Why You Should Adapt Leica M Lenses on Fujifilm GFX, Canon R, Sony Alpha, Leica SL2

[@Miniaminism]

This video is certainly the most valuable one for anyone wanting to enter the GFX eco system on budget or trying to be super compact. The lens coverage that you deliver at 8:16 mins is pure gold Benj ! Thanks you 1000 times.

[@KEHcamera]

One of our favorite ways to mix up things is to adapt our M glass to our mirror less bodies and get that look! Great video Benj!

[@Someonecalledluiz]

I'd really like to see a more in-depth version of this, but focusing entirely on adapting to Medium Format. Specially because those lenses offer a depth of field that can't be achieved on native glass.

[@paulwhm]

That'd be cool!

[@januszfurrer4927]

Yes to that!

[@HAlariousInc]

There was a video done on this and it revealed that there are no benefits in using a focal reducer with medium format lenses on a fullframe body vs buying the equivalent native glass with similar fstop

[@MB-or8js]

I am adapting M and LTM lenses since the first generation of Sony alpha 7 series hit the market. My experience is that adapting rangefinder lenses to mirrorless full-frame cameras can work out well, but there are other rangefinder lenses where it doesn't work at all. Rule of thumb is that 50 mm focal length and above is okay to adapt to other cameras. It is less certain though with focal lengths of 35 mm and less. This is caused by differences in the mirrorless camera sensor stack and less optimized sensor-lens systems when adapting. There are software tools to post process and correct some of the issues caused by such misfit. But after using and doing this for several years, I decided finally to buy a digital Leica M which works fine with all M and LTM lenses I own - at any focal length and especially wide. The mentioned SL series is also optimized with its sensor that most rangefinder lenses can be used - but there are still some issues with a few wider M lenses remaining when adapted here.

[@mvonwalter6927]

That's right. Another rule of thumb might go something like: under 50mm then your lens ought to be an SLR lens for best result. As mentioned the Leica SL and Leica Ms are actually the best platform for most lens adapting since they actually engineered their sensors to work with legacy glass or more specifically film-plane designed lenses with close exit-pupils and more extreme angles of ray/incidence (even so my CV 21/4 still has color smearing issues on my M240). Generally all of this is a moot point on APS-C. For anyone interested in the optimal sensor (thin filter stack, BSI tech, etc) just look up Roger Cicala's writing at Lens Rental's blog.

[@njomany]

When I adapt Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 to Leica SL2 or M10 Monochrom, I always get questions from people asking what setup did I use to get those photos. The results are mindblowing 😍

[@tonywhitmarsh]

I’ve been adapting Nikkor glass to my A7Sii for years now and only starting to look into other brands and can say its such a fun experience with fulfilling results. Your content has been top notch man, glad I came across this channel years ago. Keep it up!

[@elmachomen]

Benj... if you keep doing videos like this your channel is gonna explode. Incredible presentation of a very interesting matter in its own right. The music, the b-roll, there's nothing I can fault from a production point of view, and of course, the content is always the best there is here on your channel. Keep it up, all the love from Scotland!

[@benjhaisch]

Appreciate the support, Kevin!

[@twoblink]

"Someone" needs to make a library of all the image circle sizes of all the lenses!!

[@AlexOnStreets]

I've been adapting my Leica M mount lenses to the Lumix S5 and getting stellar results. Even decent corner sharpness which is always a concern when adapting to any body. Good work Benj!

[@MaxTeste]

Same ! Love the TTArtisan 50mm f0.95 and the 21mm

[@MB-or8js]

Yes - Panasonic cameras use a relatively thin sensor stack similar to digital Leica M cameras. This allows better performance of adapted rangefinder lenses.

[@TheLiamGordon]

I’ve enjoyed adapting m mount to the Fuji system but not so much the EOS R system. 35 & wider has purple edges with every lens I’ve tried, unfortunately.

