An Introduction to Adapting Vintage Lenses to Modern Digital Cameras
How to choose the right adapter for your lens and camera combination
Before we get into this week’s article, I published a couple of first-impression reviews of two vintage lenses in my notes this week. Check them out at:
How to Adapt a Vintage Lens to Your Camera
Adapting vintage lenses to modern digital cameras has become a popular trend among photographers and videographers. These classic lenses bring a unique character, artistic rendering, and a hands-on approach to photography that many modern lenses lack. Whether you’re interested in cost-effective alternatives to modern glass or want to explore the aesthetic qualities of older optics, learning how to adapt vintage lenses is an exciting journey.
From the first time I shared my experience of using vintage lenses on digital cameras, a common question is how to actually do it. People want to know which adapter to choose and if certain lenses are compatible with specific cameras. This guide will address those questions and provide a clear path for starting.
This guide will walk you through:
Understanding vintage lens mounts and their compatibility
Tips for choosing the correct adapter for your camera system
By the end of this article, I hope you'll be equipped with everything you need to start using vintage lenses on your modern digital camera.
1. Understanding Lens Mounts and Compatibility
What is a Lens Mount?
A lens mount is the physical and electronic interface that connects a lens to a camera body. Each camera system has its own mount, with a specific flange focal distance (FFD)—the distance from the lens mount to the image sensor. This is crucial for determining whether a lens can be adapted successfully.
Why Some Lens and Camera Combinations Are Easier to Adapt Than Others
With shorter flange focal distances, Mirrorless cameras offer significantly greater flexibility for adapting vintage lenses compared to DSLRs. A shorter flange distance allows room for an adapter without disrupting focus.
For example, suppose you take an M42 screw mount lens (which has a flange focal distance of 45.5mm) and mount it on a Sony mirrorless camera (which has a much shorter 18mm flange focal distance). In that case, an adapter can easily bridge the gap without affecting infinity focus.
However, with a DSLR like a Canon EF system (which has a 44mm flange focal distance), the difference is much smaller, making adaptation difficult. Suppose the vintage lens has a shorter flange distance than the modern camera. In that case, it won’t be able to focus properly unless a corrective optical adapter is used, which can degrade image quality. This is why adapting lenses to DSLRs is more complicated and often limited to specific mounts.
For this article, I will be assuming the use of a mirrorless camera as I have experience using vintage lenses on mirrorless cameras (in my case Sony and Leica bodies).
Common Vintage Lens Mounts and Their Adaptability
Here are some of the most common vintage lens mounts and how well they adapt to modern cameras:
M42 (Screw Mount) – Found in brands like Pentax (Takumar), Zeiss, Yashica, and Fujica. It is one of the most adaptable mounts, and it is easily used with mirrorless cameras like Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji X, and MFT.
Nikon F – Used by Nikon, Voigtländer, and Zeiss. It works well on Nikon Z mirrorless and other mirrorless systems via adapters but is challenging to adapt to DSLRs due to its deep flange distance.
Canon FD – Pre-EF Canon lenses, adaptable only to mirrorless cameras like Sony E and Canon RF. Not easily adapted to Canon EF cameras without corrective glass.
Olympus OM – Olympus Zuiko lenses that can be adapted to mirrorless systems and Canon EF with ease. Compact and high-quality optics.
Minolta MD/MC – Used by Minolta Rokkor lenses. It can only be adapted to mirrorless systems and not modern Sony A-mount cameras.
Leica M39 (LTM) – Found in Leica, Canon, and some Russian lenses. It can be used on mirrorless cameras and Leica M with quite slim adapters.
Leica M – Leica and Voigtländer lenses designed for Leica M cameras are also adaptable to mirrorless systems.
Pentacon Six (P6) – Medium format lenses from Zeiss, Kiev, and Pentacon, best suited for medium format and mirrorless systems.
Selecting the correct adapter is straightforward if you already have a camera and a vintage lens.
To choose the correct adapter, you need to know both the mount of the camera you’re using and the mount of the lens you want to adapt.
Here are a few examples:
Example 1: M42 Lens to Leica M Camera
Camera: Leica M11 (M-Mount, full-frame mirrorless)
Lens: Yashica Auto Yashinon 5cm f2 (manual focus, aperture ring)
Adapter Needed: M42 to M adapter (pictured above)
Example 2: Nikon AI-S to Sony Mirrorless
Camera: Sony A7IV (E mount mirrorless)
Lens: Nikon Ai-s 85mm f2 (f mount lens)
Adapter Needed: Nikon F to Sony E mount (pictured above)
Don’t have a lens yet?
If you don’t have a lens yet and are wondering where to start - I do think it might be a good move to choose a particular lens mount to focus on. While you might go with more than one - to do so means you need more than one adaptor, which is both more expensive and can be a bit of a juggle if you’re switching not only lenses but adaptors every time you change lenses.
If you are still deciding which lens mount system to explore, I recommend a good place to start is to find an M42 mount lens, as they are:
Widely available – Many manufacturers produced M42 lenses, making them easier to find.
Variety and a range of lenses to suit each budget level – There is a huge variety of lenses available with M42 mount, and while some of the rarer higher quality lenses can get expensive, there are also plenty of good quality and more budget-friendly options.
Highly adaptable – Most mirrorless cameras can use M42 lenses without needing corrective optics.
Great optical quality – M42 lenses from brands like Pentax, Zeiss, and Takumar offer excellent sharpness and character.
Easy to work with – The simple screw mount design makes attaching adapters effortless.
Because of these benefits, M42 lenses are an excellent entry point into the world of vintage glass.
