How do non-MFT lenses work on a Panasonic GF3?

Question

I'm thinking of buying a GF3. But the lenses are pricy, so I have to pick my kit wisely. I saw that there are adapters for it, but I'm new to lenses.

• Are there any problems with attaching non-MFT lenses?
• How can I see the image from the lens without a viewfinder? (Is it going to show correctly on the display?)
• Can external lenses be used with Raynox DCR 250?

Answer 1

You can mount pretty much anything on a m43 system using the right mechanical adapters, but that doesn't mean ergonomics are going to make it a practical option, specially on a camera with limited controls like the GF3.

You view through the viewfinder as with any m43 lens, but will be working in aperture priority mode. You can trigger manual focus assist, which will show you a magnified view of the focus area, but you will have to trigger it manually (unlike manual-focus m43 lenses like some Voigtlander models, where turning the focus ring automatically triggers MF assist).

In practice, using non-m43 lenses on a m43 body is not ideal. It's perfectly OK for landscapes, still lifes and street photography using estimated scale focus, but not anything involving action.

Answer 2

I have a G3, and have really enjoyed using my 3 Pentax K mount lenses with it. Apart from the physical adapter, you will also need to tell the camera to "Shoot without lens" in the REC menu. Apart from the cost savings, you will also get benefits from those old lenses. They are mechanically much more solid, and also (at least for primes) even if you give you more light (lower f stop) to be more successful in many of your shots. You can take any type of shots with manual lenses - it isn't as if sports photography started in the 1970's (when AF lenses started to become available). For those situations you might set a focus point and wait for the athlete to intersect with it, or use a smaller aperture taking advantage of bigger depth of field.

Mirrorless cameras are very good with manual lenses, because they always have a live view (unlikely DSLRs with optical viewfinders) and at least in my G3 provides a very large (10x) magnification to get you focus spot on.

I have a few of my shots with "legacy" lenses here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27357592@N04/sets/72157628758857049/

Answer 3

Legacy lenses tend to be much larger and heavier than native m43 equivalents. The primary (and perhaps only) benefit of legacy lenses is the low price. Inexpensive primes from old 35mm cameras can be fun and cheap, but new lenses almost always have better ergonomics and image quality. Avoid old medium-telephoto zooms as they tend to be huge, while native m43 telephoto zooms are tiny and quite affordable.