[@MB-or8js]

Exactly! That's because Canon uses a much thicker sensor stack for their sensors than other manufacturers do. Leica uses a very thin sensor stack optimized to use with M/LTM lenses. With a thicker sensor stack (which is optimized to be used with DSLR-like lens systems) the refraction of light through a rangefinder lens changes with different wave lengths and is not hitting the same spot on the sensor. This color dispersion leads to purple edges with wider adapted lenses on thicker sensor stacks.

[@mvooo]

Im having the exact same experience unfortunately

[@stevenstevensteven4]

What about on the latest Sony alpha cameras? Do they perform well?

[@TheLiamGordon]

@@stevenstevensteven4 I’ve never tried one but I’ve heard mixed things. Apparently one of the new A7 cameras has the same sensor as the Leica M11 so theoretically they could adapt well to that model.

[@lsamoa]

Ah, rats. Good to know, thanks. I can't stand purple fringing so you saved me a lot of money right there.

[@shaunphaneuf5018]

On my GFX I enjoy using a canon LTM 100mm f3.5 it's unbelievably sharp and covers the entire MF sensor! Absolutely underated lens with superb image quality!

[@joe_tographer]

That spinning montage was beautiful

[@lsamoa]

What an excellent video! It must have taken a ton of work to put together. Much appreciated! I've been adapting Nikon and Pentax lenses on Canon bodies for a long time but I never realized that you could also adapt M lenses on them. Fun!

[@mwales2112]

I adapt my Voigtlander, Zeiss and TTArtisan M mount glass to my X-T2 and X-E1 a lot and enjoy the outcome... Thanks Benj

[@jliang70]

I have adapted M42 screw mount lenses like the Super Takuma, Helios and Yashinon, Nikon AIs mount lenses like Nikkor and Voigtlander Ai mount lens like the 58mm F1.4 and M mount lens like TTartisan 50mm F0.95. Apart from the adaptor rings that only allowed manual focus, I have also used Techart Pro adaptor rings which can attach additional M42 and Ai mount to M mount adaptor turning M. M42 and F mount into auto focus lenses on Sony Alpha cameras. Even Sony's eye focus feature works fine with techart pro adaptor although not at the speed of Sony E mount native glasses.

[@melaninxhalide1165]

We need a video on that gorgeous all-brass Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens you showed. My gosh that thing is beautiful!! 😩

[@Kevon420]

That exists already fam.

[@ThePhotographerGuy]

Wow. You put some serious work into this video. So good and Super helpful.

[@lucianfinestra]

I have used a7c + VM close focus with Leica 28mm elmarit III with good results. No Italian flags. Without modifications, Nikon Z6 and Z7 (the ones with single card slots) are also found out to be some of the best mirrorless for rangefinder lenses as their sensor stacks are really thin. I think KolariVision (or Fred Miranda?) covered this quite comprehensively. Also it seems like BSI sensors have an advantage in this regard.

[@protestagain]

I'm agree with you. It's very funny to adopting lenses from many platforms. I got my 5D MkII nearly to use it with my wacky Zuiko 55/1.2 and my T&S lenses.

[@protestagain]

By the way, I found something special today. A DE VERE 504DS digital enlarger. Make analog photos of digital files.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Great demonstration with some beautiful images. Also fantastic production

[@benjhaisch]

thanks!

[@jonatascd_]

this video is gold! seriously - well done

[@brianeliel5756]

Going to need to come and revisit this

[@Owlbot]

I've been hatewatching a buncha videos about lenses tonight and yours was the first that had me giving the "Robert Redford" nod to so great job bud! 😂

[@108u9]

If it works out for others great but I personally stopped using KEH because on multiple instances items ordered had issues. Once bought a focusing screen that was labelled and sold as being for my camera. I was excited for the upgrade. Turns out it wasn’t at all. My repair servicing guy confirmed this and asked slightly bewildered where I got it from. Customer service on separate occasions have also been poor. Not hating; I just can’t in good faith recommend KEH.

