Using Leica M lenses on the Panasonic G1 - some pictures

[sean_reid]

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i had a think about this, and i dont think emulating a RF is doable

 

1/ you cant see more than the sensor sees, you cannot therefore have a view outside of the sensor frame.

 

2/ with CDAF it needs to reach the focus point to compute anything, so it cant give you a superimposed window with any accuracy until its actually focussed, which makes the whole thing kinda superfluous. Since it doesnt have an AF specific sensor as in a dSLR, there are no other options.

 

An optical window finder isn't set by what the sensor sees. I don't know about the second point as it is beyond my expertise.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[marknorton]

Sean,

 

Yes, OK, I agree that last statement was wrong. I enjoyed using my R-D1 in the summer when it's quietness was appreciated and the IQ held up well, especially at high ISO. I was thinking particularly of the display of the AE mode selected shutter speed - a crude row of LEDs through a mask of shutter speeds and limited frame lines. Even so, it's an alternative lower cost entry to M rangefinder photography

[gusto]

I'm considering getting a G1 to use my M lenses on with the adapter but I have a question that I seem to be in the dark about. When you manually focus an M lens does the focus assist automatically come on when the focus ring on the lens is turned?..or do you need to hit the buttons each time in order to bring up the magnified image?

 

Thanks!

[stunsworth]

I'm considering getting a G1 to use my M lenses on with the adapter but I have a question that I seem to be in the dark about. When you manually focus an M lens does the focus assist automatically come on when the focus ring on the lens is turned?..or do you need to hit the buttons each time in order to bring up the magnified image?

 

With the GF1 there is no focus confirmation when using M lenses, so you need to magnify the image if you want accurate focussing.

[gusto]

My apologies Steve - I didn't formulate my question very clearly. I meant: According to what I've read when the lens is turned to focus, the image in the EVF enlarges to aid that. What I'm asking (since don't yet own the G1 and no local stores have it) is this. Does this happen automatically as the lens focus ring is turned or do you need to push buttons each and every time you focus?

 

From what I've been able to gather, when using the actual Panasonic lenses this occurs whenever the lens is turned if MF is set. But does it also work that way if using Leica M lenses?

 

Thanks to all for info on this,

 

Gus

[usayit]

My apologies Steve - I didn't formulate my question very clearly. I meant: According to what I've read when the lens is turned to focus, the image in the EVF enlarges to aid that. What I'm asking (since don't yet own the G1 and no local stores have it) is this. Does this happen automatically as the lens focus ring is turned or do you need to push buttons each and every time you focus?

 

Here's how I end up using the G1 with M-mount adapted lenses.

 

The procedure is basically 1) set aperture 2) bring EVF to my eye 3) focus 4) optionally hit the left button in the back of the camera and select area (use the OK button) to activate digital zoom 5) adjust for critical focus 6) tap the shutter button to go back to full view 6) compose 7) trip shutter.

 

It isn't perfect but you get pretty used to it quickly and I now do it seamlessly. I really wish the m4/3rds cameras would make improvements on this. The procedure to bring up magnification on the Olympus EP2 is worse than the G1. The E-PL1 has a dedicated button which makes it slightly easier to bring up magnification than the G1 but then looses out because of the lack of wheels or dials for other adjustments.

[stunsworth]

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My apologies Steve - I didn't formulate my question very clearly. I meant: According to what I've read when the lens is turned to focus, the image in the EVF enlarges to aid that. What I'm asking (since don't yet own the G1 and no local stores have it) is this. Does this happen automatically as the lens focus ring is turned or do you need to push buttons each and every time you focus?

 

Gus, my appologies for misreading your question.

 

With M lenses you do indeed have to press the button in order to see the magnified view - the camera has no means of knowing that you have adjusted focus on the lens.

 

You are also correct that with a Panasonic (or I guess Olympus) lens fitted, if the focussing method is set to manual the magnified view is show immediately that the focus ring is turned.

 

One other thing, to use the M lenses you need to set the camera so that it will shoot if there's no lens attached - again because the camera doesn't know if there's a lens attached when you use an M.

 

Focus conformation would be nice when focusing manually, but it isn't available.

 

Again, this is with a GF-1.

[robertc]

Apologies for digging up this older thread but am trying to assist nephew who has access to G1 and has some of my M lenses but who has no patience for film and my M6.

What is latest expert thinking on best adaptor for the M lenses and the G1? Ideally should be one that is relatively easily obtained in good European photo shop.

Are colleagues getting some worthwhile results?

[Rick]

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