Is anyone planning to buy a micro 4/3 body specifically to use their Leica glass

[peterm1]

I hope this is the right place to post this.

I have seen a few articles etc about the new range of micro 4/3 system cameras and the fact that Leica M glass can be used with an adapter and still give full infinity focusing. An adapter is now or will soon be available according to some sources.

Which sets me thinking...... Do I "need" another camera so that I can shoot digitally with my Leica glass. (Lets face it, I will never get away with trying to convince my spouse that I need an M8.)

The new Panasonic G1 is about as ugly as a baboon's backside in my humble opinion. (Well here I AM visualising the "tasteful" bright red one, not the sane and sober black model which is OK.) But what the heck, in any event, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and no doubt there will be other models coming - including an Olympus that I notice is being touted around the internet in mock up form. (I guess the real one is still a way off.)

Which brings me to my question. Who here is considering getting a micro 4/3 camera solely on the gounds that it can use their Leica glass? I must admit to being tempted and if any company is savvy enough to design one that is even halfway "rangefinderish" in its looks then that might just about undo me.

Incidentally I already own a Panasonic L1 which I bought largely on the grounds that I can use various classic SLR lenses with adapters. Its not a bad way to go by any means.

[back alley]

i bought one to use with my zeiss m lenses.

also bought the 45-200 panasonic lens to go with the kit 14-45 lens.

joe

[kshapero]

Where to you get the M adapter?

[__hh]

If/when the Oly version comes out, I'd be seriously tempted by its seemingly compact size. Couple it with the CV 25mm f/4 Pancake and we have a nice outdoors/daylight compact 50mm equiv setup.

[back alley]

panasonic is promising a 20/1.7 pancake in '09.
if the olympus is more 'rf like' then i will get one of those also.

cameraquest will have adapters by the end of january and there are others for sale now but overseas, germany and japan i think.

[kshapero]

20mm/f1.7 sounds nice. I have a Nikon AI 24mm/f2 on my Pany L1 (with a Nikon adapter, of course). Works like a charm.

[tom.w.bn]

With my lenses I had 70mm and 100mm with the G1. So crop factor 2 sounds not like a good idea for me. Besides that I like the idea of micro 4/3

[photogdave]

I would buy one if I were looking for a compact digital with SLR image quality. The ability to use M lenses would be a bonus but I wouldn't consider it solely for that purpose.
Focusing manually on an LCD is tough. What the heck am I going to do with a manual focus 42mm f/4?

[Ronald_H]

Focusing manually on an LCD is tough. What the heck am I going to do with a manual focus 42mm f/4?

NO, it isn't tough. It is easier than with any camera you have ever used. The EVF automatically zooms in when you half press the shutter button. Very smooth and well implemented. Works better than any RF or SLR, how hard that might be to swallow for some.

Anyway, I would have bought the G1 if it had HD video (but that one is still in the works). I thing it is a bit too big, but as a camera it is fine, dSLR quality in a small package.

As said, the crop factor limits things a bit with my M and F glass, but it will be extremely nice to be able to at least use (nearly) all of them.

[Fred Burton]

After playing with a G1, I would say it's the beginning of a new approach to cameras that might become mainstream when the costs come down to Canon P&S levels. I think the biggest obstacle for it (though it is to the makers advantage) to overcome is that it's easily adapted to use (after a fashion) Leica lenses. It will never ultimately live up to the hype once folks start sticking all manner of weird glass on it.

I'll buy one with the lenses made for the camera once the used market is flooded with them by disenchanted buyers who wanted an M8 for $600 but got something entirely different.

[Austerby]

I might get one when I want to replace my D70 as the ability to use my M lenses on it will give it a headstart over the competition, but I don't see it in the immediate future. I had been considering an M8 as prices are good at the moment, but I like my mechanical Leicas and don't need another digital camera at the moment.

[rpsawin]

Maybe as a companion body in my gear bag but not to replace my M's.....

[photogdave]

NO, it isn't tough. It is easier than with any camera you have ever used. The EVF automatically zooms in when you half press the shutter button. Very smooth and well implemented. Works better than any RF or SLR, how hard that might be to swallow for some.

