mFT compatibility to FT

[mactigasuku]

Looking here, and also because it was mentioned, FT lenses can be used in mFT system albeit with the caveat that not all the functions of the mFT be available with the use of an adapter.

The question is can the mFT lenses be used with FT bodies?

[Modery]

No, using mFT lenses on a FT body is not possible:
http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/whitepaper.html (see bottom, section 8)

[Mikefellh]

Originally Posted by mactigasuku FT lenses can be used in mFT system albeit with the caveat that not all the functions of the mFT be available with the use of an adapter. The question is can the mFT lenses be used with FT bodies?

Because MFT bodies don't have the mirror, the MFT lens is closer to the sensor...it's the adapter that restores the FT lens-body distance allowing you to use FT lenses on a MFT body.

Now in order to use an MFT lens on a FT body you would have to rip out the mirror and move the MFT lens closer to the sensor, and that's simply not possible (unless you rip the body apart, BUT you wouldn't be able to use the viewfinder anymore)!

[mactigasuku]

OK .... guess my question was answered .... thanks, guys

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by Mikefellh Because MFT bodies don't have the mirror, the MFT lens is closer to the sensor...it's the adapter that restores the FT lens-body distance allowing you to use FT lenses on a MFT body. Now in order to use an MFT lens on a FT body you would have to rip out the mirror and move the MFT lens closer to the sensor, and that's simply not possible (unless you rip the body apart, BUT you wouldn't be able to use the viewfinder anymore)!

While that is true but if that's all there is to it, than if they make a good MFT macro lens then that lens can be an even better super macro lens on the FT bodies. No need for extension tubes, just an adapter ring for the contacts. Of course, infinity focus would be lost, but who cares about infinity when extension tubes or bellows are used? I'd welcome the ability to skip the tube if I could, especially outdoors it would work better.

Unfortunately I don't think that's all. I think that MFT is also going to use different communication protocol, apart from the extra contacts the MFT has, which makes the lenses totally useless on FT bodies anyway.

[Kirika]

If that's the case, it does seem that mFT is ideally positioned to be the successor to the FT system. That is, mFT can use FT and mFT, but FT can only use FT. If the mFT EVF can be sufficiently kickass as to be somewhat comparable to the FT's OVF (maybe never as good as the OVF, but at least enough for proper focus?)...I think we have a winner =p

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by Kirika If that's the case, it does seem that mFT is ideally positioned to be the successor to the FT system. That is, mFT can use FT and mFT, but FT can only use FT. If the mFT EVF can be sufficiently kickass as to be somewhat comparable to the FT's OVF (maybe never as good as the OVF, but at least enough for proper focus?)...I think we have a winner =p

Never. There is no way MFT will replace FT. It is the next generation or upper class compact. That's all. It will take a veeeeery long time befor EVF can replace OVF. It is not enough to just "enough for proper focus", that can be done very easily with AF today.

[Kirika]

That's an "if" right there. IF it ever gets good enough (and doesn't die out before then) to be good enough to focus properly with. Already we're using LV's zoom function to aid critical focus. And that's with the rather low res E510 screen. Nikon's latest offering of the LCD have greatly outstripped that already. I think it's really a matter of whether the EVF will get affordable soon enough to be satisfying to the less discerning (not those for whom only OVF will suffice).

[drakon09]

There will come a time where advances in technology will render the SLR obsolete; as of now, EVFs do not refresh quick enough for fast panning; and contrast AF speed still lags behind phase detect AF. But give it another decade; things may be completely different then.

[microcosm]

Bro, I had a chance to play with the G1... all I can say is I almost bought it! The focusing on Live View mode was nothing short of impressive.

[mactigasuku]

Originally Posted by microcosm Bro, I had a chance to play with the G1... all I can say is I almost bought it! The focusing on Live View mode was nothing short of impressive.

Is there any difference whether it was through the EVF or "Live View" ? Does it use both Phase Detect AF and Contrast AF or just one of them?

[dorts]

Originally Posted by mactigasuku Is there any difference whether it was through the EVF or "Live View" ? Does it use both Phase Detect AF and Contrast AF or just one of them?

G1 only uses contrast AF. No phase detect.

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by Kirika Already we're using LV's zoom function to aid critical focus.

No, we don't. You may be, I am not. The magnified LV is useless in any photography with moving objects in it. Composition is lost if you do that.

The day EVF will becomes the only standard for every Oly DSLR is my last day with Olympus. At least if it does not correspond 100% to the OVF, which I think it will be never in my life. Statistically I have about 30 more years to live, so that's not forever, but long enough.

[drakon09]

Originally Posted by OlyFlyer No, we don't. You may be, I am not. The magnified LV is useless in any photography with moving objects in it. Composition is lost if you do that. The day EVF will becomes the only standard for every Oly DSLR is my last day with Olympus. At least if it does not correspond 100% to the OVF, which I think it will be never in my life. Statistically I have about 30 more years to live, so that's not forever, but long enough.

LOL flyer, you never know with the rate technology is moving forwards these days; and 30 years is a long time!

[olymac]

Originally Posted by drakon09 LOL flyer, you never know with the rate technology is moving forwards these days; and 30 years is a long time!

30 years AGO .... 1978 .... there was NO digital photography ... the golden era of the OM1/2s ....

30 years forward .... who knows .... yes, I agree with drakon09 .... it is a long time ....

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by olymac 30 years AGO .... 1978 .... there was NO digital photography ... the golden era of the OM1/2s .... 30 years forward .... who knows .... yes, I agree with drakon09 .... it is a long time ....

A 100 years ago we had.....

optical view finder.

In a 100 years time we will have....

optical view finder on the best cameras.

You want to bet?

[olymac]

Originally Posted by OlyFlyer A 100 years ago we had..... optical view finder. In a 100 years time we will have.... optical view finder on the best cameras. You want to bet?

Hmmm ...... how would the winner collect ......

[OlyFlyer]

That's the winners problem...

My problem. In 100 years I am 152.5 years old, I guess I let you keep the price then.

[microcosm]

Originally Posted by OlyFlyer That's the winners problem... My problem. In 100 years I am 152.5 years old, I guess I let you keep the price then.

Sounds fair.

[olymac]

Originally Posted by OlyFlyer Never. There is no way MFT will replace FT. It is the next generation or upper class compact. That's all. It will take a veeeeery long time befor EVF can replace OVF. It is not enough to just "enough for proper focus", that can be done very easily with AF today.

Just pondering here ..... what if they actually come up with an OVF body using the new mFT mount ...