Customer Reviews

RAINBOWIMAGING Nikon Lens to Micro 4/3 Four Thirds System Camera Mount Adapter, Olympus PEN E-P1, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, GH1, G1, G2, G10, (RainbowImaging Adapter, MSRP 24.99)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I got this so I could use my few remaining Nikon lenses, slide copier, etc. on my GF1. The reviews on the more expensive one said that it wouldn't let go of the Nikon lens, so I went for this one. It works ok. The lens release button does not work smoothly, but it works. It lets go of the Nikon lens when you push (or really slide) the button. It has a more difficult time letting go of the camera body, but if I am patient, it releases ok, without forcing. It fits well, with no slop. Bear in mind that focus and aperture will be manual.

When I was looking at the Olympus EPL-1 camera, the salesman mentioned that the micro four-thirds system had a adapters for many old lenses. He mentioned it as something to play with, not seriously to use. However, this adapter works extremely well with my old Nikon lenses.

It is well made and machined. The Nikon lenses fit snugly, and you need to remember the direction that the Nikon bayonet turns (the opposite of the micro four-thirds lens mount). You also must remember to use the knob on the side to release the locking pin. The micro four-thirds mount seems very solid. I have not had any mechanical problems with it after using for about two months.

Lenses mounted with this adapter are strictly manual focus and manual aperture. The EPL-1 does seem to read the correct exposure so one can operate in Manual (you set both shutter speed and aperture) or Aperture priority (you set aperture, camera set shutter speed). The flash also seems to expose properly in Aperture priority mode. The Nikon lenses have an effective focal length twice their nominal focal length. They also seem to have an effective aperture one stop faster than nominal.

I have tested several lenses with a resolution chart. I have no idea about the accuracy of my testing procedure, but I can say that some of the Nikon mount lenses on the adapter have the same or better resolution as the 14-42 mm lens that came with the camera.

I do not intend to haul my old Nikon lenses around for every photo shoot. In a way they are the antithesis of the micro four-thirds philosophy, but for some situations, it is terrific to have them available -- a very pleasant surprise indeed.

For many years I have been using a non-digital SLR Nikon FM camera with a built in light meter. Carrying it around with three lenses and a flash was becoming too onerous because of the weight. When I had to go out of town for three weeks for a training assignment on my new job, I decided to purchase a point and shoot digital camera along with my new laptop computer. I began using the digital and really loved it. But after a few years, I realized I wanted to get back to photography with a bit more involvement. So I bought an Olympus E-P1 from Amazon, after investigating different SLR digital cameras. I have been delighted with it. But I found the lenses too expensive at this time. Part of the reason I bought the 4/3 camera was because I heard I could use some of the lenses I already had for my Nikon. I was less interested in all the digital lenses and auto focus because, having used a non-automatic SLR for so many years, I am able to work with manual settings. When I looked at adapters, I was staggered by the cost of the digital ones. When I saw this one, I was delighted. I ordered it without hesitation because it was so inexpensive. I am still delighted. It works very well, is so easy to use and I can now use all my lenses that I purchased over the years for my Nikon. It is probably, next to my E-P1, the most important and most used piece of equipment in my camera bag.Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver Body/Black Lens)Nikon Lens to Micro 4/3 Four Thirds System Camera Mount Adapter, Olympus PEN E-P1, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, GH1, G1

In a desire to satisfy my thrifty nature, I decided to see if I could use my old-school Nikon lenses with my new Olympus E-PL1 micro 4/3 digital camera. As others have indicated, the mount is a little tight coming on and off the Nikon lens, but once you get the technique, it's not too bad. And you have to focus and adjust aperture manually (all my old lenses are full manual anyway.) The important part, the picture quality, did not disappoint. My Nikkor 55mm macro lens performed beautifully. I found opening up the aperture all the way and letting the camera adjust for lighting to be the simplest, and gave the best results.

Hopefully the micro 4/3 lens options will continue to increase--and then I may add to the collection--but for now, this will work just fine.

I bought this to use with some old Nikon lenses that my step-dad was no longer able to use on his new Nikon (they are non-AI) and it has really been a lot of fun to enjoy some old quality glass. The adapter itself goes onto the camera body smoothly and comes off easily. The same cannot be said for the lens. They go on alright, the fit is snug with no wobble. The difficulty is taking them off. Not that difficult, but the thin metal release tab is somewhat hard to push down without your finger slipping off. A thicker, square edge may be better, but for the price, I can't give it less than 4 stars. Focus appears to be to infinity and focal length equal to that of the lens.

The adapter does work, just had a little problem at first. You have to set your camera to "shoot without a lens" from the menu in order for the adapter to work.

This is a very well made adapter - solidly built! It has, for all intents and purposes, saved me at least $350 dollars by enabling me to use my existing telephoto lens with my GF2. My Nikkor 70-300mm fits securely onto the adapter (no wobble at all) and releases smoothly upon engaging the metal tab on the adapter - pulling the tab towards the camera body releases the lens. In order to use the lens, you need to set the "Shoot W/O Lens" Setting to ON. This setting is found under the custom setting menu on the GF2 - last page. You of course have to manually adjust focus and aperture.

Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and agree with others that this adapter is well worth the price.

Good luck with your purchase.

Sticks a little now and then but the ability to use my Nikon lenses on my Panasonic GH2 is pricesless....saved me thousands in having to invest in a new lens lineup for the Panasonic. For the price, can't be beat. Solid connection.

This is a solid good quality adapter. Fits solidly and securely. I used my old Nikkor 55mm Micro manual lens on a Lumix D10 body. Outstanding results!

As an inexpensive way to mount my old Nikkor lenses onto my m4/3 camera, this adapter does what I expected. If you're using a larger/heavier lens with this mount, there tends to be a little flex at the connection points. If you're holding the camera in your hands it shouldn't be a huge issue since you'll likely be holding onto your lens for focusing (all focusing is manual). But on a tripod, make sure you're using a lens with a tripod collar. Cost was $30 when I bought mine.

One other thing to note, this adapter really only works with lenses that have aperture rings on them. For most (all?) of the newer Nikkor lenses, you'll need one of the much more expensive adapters that has the ability to manually adjust the internal aperture control.