[@ElReySupr3me]

Same can't recommend them either. I bought a lens that was supposed to be right below the new status. It was used but like new. I received it and it had scratches in the rear element.

[@Luxmastr]

great video! Quick question: Which priority mode (PASM) do you use when shooting with the Leica SL adapted? Can you also shoot in A with the original Leica adapter and Leica lenses, since they recognize the lens? I currently own the Novoflex adapter with the 50mm 2.2 Skopar and (unless I haven't figured it out yet) can't shoot in A (ISO goes crazy there and stays at 100 so my shutter speed is incredibly slow) and now use S-priority for that as I don't want to give up the auto iso and want to have some auto.mode in there. I would be very grateful for your experience and answer. Maybe there will be another video on this. Thanks to you!

[@joshtay8530]

Hey Ben! Thank you so much for this video. I'm a new GFX-50R owner and all these lenses have just opened up so many possibilities! May I just confirm that all the lenses you listed out have full coverage on the medium format? :)

[@braxtonjens7839]

Nice video! Great content. A big fan of KEH. Been shooting with old lenses adapted onto my digital cameras for a few years now. It was 🤯 when I realized I could use my “old film” lenses on my DSLR. Now I only have old manual lenses adapted.

[@illyaswan]

What are you top 3 cameras for adapting manual glass?

[@khanscombe619]

This is exactly what I wanna do. What is a good medium to low priced but feature rich adaptive compact mirrorless to start? I was looking at Sony E-NEX mount of Canon EF-M

[@blatentimage]

Hello Benj, Do the Leica M lenses cover the sensor of the GFX with no vignetting or soft corners? I can't see that in the demonstration. thank you very much.

[@CollectiveMindz]

I tried my Voigtlander 50mm f1.5II on my gfx100s and there is no hard vignette so no cropping necessary and is a really great performer. :)

[@nikolasaev]

I learned something today. I always thought that putting Full Frame lens on Medium Format would be equivalent to putting APS-C to Full Frame camera - you would get vignette edges, because the lens cannot fill in the bigger size. I am surprised to know that FF lenses cover the medium format 😮

[@dawsonthecreative]

Benj as always the video is amazing. But I genuinely need to know what song that was when you did the montage. Mad love

[@Narsuitus]

I have an inventory of vintage Nikon F, Pentax M42, and Leica M full-frame lenses. Most are manual focus prime lenses. I also have an inventory of vintage Mamiya RB67 medium format manual focus prime lenses. I would like to get adapters to attach my vintage lenses to a Fuji medium format digital camera. Is there a significant difference in the way the different Fuji GFX medium format digital cameras will handle my vintage lenses? I am especially concerned on how well they will handle my widest wide-angle lens (14mm f/2.8 Nikkor D) and my most expensive Leica lens (21mm f/1.4 Summilux).

[@juliussternfeld428]

Please make a video about how all your lenses perform on the Gfx. Would be great 😊.

[@shearcreatif]

what is the best m to E mount adapter? for my sony camera thanks

[@1fasteye]

Benji, it would be really helpful if the sean was set up in a way that showed the vignetting.

[@benjhaisch]

Sure, I’ve done some in the past as well with many of the same lenses here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWLGnId4bthlac0

[@juliangigante]

would these be good for filmmaking?

[@fauland_photography]

I am in the lucky situation to get the full Voigtlander set in order to test it with my Fuji X and GFX cameras. Now, I am trying to find the best options for two adapter Voigtlander VM-mount to X-mount and to GF-mount. Should be available in Germany. Unfortunately, KEH does not make it easy to get gear over the Atlantic .... Any smart suggestions ?

[@thanyawong]

Somebody says that the picture in EVF of X-E4 is quite soft when taking photo. But it is sharp when playback in EVF. Do you have problem to use peaking focus with Leica M lens? Is it clear and easy to see peaking focus point in EVF if you do not zoom focus? I have some LEICA lenses and would like to use them with XE-4. I would appreciate for your advice. Thank you.

