M42 Lens Adapters: For those on a budget, or prefer full control of settings, adapting lenses can be rewarding. The adapters fit between lens and body, converting the lens mount from screw to bayonet. Recently, more adapters have become available to fit a larger variety of brands. And while some M42 *manual lenseshave "aperture stop down pins" which could contact the mirror causing damage, when mounted to the adapter you can visually check to insure the pin will not protrude. Crop Sensor DSLR's have smaller mirrors which usually allows use, but “Full Frame” bodies are more likely damaged due to larger mirror size. T-Mount Adapters:T-mount adapters are thicker than "lens to body adapters", and have a different "thread pitch" than M42. Many T-Mount lenses are still available, and offer another another alternative to purchasing duplicate lenses for different camera mounts. Bayonet to Bayonet Adapters: These require additional lens elements in their construction, or the added length will act as an extension tube. The lens will not focus to infinity, making it usable for close up only. I personally haven't used them, so research carefully before buying. One example is to convert Nikon G to Canon EF mount. Others can be found including the additional elements, but check reviews before purchasing.Flange Adapters: Other adapters allow changing the mounting flange on camera bodies to accept different lens brands. Something else I have not needed to try, but here is information to convert Canon DSLR flange to Minolta MC/MD Rokkor manual focus lenses. 50mm Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4 1:1 Macro LensLens elements: 4Maximum reproduction: Life Size (1:1)Minimum focusing distance .77 ft. (0.234m)Maximum focusing: InfinityAngle of view: 46 degreesFocus: ManualDiaphragm: Manual “Preset”Mount: M-42 Screw MountThere are a few different versions of the Asahi Pentax Takumar 50mm f/4 macro which were made, but the Asahi "Macro-Takumar" first released in 1964 is the only Pentax lens of the series which offers 1:1 Life Size magnification. The SMC (Super Multi Coated), and later models magnify to half (1:2) life size. Cost should generally be less than $100.00 for either.Macro Bellows and Accessories:Several bellows are still produced, including Novoflex Auto Bellows, though prices can be expensive. A small expense alternative is to adapt manual M42 bellows such as the Pentax Bellows II (pictured with Macro-Takumar 50), usually selling for around $30.00. As with extension tubes, bellows fit between body and lens, with Exposure Factor and Magnification figured similarly. The Pentax 100mm "bellows specific" lens allows magnification up to 10X, though difficult to come by. However, even standard 50mm lenses work fine, but as usual, macro lenses offer more magnification. Slide Copy Attachment:When using the Slide copier, it's necessary to move the camera body all the way forward on the bellows rail. Lens is set to infinity, and actual focusing is done by expanding the copier bellows section. A standard lens of around 50mm gives best results, as seen here, using the 55 1.8 pictured below. If purchasing, be sure the additional rail is included. The rail has engraved adjustment markings, and more importantly, a flat bottom for the adjustment screws to tighten against. If missing, proper diameter tubing from a hardware store should suffice, but will be less stable in use. If everything is included, the copy attachment usually retails for around $20.00. PRO Zoom Slide Duplicator: Other methods of copying slides is this PRO Zoom Slide Duplicator, with many other models currently available. They attach directly to the camera body via T-Mount, and have a built-in lens. Most allow cropping images up to 2.5X, but small senors only produce around 80% coverage at 1:1. Most are fixed focus, making duplicating fast. Many of the older models were made from metal, and while a bit substantial, are rugged, work well, and less complicated to use than bellows. New models cost up to as much as $180.00, though this used one was purchased for under $10.00. *NOTE (to correct inaccurate reviews found on the web): When using adapters with manual lenses, it is necessary to manually focus. However with Canon bodies, possibly others, the focus indicator light will blink within the viewfinder when focus is achieved. The cameras internal light meter works in Aperture Priority, and manual modes as follows; Aperture Priority - will not register f/stop within the viewfinder, or exif. F/stop is set using aperture adjustment ring on the lens. Camera meters light as usual, and automatically sets shutter speed. Manual Mode - External Light meter should not be necessary; Along with setting the f/stop “on lens”, shutter speed must be manually set “in camera”. Watch the light meter scale in the viewfinder, and adjust shutter speed via command controls (check owners manual for specifics relating to your model body). If purchasing older lenses for adapting, preference is they have manual aperture control, called “Preset” Lenses. Some later “Auto-Aperture” models may allow using the lens in open aperture only, giving minimal depth of field. But it was common for older Auto-aperture lenses to have a manual / auto switch (setting to manual stops down the aperture). Look through the lens, and turn aperture ring while holding the pin in, and press switch to check. But avoid lenses with outside aperture coupling. Other M42 Lenses:Asahi 55mm f/1.8Included in my favorite “Preset” manual lenses is this Asahi 55mm f/1.8 produced in the 1960's, and purchased for under $20.00. It uses metal construction, takes sharp photos with excellent dof control. There's several "normal" Takumar lenses which can be found, including an f/1.4 version costing slightly more. Auto Yashinon DX 135 f/2.8Another M42 lens found extremely reasonable is this Yashinon DX 135 f/2.8 Auto-aperture. As with similar lenses from the 60's, it offers reasonable results with nice construction, including a pull out lens shade and manual aperture switch. Costing $5.00, and not as sharp as some lenses of this range, it has been a fun addition to the kit.Additional manual lenses:T-Mount 500 to 800mm TelephotosSite Map DangPhoto macro photography
M42 Lens Adapters:
For those on a budget, or prefer full control of settings, adapting lenses can be rewarding. The
adapters fit between lens and body, converting the lens mount from screw to bayonet. Recently, more
adapters have become available to fit a larger variety of brands. And while some M42 *manual lenses
have "aperture stop down pins" which could contact the mirror causing damage, when mounted to the
adapter you can visually check to insure the pin will not protrude. Crop Sensor DSLR's have smaller
mirrors which usually allows use, but “Full Frame” bodies are more likely damaged due to larger
mirror size.
