Full manual lenses on mirrorless

[Jay Vee]

Thinking of trying out some legacy lenses that are only full manual. Let me know if I got this right.

1. Slap on proper adapter and lens
2. Set camera to A mode
3. Select desired aperture on lens
4. Match aperture on camera
5. Focus and take the shot
...
10. Profit

 

[elemental]

Yep, it's probably that simple.

What mirrorless body are you using? That will determine exactly how it'll work, and what additional features may be available to help you out. For example, my OM-D is optimized for manual focus shooting with EVF zoom and focus peaking set to dedicated buttons and a grip to balance out the weight and increased length of manual SLR lenses.

Shooting on this setup is arguably easier than on the 35mm SLRs the lenses were designed for – it feels surprisingly unlike a cobbled-together system.

 

[usayit]

4. Match aperture on camera

Most cameras I've used do not require this step. In A mode, the shutter is selected according to the amount meter light entering. Of course, this depends on which camera.

 

[Gary A.]

On my Fuji's I shoot in Manual and line up the needle, just like shooting my native/AF lenses on Manual.