Can I use a Micro Four Thirds lens on a K-5?

Philo · 09-17-2016, 02:21 PM

So I ordered a vintage K-Mount Vivitar Series 1 28-90MM F 2.8-3.5 Lens for $30, and received a $200 Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 ED M.Zuiko Digital lens instead...

Any experiences using a Micro Four Thirds lens with a Fotodiox Adapter on a K-5? Doable?

Adam · 09-17-2016, 02:39 PM - **1 Like**

Looks like that's also a 1.4x teleconverter at the same time- you probably won't get the best results.

Philo · 09-17-2016, 02:52 PM

Thanks, Adam! It's quickly looking like the best idea is to sell this and buy a better vintage lens with the profits.

**grog85361** · 09-17-2016, 02:54 PM - **1 Like**

I have the M. Zuiko 40-150, so, I can tell you, in a word, no. The M.Zuiko aperture and focus (even manual,) is totally electronically controlled with the body. The adapter you link to is for older film era Olympus OM mount lenses, which have mechanical focus and aperture controls. Also, the image circle the M.Zuiko projects probably won't cover the APS-C sensor. You probably need to return the Olympus lens, if you can. It just won't work with your K5.

Sorry

Philo · 09-17-2016, 02:57 PM

Thanks, Grog! I figured it might be unworkable, especially since I couldn't find any proper reviews or articles on the subject. Your reply absolutely cleared the issue, much appreciated.

**grog85361** · 09-17-2016, 03:20 PM

Glad I could help !

pathdoc · 09-17-2016, 03:21 PM

If only the K-5 had a crop mode.

Just think about how annoyed the person who ordered the $200 M4/3 lens and got the ancient zoom is going to be!

Philo · 09-17-2016, 03:38 PM

I'd feel bad in that case, but the guy wasn't selling anything else on the site and his ratings were a bit iffy... I can see why! But it was through amazon marketplace, so I'm covered if I want to return it. Still not sure if I want to...

Edgar_in_Indy · 09-17-2016, 09:19 PM

Rather than trying to adapt an m43 lens to your K-5, you should buy an m43 body to go with the lens! You can pick up m43 bodies that are a few years old for next to nothing, and m43 makes a great supplemental system for APS-C or FF.

Or if you're looking for a cheap K-mount zoom lens, I have a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 that is stuck on f/2.8 that I could trade you!

Philo · 09-18-2016, 02:38 PM

Thanks for your comments, dcshooter and Edgar! Edgar -- where in Indiana are you? I'm not ruling your suggestion out.

Edgar_in_Indy · 09-18-2016, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by Philo

Thanks for your comments, dcshooter and Edgar! Edgar -- where in Indiana are you? I'm not ruling your suggestion out.

I'm on the South side of Indy, but I get down to Columbus every once in a while, but shipping would also not be a problem. If you actually are interested in some kind of trade, I could throw in some other lenses.

In addition to the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, I also have some old manual lenses that I've acquired in camera lots at local auctions, but never used...Pentax 50mm f2, Super Cosina 80-200mm, and Gemini 49mm f/2.8.

Philo · 09-21-2016, 09:59 AM

Thanks, Edgar! That sounds tempting -- the Super Cosina could be fun in particular -- and the Tamron (even stuck at 2.8) would get plenty of use, but I figured I better do the right thing and let the guy know.

pathdoc · 09-21-2016, 05:13 PM

Pentax 50mm f/2 lenses are in my opinion both grossly underrated and (as "kit" lenses) unfairly maligned.

surfar · 09-21-2016, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

Pentax 50mm f/2 lenses

Yes, they are OK, its just that the faster 50s of the time were better.So that's y they r looked upon as"inferior"....

09-17-2016, 02:21 PM	#1
Philo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 39	Can I use a Micro Four Thirds lens on a K-5? So I ordered a vintage K-Mount Vivitar Series 1 28-90MM F 2.8-3.5 Lens for $30, and received a $200 Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 ED M.Zuiko Digital lens instead... Any experiences using a Micro Four Thirds lens with a Fotodiox Adapter on a K-5? Doable?

09-17-2016, 02:39 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Looks like that's also a 1.4x teleconverter at the same time- you probably won't get the best results. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

09-18-2016, 07:00 PM	#11
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	Originally posted by Philo Thanks for your comments, dcshooter and Edgar! Edgar -- where in Indiana are you? I'm not ruling your suggestion out. I'm on the South side of Indy, but I get down to Columbus every once in a while, but shipping would also not be a problem. If you actually are interested in some kind of trade, I could throw in some other lenses. In addition to the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, I also have some old manual lenses that I've acquired in camera lots at local auctions, but never used...Pentax 50mm f2, Super Cosina 80-200mm, and Gemini 49mm f/2.8. Last edited by Edgar_in_Indy; 09-18-2016 at 07:24 PM.

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09-17-2016, 02:52 PM	#3
Philo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 39 Original Poster	Thanks, Adam! It's quickly looking like the best idea is to sell this and buy a better vintage lens with the profits.

09-17-2016, 02:54 PM - 1 Like	#4
grog85361 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Phoenix Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 893	I have the M. Zuiko 40-150, so, I can tell you, in a word, no. The M.Zuiko aperture and focus (even manual,) is totally electronically controlled with the body. The adapter you link to is for older film era Olympus OM mount lenses, which have mechanical focus and aperture controls. Also, the image circle the M.Zuiko projects probably won't cover the APS-C sensor. You probably need to return the Olympus lens, if you can. It just won't work with your K5. Sorry

09-17-2016, 02:57 PM	#5
Philo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 39 Original Poster	Thanks, Grog! I figured it might be unworkable, especially since I couldn't find any proper reviews or articles on the subject. Your reply absolutely cleared the issue, much appreciated.

09-17-2016, 03:20 PM	#6
grog85361 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Phoenix Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 893	Glad I could help !

09-17-2016, 03:21 PM	#7
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	If only the K-5 had a crop mode. Just think about how annoyed the person who ordered the $200 M4/3 lens and got the ancient zoom is going to be!

09-17-2016, 03:38 PM	#8
Philo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 39 Original Poster	I'd feel bad in that case, but the guy wasn't selling anything else on the site and his ratings were a bit iffy... I can see why! But it was through amazon marketplace, so I'm covered if I want to return it. Still not sure if I want to...

09-17-2016, 09:19 PM	#9
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	Rather than trying to adapt an m43 lens to your K-5, you should buy an m43 body to go with the lens! You can pick up m43 bodies that are a few years old for next to nothing, and m43 makes a great supplemental system for APS-C or FF. Or if you're looking for a cheap K-mount zoom lens, I have a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 that is stuck on f/2.8 that I could trade you!

09-18-2016, 02:38 PM	#10
Philo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 39 Original Poster	Thanks for your comments, dcshooter and Edgar! Edgar -- where in Indiana are you? I'm not ruling your suggestion out.

09-21-2016, 09:59 AM	#12
Philo Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 39 Original Poster	Thanks, Edgar! That sounds tempting -- the Super Cosina could be fun in particular -- and the Tamron (even stuck at 2.8) would get plenty of use, but I figured I better do the right thing and let the guy know.

09-21-2016, 05:13 PM	#13
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Pentax 50mm f/2 lenses are in my opinion both grossly underrated and (as "kit" lenses) unfairly maligned.

09-21-2016, 06:27 PM	#14
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	Originally posted by pathdoc Pentax 50mm f/2 lenses Yes, they are OK, its just that the faster 50s of the time were better.So that's y they r looked upon as"inferior"....