[@akiroyuki4514]

U should try a day the laowa 9mm 5.6. It's so wide on medium format and rectilinear !

[@youngum78]

I got tired to constantly adapting lenses so I just sold everything and bought a Leica. Those damn good Leica Lens!!!

[@jpjacobsenbr]

I use a Leica SL-1 but am planning to get a Sony A7IV this year. I hear Leica M lenses doesn't go well adapted Sony A7III and Sony A7IV. People reporting vignetting and soft corners. In your opinion, what difference or "image lost" can we expect look variances using adapted lenses? Will Leica M glass always look back on a SL-1 than on a Sony A7IV for?

[@miam1074]

I would love to adapt the Voighlander 40mm f1.2 to my GFX. Not sure if it would work, and how it would work. any advice? Also: this lens has been produced in different versions/mounts. Can the Nikon Z mount be adapted to the GFX????

[@colorsandgrains]

Hi! I'm super interested in 28mm to my gfx system. Does 3:2 ratio remove all the vignetting? Thanks!

[@detlefhuettemann]

Thanks a lot for the video! Actually, I can't decide which full or medium format body to buy to put my Leica and Zeiss lenses on. How do the cameras behave on 35mm on below? The guy in the Leica store told me that only the SL cameras behave well because of the microlenses on the sensor. What are your experiences?

[@RussellAlboroto]

Have you done a review video of the Voigtlander 75/1.5 on the GFX? Does it cover? I’ve been wanting to adapt that lens for a while but I’ve heard mixed reviews.

[@jhonore24]

Which lens that you showed vignetted on the the Fuji GFX camera? Thanks!

[@amaniahnuar]

I see you have the Voigtlander 35/2! You never talked about it before but how was it?

[@benjhaisch]

Just got it in, but have been using it quite a bit lately

[@derkoekje]

Hey, would you know of any ~28mm M-mount lenses that offer good performance on the GFX? For example I'm very curious about the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm F2 II. Does it provide enough coverage to cover the sensor even if the corners end up being a bit dark? Doing the calculations that would be near the focal length for the X-Pan aspect ratio and its 45mm field of view.

[@MaxTeste]

There's a 7artisan 28mm that has pretty good reviews

[@withmzi]

Is it possible to adapt an auto focus lens for the Gfx100s?

[@benjhaisch]

I know people use Canon EF glass on them, yeah

[@kennykenny7820]

Hi all experts, please help me to find out which best adapter to fit L mount camera body? Since I have two Summicron lenses which is 50mm and 85mm F2 made by Germany on Leica M4-P has passed to me from my dad and set there for 15 years then now I plan to get one digital camera with L mount adapter with full frame. If some one already tried this process PLEASE help me out especially which best adapter will fit for its. My appreciation to to everyone; Best regards, Kenny

[@dr.rationalist9669]

I tried 50mm lenses on Fuji X, Sony and Nikon full frame. Even in the center of the frame the adapted lenses (Zeiss, Leica) have been less sharp than the OEM lenses, including the Fuji kit zoom. Near the border everything turned into a complete mess for the adapted M lenses. Well, for some people that just might be a huge load of extra character, but I find it extremely stupid to use a 4,000$ lens that way except if you already have one and formerly used it as a paperweight. Leica might use a Sony sensor, but it‘s definitely not the same sensor Sony uses for their own cameras. On Leica cameras there are extra optical Elemente on the sensor to deal with light coming from very small angles due to the short distance between lens and sensor. This gets even more critical for focal lengths smaller than 50mm.

[@dennnka1]

Which model of Zeiss 35/2 gold that you shared?

[@RussellAlboroto]

Contax G rehoused in a My Fun Leader M-mount housing

[@saintvallen123]

Could I use an adapter on my fuji x body, to calibrate a tt/7artisan lens for my leica m?