YES it is tough. I know because I tried it at my local camera shop. I even tried it with a M4/3-4/3 adapter with a 4/3-LeicaR adapter and a Leica R lens. I agree it's a good screen and the EVF is simply amazing - it sets a whole new standard for EVFs.
But manual focusing a lens is still slow and there is NO WAY it works better than any RF or SLR. It's more like focusing on ground glass.

[Ronald_H]

YES it is tough. I know because I tried it at my local camera shop. I even tried it with a M4/3-4/3 adapter with a 4/3-LeicaR adapter and a Leica R lens. I agree it's a good screen and the EVF is simply amazing - it sets a whole new standard for EVFs.
But manual focusing a lens is still slow and there is NO WAY it works better than any RF or SLR. It's more like focusing on ground glass.

I tried it in the shop as well and was blown away. So I politely disagree.

[MacDaddy]

Either I'm nuts (and many would agree on THAT!) or ahead of the curve, but I bought a G1 yesterday and John Milich already has a G1 adapter available for M lenses. If this works as i hope, then I feel that I've just bought the "poor man's M8". BTW, I paid $632 for a new one on Amazon, so prices are already falling. And I ordered it with both lenses.
Look for a real world user report in late January '09 with the MFT lenses and either Milich's or Cameraquest's adapter in February with some of my CV glass.

[venchka]

I want one. I will also want/need a 12mm and 15mm lens.

My only concern now is which color body should I buy to go with my mixture of chrome and black lenses. :cool: I may need a new camera strap also to match the body. :D

[wayneb]

This might be a stupid question, but beyond the focusing issues, will M-mount glass look better than the lenses designed for the camera. Not saying that the lenses are nicer, just that in digital cameras they calibrate the chip/software for the line of lenses.

[mackigator]

I want one. Poor mans M8.

[djonesii]

I got mine to supplement the d300 because the canon G9 is just too much of a slow unergonomic beast. There are just times that I don't want to deal with film. The M6 and GA645 are good fun, but to snap away with them is just not practical.

The added plus is that I will be able to use my CV glass, I have the 15/25/40, and that will make a great kit of 30/50/80 on the G1.

All I need is Stephen from Camera quest to deliver. I am not a patient fellow, but as I have committed to the list, I will wait a bit rather than order the Milich adapter.

I have a feeling it will be a very fun rig to shoot with. I will be able to give direct comment as to the whole shooting experience as compared to the M6 when I get the adapter.

I do really hope for the poor mans M8. I did a few focusing tests with it before I was required to put it back in the box and under the tree, and while a totally different focusing method, I found the end result very good, and with every bit a good a feel as the M6. That is highly subjective, and as they say, YMMV

Dave

[padraigm]

It's an interesting concept, but the 2X crop factor really puts a lot of lenses out of usability for this camera. The CV 15 and 25 are quite slow lenses. Probably the fastest lens you are going to be able to use is a 28/2 which ends up being a 56mm lens, a little long. If it was not for that I would seriously consider it.

[BillBingham2]

I have to admit that Olympus version has be very interested. A lot depends upon the quality of the glass and approach to focusing and exposure control. I'm hoping they come out with some great primes but I'd be OK if they have a C-Mount adapter, there are some great old glass out there.

G1, not for me.

B2 (;->

[ZeissFan]

No, it's a stupid idea.

Just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.

The 2x crop factor is a deal-breaker in a very big way.

[ZeissFan]

Furthermore, this obsessive need to put Leica lenses on every camera is simply ridiculous and borders on a sickness.

[digitalintrigue]

The 2x crop factor makes wide angles tough, but the kit lens is superb for 28mm. On the other hand 2x makes for some super fast short telephoto options, how about 70mm/1.2 effective using the 35/1.2 VC, or 80/1.4 with a Nokton 40. The focus is superb, no way I can focus an M this accurately, no matter how little light there is.

One other nice thing is that people don't see it, or hear it, and with the articulated LCD, shooting from the hip is actually easy.

[photogdave]

One other nice thing is that people don't see it, or hear it, and with the articulated LCD, shooting from the hip is actually easy.
It's no smaller or quieter than an M body. It still has a shutter that makes a noise.
Agree about the LCD though. Very handy!

