and potentially hitting the mirror?
If the worst case is just poor usability or no infinity focus, I’d try it — but not if there’s meaningful risk of damage.
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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There are two possible issues with adapters:
- A cheap adapter may not be machined to a high standard and be outside acceptable tolerances. This could affect focusing, or even damage the mount, though this is unlikely. Screw mounts may be slightly to big or small, and lenses could get stuck in them if the metal binds.
- Some lenses may collapse behind the mount and could collide with and damage the mirror (or sensor for a mirrorless camera). Examples of this would be old collapsible Leica lenses, or some old wide angle lenses.
Either way you simply need to be careful, inspect the adapter carefully, mount by itself and check that it is held firmly in place and that there is no give. Ensure it can be easily removed before mounting the lens. Inspect the lens and check that it does not protrude to far back, check at different focal lengths and zoom distances. Connect the lens to the adapter while not attached to the camera and ensure it can easily be removed. It would be wise to clean the mount on the old lens as well.
Chances are you will have no problem but care should always be taken when using non standard equipment.
Originally by user5656. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user5656
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Using an M42-to-EOS adapter is usually fine, but check two things carefully.
First, adapter quality matters. A poorly machined cheap adapter may fit badly, affect focus accuracy or infinity focus, and in rare cases bind or get stuck. Before mounting a lens, test the adapter on the camera by itself: make sure it locks securely, has no wobble, and can be removed easily.
Second, inspect the lens rear. Some older lenses have rear elements or stop-down pins that protrude behind the mount and can interfere with the camera mirror. That is the main risk of real damage on a DSLR like the 50D. Check that nothing extends unusually far past the M42 mount before mounting.
If both adapter and lens clear these checks, the likely worst outcomes are inconvenience: poor fit, no infinity focus, or disappointing image quality. Many people use M42 lenses, including old Zenit lenses, successfully with adapters.
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