Which is the cheapest 'live view camera for which an M adapter is available?

[pgk]

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I have a specific requirement which requires precision focus but for which some of the lenses have a flange focal distance of greater than that of the M but less than that of the Canon (so I can't get infinity focus on the Canon). To focus I am happy to use a cheap camera which has magnified live view and substitute this for an M digital (larger sensor) when focus has been achieved and locked. Can anyone suggest the cheapest option to do this with?

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[jaapv]

Any micro 4/3rds camera - but probably the adapter will cost as much as the camera body.

[AGeoJO]

How about a Sony NEX-5? It has an APS-C sensor, which is bigger than that of M 4/3 cameras. The noise level of that CMOS sensor from Sony is remarkably good at even high ISO settings. I bought an M to NEX adapter for $22 and it is of surprisingly good quality. I am using that lightweight and compact body as my backup for my M9. The LCD screen of that camera is also awesome, making liveview focusing easy.

[k-hawinkler]

Which adapter did you get?

 

Thanks, K-H.

[AGeoJO]

KH,

I bought two NEX adapters from Rainbow Imaging on the East Coast through *bay. Both adapters are surprisingly well made. No wobbliness whatsoever and the fit is fine. BTW, based on that price, you will get only the adapter without any caps. I don't have any relationship with them in any shape or form; just as to make sure here.

 

Joshua

[bill]

If cheap is the prime consideration, a secondhand E-1 and a Hong Kong adaptor from eBay.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[gyoung]

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If cheap is the prime consideration, a secondhand E-1 and a Hong Kong adaptor from eBay.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

I haved 2 M to m4/3 adaptors, the best is from SRB for £39.85, its far eastern made but good, they dont have M lenses so I did some tests for them on the first sample and it was too short (i.e. the lens focussed beyond infinity), the production ones are fine.

The other one I have came from Hong Kong for £20 and is a bit stiif to mount the M lens, otherwise OK.

The Panasonic G series have the best evf, with magnified image to focus 'traditional' lenses, just like using a loupe on a groundglass screen.

 

Gerry

[-ph-]

If cheap is the prime consideration, a secondhand E-1 and a Hong Kong adaptor from eBay.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

While the E-1 is a great camera, you cannot adapt an M-lens to it. You would need a µ4/3rds camera for that.

 

Peter

[bill]

Quite right, Peter. I meant an EP1.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[pgk]

Thanks

 

Looks like EP-1 is potentially the best bet.

[bill]

Indeed, from a cost POV, although having said that I had one and struggled to get a decent result with M lenses without the use of a tripod.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[pgk]

Its OK Bill - I will be using a tripod!

[gyoung]

Thanks

 

Looks like EP-1 is potentially the best bet.

 

OK as long as you are happy with using the screen on the back, otherwise the G series (I have a G1) has a useful EVF.

 

They all only work well with 50mm plus M lenses, 35mm is soft in the corners and less than that is even worse in the corners, as long as the lenses have a fairly long backfocus you should be OK.

 

Gerry

[pico]

For experimental work I use a G1. I prefer eye-level focusing and framing, but have the best of both worlds with the built-in pivoting LCD. None of the Leica lenses have disappointed me. I must say, however, that the sensor is disappointing now that I have an M9 to compare.

 

I was happily surprised to find the Voigtlander Leica M adapter has a slight ridge in the back that prevents one from pushing a collapsible lens (such as the 50mm Summitar) into the sensor. That's a very smart bit of design.