[digitalintrigue]

In my case, it's not simply because it can be done, it's because it makes perfect sense for me.

If it doesn't make sense for you, fine...but that doesn't make it a 'stupid idea' or 'a sickness' for someone else.

[digitalintrigue]

It's no smaller or quieter than an M body. It still has a shutter that makes a noise.

I said it was inconspicuous, not smaller. I don't know of any digital Ms that have a quieter shutter. :)

[back alley]

what's the crop factor on the m8 or rd1?

stupid or not...mine's at the post office waiting for me!!

i look forward to having a 100 mm f1.5 sonnar lens...

joe

[Fred Burton]

Looks like another round of wide open bokeh photos everywhere.

[sevres_babylone]

Looks like another round of wide open bokeh photos everywhere.
__________________
You can never have too many.

Joe, the crop factor on the R-D1 is 1.5. So my sonnar 1.5 is only 75mm. I envy your soon-to-be 100mm.

[back alley]

and my oh so sharp 25/2.8 will be an oh so sharp 50/2.8...

[digitalintrigue]

The G1 is a nice complement to both my other cameras. It offers features that neither of the others do, and it works with all my lenses (Nikon F, Nikon RF, Contax RF, M mount.)

[ferider]

I'd rather use it with a 4/3rd Summilux.

But no digital for me yet ....

Roland.

[Mackinaw]

Can't see myself buying a brand new micro 4/3rds camera, but, in two or three years, I may buy a used one.

Jim B.

[back alley]

I'd rather use it with a 4/3rd Summilux.

But no digital for me yet ....

Roland.

that's up to leica...

[back alley]

Can't see myself buying a brand new micro 4/3rds camera, but, in two or three years, I may buy a used one.

Jim B.

i got mine, nib, for a tad over 500 bucks, not too shabby...

[snausages]

These will be hard to pass up once they add movie capture - who knew my M lenses would be a set of primes for video?

A couple of questions...

When we talk about 2x crop are we just essentially talking about a digitally blown up image? If you're shooting with a 50mm lens, what's the difference between the cropped digital image (100mm) captured by the G1 and just cropping a scan of a 50mm negative?

[BillBingham2]

what's the crop factor on the m8 or rd1?

stupid or not...mine's at the post office waiting for me!!

i look forward to having a 100 mm f1.5 sonnar lens...

joe

I agree, on my 4X5 a normal is a telephoto on my S3.

Having had lots of cash tied up in great glass I would have preferred to reused it, but I've found that there are LOTS of great glass out there made by lots of different people it's a great opportunity to find world class glass. The 4/3M is very interesting options especially if the provide an easy to use focus verification and a bright electronic finder.

It gives us another reason to not be done.....:rolleyes:

B2 (;->

[peterm1]

YES it is tough. I know because I tried it at my local camera shop. I even tried it with a M4/3-4/3 adapter with a 4/3-LeicaR adapter and a Leica R lens. I agree it's a good screen and the EVF is simply amazing - it sets a whole new standard for EVFs.
But manual focusing a lens is still slow and there is NO WAY it works better than any RF or SLR. It's more like focusing on ground glass.


Does the G1 not have focus confirmation?

My Panasonic L1 does when I use other SLR brand lenses and adapters - the lens / adapter does not have to be chipped or anything. A little "dot" lights up in the finder when it is in focus. That's it!

My Nikon D200 does much the same when I use Nikon manual focus lens.

I would have thought that this kind of focus confirmation at least is "de riguer" as would be diopter adjustment of some sort. My eyes are shot and I have to use glasses. I find it dreadfully hard to use any camera in MF mode without these two things. (Old manual cameras can be a bit different - some of those have split image viewfinders etc so I can cope with the better ones.)

Incidentally the comments here about crop factor is interesting. last xmas my wife and I went away to a beach resort for our holidays. I took my L1 and a Nikon D70s. Lots of opportunity for long shots of surf etc. One thing I had not particualarly considered was the advantage of having a 300mm lens mounted on an L1 with its 2x crop factor but it made for some wonderful shooting opportunities.

[johnastovall]

Where to you get the M adapter?

