Lens Advice - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

07/03/2010 08:14:27 PM · #1

I just upgraded to a camera the has inter-changeable lenses. The new camera came with a 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent) lens.

I've been thinking about spending ~20 bucks to get an adapter that would let me use my old film kit lenses. This would add a nifty-fifty prime and a 70-200mm Macro/zoom.

So, now (in film equivalent focal length coverage) I would have...

28-84mm from the digital kit lens.
100mm from the nifty fifty prime.
140-400mm from the macro/zoom.

...which is a nice range of coverage. (I think)

What I'm wondering is how much trouble it is to use the film kit lenses with the digital body? Is it a total PITA, or is it just a matter of taking more time to set up the shot without auto-focus?

Any thoughts???

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

07/04/2010 12:27:27 AM · #2

I have two fully manual lenses.. Yep, PITA.

I enjoy it though, so if you're looking for a way to increase your skill and have a bit of amusement, that's a great idea... Otherwise? Probably much better off with the proper lenses..

ETA: Metering is whacked with both lenses too..

Message edited by author 2010-07-04 00:27:57.

07/04/2010 12:38:38 AM · #3

I've had someone mention (I think) "stop-down metering", or something like that-with the fully manual lenses. What does that entail??

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

07/04/2010 12:39:03 AM · #4

It sort of depends on what type of shooting you like to do. If you are going to be street shooting or doing serious people photography, then stick to the auto lenses. If you like to shoot outdoors or stills in the studio, it's a good thing to get. I use older Nikon primes and zooms on my Fuji S3 for most of my photography, and I feel quite comfortable with that for the style that I shoot. The Fuji's do not meter with them, but the Oly may do so.
My son has an Oly, and the adapter, and gets a lot of use from his older K mount Pentax lenses. If you want an inexpensive way to use your prime 50, then go for it. If it was manual focus on the camera that you had, then you already know how to focus manually. Some people can do it intuitively, and some people can't get it right. It's worth a few bucks to get the extra choices of lenses esp if the 50 is an f 1.4.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

07/04/2010 12:49:50 AM · #5

The 50's a 1.8, but yeah, still pretty fast.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/04/2010 01:17:43 AM · #6

The only MF lens I have is the 50 1.8, and I love it. It does definitely try your patience if you aren't used to it, and the focus can be frustrating if you're shooting at 1.8. Having said that, I find the color rendition and contrast completely different, and superior to my AF 50mm 1.8. It does, definitely, slow you down and make you think about it though. Don't expect to use it successfully in situations where you don't have a moment more to focus, but the results will likely be great. I've got a few pictures that I absolutely love from my version.