[@benjhaisch]

Unfortunately no :(

[@tonizzzo]

Great Video!

[@rensaudade]

hi benj, I'm curious, why do people cover up the leica logo? it's like owning a ferrari and removing the badge

[@benjhaisch]

I talk about it at 7:30 here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmW4hah9fa11ask

[@trevhillphotography7852]

Hi Benj, I really enjoy the vibe of your videos, and your passion for manual focus lenses. I think TT artisans is coming out with an apsc auto focus lens, I’d love it if somehow they could put AF into the GFX 90 1.25 version, (my eyes struggle a bit). Love your style as well.

[@andrewrepp900]

Should have a trigger warning for shots of exposed sensors...all kidding aside love the video, I'm in the process of building out an M-mount kit to use with my Sony a7riv and also Minolta CLE.

[@aeskellion]

I find that the biggest barrier to entry regarding adapting lenses is the fact that some adapters are more expensive than the lenses you going to put on them. I want to use some MF lenses on my 50r, but the least I have to spend is $600 and I hate it

[@melvinch]

It's like adapting m43 lenses onto full-frame mirrorless. You won't get any optical benefit and it introduces vignetting.

[@KajiRider1997]

I only got a Leica Summicron 50mm f1.2 DR. And honestly its one of my least fav lenses to use on both my Sony a7 and Fujifilm X-M1. I do love taking photos with it. But Its heavy and clunky. I am much happier with say my Zeiss Planar 50mm 1.4 and my MC Rokkor 50mm 1.7. I am basically only keeping it for 1 the DR thing even though I need to press the button myself because it was sold without goggles and 2 I am hoping to use it on my Fujifilm GFX 50S II (or III or IV at that point) Or I'll buy a Minolta CLE first. We'll see.

[@shawarma3636]

Amazing camera content. However, add symmetry to your appearance by buttoning up both shirt pockets.

[@benjhaisch]

😂

[@MaxTeste]

Shame there's no speedbooster leica M to MFT for now !

[@irenedp4947]

I am not sure that what you’re suggesting makes a lot of sense re the medium format cameras. Adapting a 50 mm Summicron to a Fuji GFX would face two issues: the first is the size of the image circle, and hence a very heavy vignetting. The second, it would be a 40 mm equivalent. I believe, using both, that modern Leica M lenses are superior to Fuji’s, although the latter are quite decent. But it is to be seen that they would be able to resolve 100 Mp. That even is a potential issue with using some of them with the M11. I would, intuitively, think it makes more sense to adapt Leica S lenses. At least the sensor is the same size so you would have the same image circle. And it is a known fact that the S glass is the best Leica has produced ever. In fact, a file from an S2 blows a GFX100 one out of the water, although the S has a much more limited usability range and a third of the resolution. I can tell because I carry and use both.

[@benjhaisch]

It all depends on the lens for sure. Some don't fully cover the sensor while others more than cover with no issues. It's all about experimenting. Not sure Leica S lenses can be adapted over, but if possible, I'd love to give them a try for sure. The sensor I believe is a bit different with a 30x45 sensor instead of 33x44 but that'd still mean the image circle should totally cover without issue. Thanks for your input, Irene! Would love to hear more about your experience with the Leica S system.

[@meeshyeesh1416]

bro you have like hundreds of thousands of dollars o gear in this vid it's WILD

[@benjhaisch]

Haha not all of it is mine and it’s no where near $100k

[@lynnburke6951]

ｐｒｏｍｏｓｍ

[@carlosmcse]

2:49. Jesus H. That’s horrid.

[@angellondian7628]

Can you get specific on using Canon R bodies? IS the view/finder good for magnification? How does it look in low light? anyone use R5 w/ Leica M lenses

[@benjhaisch]

In my testing, anything wider than 50mm gets weird color fringing on Canon cameras. You can check out a ton of samples here kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2KXYWaciZWhjNE

[@lsamoa]

@@benjhaisch Thank you!