List of G1 adapters and suppliers. (http://rangefinderrestorations.com/photo_posts/G1adapterlist.html)

[Hacker]

There is already some reference to 16mm Cine lenses being used, and you get 25mm f0.95 lenses giving an FOV of 50mm f0.95.

[johnastovall]

I'll consider one once someone comes out with body that does not look like and SLR. Right now for me the Oly looks DOA since the prototype lacks EVF. Maybe they'll rediscover the PEN form factor with EVF before the release that arms length brick.

[Leigh Youdale]

There's nothing out there in Micro 4/3rds at the moment that excites me, although the concept does. The G1 is ugly and still a "lump".
I'm waiting to see what Olympus do with their concept camera. Looks like just the right size and shape. I'm not worried about the glass - Olympus make great lenses and I'd probably go for whatever they kit the body out with, but I just WILL NOT buy a camera that only has an LCD viewfinder.
If Olympus manage to incorporate an effective EVF in the concept camera then I think it's THE ONE!

[digitalintrigue]

Does the G1 not have focus confirmation?

No, but manual focus is the best of any camera I've ever used. It's manual focus assist magnifies the view so you can be very precise.

[Gary Sandhu]

and it has 105 ms shutter delay in manual focus mode.

[djonesii]

Santa has now put my red G1 under the tree. Luckily, I managed to get the battery out of the box before the wrapping paper went on.

I was really hoping for the adapter at the same time. From all the shots that I have seen floating about on the net, I have a feeling that the M6 is not going to be getting much love in the next few months.

For those who say the G1 is a lump, try the D300

I have held both the M6 and the G1, and for all practical purposes, there is no real difference in weight or size. The 14-45 is just a bit bigger than my 50 Summicron, and as I recall, about the same size as a 35 CV Nokton. The film advance on the M6 gives me a great lever for stability, I wish the G1 had a thumb hook like the Epson RD-1, but there is no need to make it actually do anything other than be there.

If Oly can get the same level of EVF, or Panasonic comes out with a RF format, I'll dump the G1, and get one, but for now, the G1 will do. I simply do not have an extra 3K to spend on a digital body upon which to mount my CV lenses.

My shooting style is not that wide, and my CV15 will make a great 30mm! I rarely ever go wider than that, and if I really need to I have the options to do that in both film and digital. I bought it specifficaly for mounting on the G1.

I think that an effective 80mm 1.4 will be really fun to shoot with. I have a 55 1.2 that I put on the D300, and that kit seems to be aobut twice the size and weight of the G1/CV 40. But it gives me some very nice images, but no stealth.

I can't wait till Stephen gets the adapters so that we can get some photos in this thread!

Dave

[digitalintrigue]

Pretty good, huh? 105ms compares very well to cameras in its price range. And of course it is the fastest of any camera in its price range that can use M mount lenses. :)

[digitalintrigue]

I have a 55 1.2 that I put on the D300, and that kit seems to be aobut twice the size and weight of the G1/CV 40.

Dave, how about putting the 55/1.2 on the G1? :)

[Avotius]

two days ago I was in the shops and I was a heart beat away from throwing down my bank card and buying the camera. The thing that stopped me is the g1 sells for about 150 USD more here then everywhere else. That and the adapter are not really widely available yet. I now think that despite it's foibles that it is a worthy camera for my uses and I will get one, and when I get an adapter I will use my m mount lenses on it which should be really great for me.

So yes I'm going to have to have, more so because I can use my many older lenses on it.

[noimmunity]

I think I will have to get one, too. Especially as I face a huge salary cut in order to take a position at a prestigious university in Shanghai... and in China I won't have access to the inexpensive and beautiful color motion picture stock that I've grown to love in Taiwan. In order to save money, I'm thinking I may need to switch to digital for my color work.

Actually, the ZM 18/4 is only a tad slower and a tad longer than the 14-45/3.5 - 5.6 kit lens at the wide end, and from there on up my M mount lenses definitely outclass the rest. But I'll certainly be interested in the 20/1.7 coming out next year, and possibly the 7-14 as well.

[HKHoward]

Please see:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65073&page=7

for some pictures taken with the G1 and a variety of Leica lenses using a RayQual adapter