Back in the days my father gave me a film camera for my high school graduation. As time passed with various technology upgrades and camera innovation, this camera became obsolete and I kept the camera as a keepsake until I came to know that you can actually still use the old lens with the existing DSLR or mirror less cameras which are available now a days.
Why Use Vintage Lenses?
Having my old film camera lens still available and functioning up to this moment makes me confidently conclude that this old lens are of premium built and would last longer as compared to the modern autofocus lenses in the market today.
Using a vintage lens requires you to do a manual focus. Although this may slow you down a bit, the task offers you ample time to have a better perception of your desired shot. The practice also makes you feel connected with your camera while you assess and process a shot.
Since the digital evolution, vintage lenses have not failed to remain in the market and you can avail one for much less than their actual worth or sometimes by mere of a fraction of what a new autofocus lens would cost. Bryan who is a friend of mine recently purchased a 58mm F/2 Helios44 Prime lens and an adapter for less than $50 and the lens was fairly in mint-condition.
How do you use this lens?
First, you must of course have a vintage lens, a lens adapter (i.e. m42 Adapter to Fuji camera or Canon and the likes) plus a camera. Since these adapters are inexpensive (between $5-$25), you may as well get one for each vintage lens you buy. Remember, every lens-to-camera adapter combination would require a specific adapter ring.
An easy way of finding an adapter your vintage lens is by doing a keyword search on eBay. On my friend’s case, we found a Helios M42-mount lens that we wanted to use with a Fuji Camera. So we searched with the key words “M42 lens adapter”.
Once you have the adapter, attach the adapter ring on the lens mount as in the same way you would attach a lens on your camera. Then attach the whole thing on your camera body and your all set to do a photo shoot. Enjoy!
Hope this article will help you to somehow save a few cash in your pockets for other necessities.
For questions, comments and suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
By: Glenn Wesley A. Dulay
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