T-Mount Adapters:
T-mount adapters are thicker than "lens to body adapters", and have a different "thread pitch"
than M42. Many T-Mount lenses are still available, and offer another another alternative to
purchasing duplicate lenses for different camera mounts.
Bayonet to Bayonet Adapters:
These require additional lens elements in their construction, or the added length will act as an
extension tube. The lens will not focus to infinity, making it usable for close up only. I personally
haven't used them, so research carefully before buying. One example is to convert Nikon G to
Canon EF mount. Others can be found including the additional elements, but check reviews
before purchasing.
Flange Adapters:
Other adapters allow changing the mounting flange on camera bodies to accept different lens brands. Something else I have not
needed to try, but here is information to convert Canon DSLR flange to Minolta MC/MD Rokkor manual focus lenses.
50mm Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4 1:1 Macro
Lens
Lens elements: 4
Maximum reproduction: Life Size (1:1)
Minimum focusing distance .77 ft. (0.234m)
Maximum focusing: Infinity
Angle of view: 46 degrees
Focus: Manual
Diaphragm: Manual “Preset”
Mount: M-42 Screw Mount
There are a few different versions of the Asahi Pentax Takumar 50mm f/4 macro which were made, but
the Asahi "Macro-Takumar" first released in 1964 is the only Pentax lens of the series which offers 1:1
Life Size magnification. The SMC (Super Multi Coated), and later models magnify to half (1:2) life size. Cost should generally be
less than $100.00 for either.
Macro Bellows and Accessories:
Several bellows are still produced, including Novoflex Auto Bellows, though prices
can be expensive. A small expense alternative is to adapt manual M42 bellows such
as the Pentax Bellows II (pictured with Macro-Takumar 50), usually selling for
around $30.00. As with extension tubes, bellows fit between body and lens, with
Exposure Factor and Magnification figured similarly. The Pentax 100mm "bellows
specific" lens allows magnification up to 10X, though difficult to come by. However,
even standard 50mm lenses work fine, but as usual, macro lenses offer more
magnification.
Slide Copy Attachment:
When using the Slide copier, it's necessary to move the camera body all the way
forward on the bellows rail. Lens is set to infinity, and actual focusing is done by
expanding the copier bellows section. A standard lens of around 50mm gives best
results, as seen here, using the 55 1.8 pictured below. If purchasing, be sure the
additional rail is included. The rail has engraved adjustment markings, and more
importantly, a flat bottom for the adjustment screws to tighten against. If missing,
proper diameter tubing from a hardware store should suffice, but will be less stable
in use. If everything is included, the copy attachment usually retails for around
$20.00.
PRO Zoom Slide Duplicator:
Other methods of copying slides is this PRO Zoom Slide Duplicator, with many other models
currently available. They attach directly to the camera body via T-Mount, and have a built-in
lens. Most allow cropping images up to 2.5X, but small senors only produce around 80%
coverage at 1:1. Most are fixed focus, making duplicating fast. Many of the older models were
made from metal, and while a bit substantial, are rugged, work well, and less complicated to
use than bellows. New models cost up to as much as $180.00,
though this used one was purchased for under $10.00.
*NOTE (to correct inaccurate reviews found on the web): When using adapters with manual lenses, it is necessary to
manually focus. However with Canon bodies, possibly others, the focus indicator light will blink within the viewfinder when focus is
achieved. The cameras internal light meter works in Aperture Priority, and manual modes as follows;
Aperture Priority - will not register f/stop within the viewfinder, or exif. F/stop is set using aperture adjustment ring on the lens.
Camera meters light as usual, and automatically sets shutter speed.
Manual Mode - External Light meter should not be necessary; Along with setting the f/stop “on lens”, shutter speed must be
manually set “in camera”. Watch the light meter scale in the viewfinder, and adjust shutter speed via command controls (check owners
manual for specifics relating to your model body).
If purchasing older lenses for adapting, preference is they have manual aperture control, called “Preset” Lenses. Some later
“Auto-Aperture” models may allow using the lens in open aperture only, giving minimal depth of field. But it was common for
older Auto-aperture lenses to have a manual / auto switch (setting to manual stops down the aperture). Look through the lens,
and turn aperture ring while holding the pin in, and press switch to check. But avoid lenses with outside aperture coupling.
Other M42 Lenses:
Asahi 55mm f/1.8
Included in my favorite “Preset” manual lenses is this Asahi 55mm f/1.8 produced in the 1960's, and
purchased for under $20.00. It uses metal construction, takes sharp photos with excellent dof control.
There's several "normal" Takumar lenses which can be found, including an f/1.4 version costing
slightly more.
Auto Yashinon DX 135 f/2.8
Another M42 lens found extremely reasonable is this
Yashinon DX 135 f/2.8 Auto-aperture. As with similar lenses
from the 60's, it offers reasonable results with nice
construction, including a pull out lens shade and manual
aperture switch. Costing $5.00, and not as sharp as some
lenses of this range, it has been a fun addition to the kit.
Additional manual lenses:
T-Mount 500 to 800mm Telephotos
Site Map
DangPhoto
macro photography
