Fuji Adapted lenses and the X-T1

tonyturley

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Location
Scott Depot, WV, USA
Name
Tony
I've always enjoyed using adapted lenses. I've used them with cameras from Sony, Olympus, Pentax, and even the Fuji X-E1 with great success. My keeper rate with the X-T1 has left me a bit jaded. Take the two photos below. Focus Peaking showed them to be in focus; obviously they're not, especially #1. Now I grant that it could be camera shake, as this was a longer lens in lower light. But I don't have any trouble getting clear, sharp images with my film cameras. I'm a bit vexed over this one. I kept a few manual lenses when I got rid of a bunch of stuff about a year ago; perhaps I need to dump the rest, if I'm to stay with the X-T1.

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Just picked up my mint condition XF 60mm f/2.4 Macro from the Post Office this morning. Resolving power to my eyes is better than the Pentax-M 50mm/1.4 I was using, and that's a decent adapted lens. The sample images I've captured today have been excellent. I think my days of using adapted glass on the X-T1 are mostly over. The XF 18mm f2 and the 60mm f/2.4 top any adapted lenses I've tried in a similar focal length, and the XF lenses are smaller and lighter. Win-win.
 
I've always enjoyed using adapted lenses. I've used them with cameras from Sony, Olympus, Pentax, and even the Fuji X-E1 with great success. My keeper rate with the X-T1 has left me a bit jaded. Take the two photos below. Focus Peaking showed them to be in focus; obviously they're not, especially #1. Now I grant that it could be camera shake, as this was a longer lens in lower light. But I don't have any trouble getting clear, sharp images with my film cameras. I'm a bit vexed over this one. I kept a few manual lenses when I got rid of a bunch of stuff about a year ago; perhaps I need to dump the rest, if I'm to stay with the X-T1.

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I'd keep your adaptive lenses unless you really need the cash. They are fun to use as you know. I've had mixed results - the three I love the best and produce pretty fine results are a 35mm F2.8 Ai Nikon, a 105mm F2.5 Ai Nikon and a 50mm F1.7 Konica Hexanon. Right now I am not in a position to fork out loads of money on Fuji glass - the three lenses above cost me max $150. I do find Focus Peaking a tad unreliable though on my Xe2. Fuji glass is excellent and when I can afford it I will pick up a used 50-230mm.....would love an 18-140mm but it will have to wait. Thanks for raising the issue. Good luck whatever you do.
 
I'd keep your adaptive lenses unless you really need the cash. They are fun to use as you know. I've had mixed results - the three I love the best and produce pretty fine results are a 35mm F2.8 Ai Nikon, a 105mm F2.5 Ai Nikon and a 50mm F1.7 Konica Hexanon. Right now I am not in a position to fork out loads of money on Fuji glass - the three lenses above cost me max $150. I do find Focus Peaking a tad unreliable though on my Xe2. Fuji glass is excellent and when I can afford it I will pick up a used 50-230mm.....would love an 18-140mm but it will have to wait. Thanks for raising the issue. Good luck whatever you do.
Thanks Andy. My new-ish XF 60mm/2.4 has gotten a lot of use over the past few days, and it really is an excellent lens. I may eventually pick up a used 50-230mm as well, but like you, it will have to wait.
 
In my experience, the best adapted lenses appear to be the Voigtlanders, not so much for their optical quality (though that is excellent) but the smooth and instant focusing rings which makes MF a very satisfying experience. I stand to be corrected though. Are there any other adapted lenses that have the same quality of MF ring? I ask as this is an essential element of using these lenses.
 
In my experience, the best adapted lenses appear to be the Voigtlanders, not so much for their optical quality (though that is excellent) but the smooth and instant focusing rings which makes MF a very satisfying experience. I stand to be corrected though. Are there any other adapted lenses that have the same quality of MF ring? I ask as this is an essential element of using these lenses.
No correction here as I've never used a Voigtlander lens but my Nikon Ai 35mm f2.8 in particular is sweet to focus as are the 105mm Ai and the 24mm D - the 35mm is brilliant with my XE2 fantastic image quality it just works. The 105 is a close 2nd both really sharp. Just sharing my experience. Pura Vida.
 
Hi here's mine. If you have Nikon as well it will need to be Ai'd or will damage lens mount. Not sure if you use it with a Nikon - Fuji adapter. If you need a contact who will Ai a lens for you I have a great guy in the US.Here's a photo of mine. I think the one in the link is essentially the same just a more modern vintage - you can check on Ken Rockwell's site or on the web to clarify. Mine was a non Ai version which I had Ai'd. If you need a contact who will Ai a lens for you I have a great guy in the US.
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While I wait for my 18-55 to arrive, I dusted off my old Jena Flektogon 35mm f2.4 and stuck it on the X-T1. If there's good light outside, I am drawn to take photos, even if the subject matter isn't all that interesting:

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A few more from a walk in the woods yesterday. Several inches of snow on the ground over a large part of the forest, while 30 minutes away back home, we have not even a trace.

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