2. Choosing the Right Adapter
Once you’ve identified your lens mount and camera system, select the correct adapter.
A quick search on Amazon or eBay will probably unearth a few options for you simply by searching for something like:
"M42 to Sony E adapter" if you have a Sony mirrorless camera and want to use M42 screw-mount lenses.
"Canon FD to Nikon Z adapter" if you have a Nikon Z mirrorless camera and want to use Canon FD lenses.
"Pentax K to Fuji X adapter" if you're adapting Pentax K lenses to a Fujifilm mirrorless camera.
In most cases these simple searches with camera and lens mount mentioned will get you to a decent adaptor in the first couple of results - just make sure to check reviews and specifications to ensure the adapter meets your needs.
Not all adapters are the same, and depending on your needs, you may come across different types designed for various purposes. While most people will only need a simple mechanical adapter, other options offer additional functionality.
Below are some of the most common types of adapters and their uses.
Types of Lens Adapters
Mechanical Adapters (Basic)
Simple metal or plastic ring/tube with a mount to the camera on one end and a mount to the lens on the other
No electronic communication between the camera and lens
Will not lead to image degradation
Lens focusing and aperture selection are manual
This is the vast majority of what you'll see (and need) and they are usually the cheapest alternatives (although price will vary between brands). Unless you have an unusual lens and camera combination I’d start with one of these.
Adapters with Corrective Glass
Required for mounts with shorter flange distances than the camera body
Introduces minor image degradation
Example: Canon FD → Canon EF adapters
Focal Reducers (Speed Boosters)
The adapters contain optical elements to reduce focal length and increase brightness
Ideal for APS-C and MFT sensors
I've not used these, so I won't be covering them further in this article
Smart Adapters
Allows autofocus and electronic aperture control (for semi-modern lenses)
Example: Nikon F to Sony E adapters with AF support
Helicoid Adapters
These adapters have a built-in focusing helicoid that allows for fine adjustments to focus distance.
These are particularly useful for adapting lenses that have a long minimum focusing distance, as the helicoid function enables closer focusing.
Ideal for macro photography when adapting vintage lenses that don’t have close focus capabilities.
Available for various mounts, including M42 to Sony E, Leica M to mirrorless, and more.
Note: I've had more luck finding these on Ebay than Amazon.
The two types of adapters that I use are Mechanical adapters (95% of what I use) and a Helicoid adaptor. The Helicoid adaptor is pictured in the two images below illustrating how it can be extended and retracted - changing the flange distance between the lens and camera to enable closer focusing to your subject.
3. Factors to Consider When Choosing an Adapter
Other than the camera and lens mounts - there are a number of other factors you might like to keep an eye out for when choosing an adaptor:
Material Quality – Metal adapters last longer and prevent wobble.
Infinity Focus – Ensure the adapter maintains proper focus at infinity. I'm yet to run into an adaptor that doesn't maintain this but I've heard a few people report that some of the no-name adaptors they've bought were compromised in this way.
Reflections in the Adaptor - most adaptors will have a black metal finish both inside and out - but I have seen some people report that some adaptors will be shiny or reflective on the inside - creating aberrations in shots. Ideally, you want a black, non-reflective surface.
Flange Focal Distance – Match the lens and camera for optimal performance. Reputable makers will get this right.
Brand and Reviews – As you begin to research adaptors, you'll see that a wide variety of makers make them. Some of the more reliable brands I've used without any problems (so far) include Urth adaptors (more expensive but excellent build quality), K&F Concept, Neewer, Novoflex and Fotodiox. I have friends who love Metabones also. If you have a favourite brand or one you've not had any luck with, please share your experience in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will autofocus work with adapted vintage lenses?
No, most vintage lenses are fully manual, meaning you must focus manually. Some smart adapters can allow autofocus on more modern lenses, but vintage lenses do not have electronic components to support autofocus.
Do I lose image quality by using an adapter?
Not if you use a simple mechanical adapter. However, adapters with corrective glass can introduce some optical degradation. High-quality adapters from reputable brands help minimize any issues.
Can I use vintage lenses for video?
Yes! Many filmmakers prefer vintage lenses because of their unique rendering, soft contrast, and natural flaring, which can give a more cinematic look than modern digital lenses.
Do I need to change the settings on my camera to use an adapted lens?
Some mirrorless cameras require you to enable the "Shoot Without Lens" option since there is no electronic communication between the camera and the lens.
How do I know if my lens can be adapted?
You must check the lens mount and compare it with your camera’s mount. If an adapter exists for that combination, you can adapt the lens. Researching the flange focal distance can help determine compatibility.
Are some brands of adapters better than others?
Yes, brands like Urth, K&F Concept, Novoflex, Neewer and Fotodiox are known for good quality. Cheap, no-name adapters can sometimes have poor fit, reflections, or infinity focus problems.
Final Thoughts
Adapting vintage lenses can open up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to experience the unique rendering and character and build the quality of classic glass on your modern camera. By understanding lens compatibility, choosing the right adapter, and following the proper adaptation process, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images with vintage optics.
In future articles, we’ll explore how to effectively use manual lenses, optimize image quality, and maintain your vintage lenses for years to come.
Have a favourite vintage lens or adapter? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I have a handful of affiliate links in this post that earn me a small commission if you make a purchase on Amazon. Thanks for your support.
Thank you Darren for sharing such important article. I myself have Fuji mirroless and adopted m42 , FD, Nikon & Roleei lenses with great success. Each lens with has a different look , but I love them all.
Great write up, D. I feel like we only talked about lens adaptors over dinner a week ago!