M42 Lenses - Pros and Cons

[jammy_c]

Ok; so I'm after a Macro lens and something with a small DOF, preferably a 50mm f/1.8, but i'm on a tight budget and it's only for recreational use, nothing pro.

I've been looking at M42 fit lenses on eBay, but i was wondering what problems i may have with them on my D40 other than the fact that they won't AF.

other than the price, are there any Pros of having M42s? there's no way I can afford a decent AF-S nifty and macro at the moment.

 

[puddleduck]

The issue you'll have with M42 fit mounted to Nikon is that you can't focus to infinity with most M42 to Nikon adaptors. The only ones that will allow infinity focus have another optical element and a mild telephoto effect.

The infinity issue won't be a problem with an M42 macro lens, but will probably hamper you with the 50mm. Actually get a 55mm Super Takumar rather than a 50mm if you can find one (infinity issue will still apply)

 

[jammy_c]

The issue you'll have with M42 fit mounted to Nikon is that you can't focus to infinity with most M42 to Nikon adaptors. The only ones that will allow infinity focus have another optical element and a mild telephoto effect.

The infinity issue won't be a problem with an M42 macro lens, but will probably hamper you with the 50mm. Actually get a 55mm Super Takumar rather than a 50mm if you can find one (infinity issue will still apply)

cheers! i'll look into that.

 

[puddleduck]

cheers! i'll look into that.

If you are on a budget look out for a Micro Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 (preferably) - the 55mm f/2.8 is still Nikon's best macro lens, and is a reference standard even 25 years later. Its so good they still make it!

You'll need to meter manually (and manual focus) but the results for around £50 and £80 used will amaze you.

 

[jammy_c]

If you are on a budget look out for a Micro Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 (preferably) - the 55mm f/2.8 is still Nikon's best macro lens, and is a reference standard even 25 years later. Its so good they still make it!

You'll need to meter manually (and manual focus) but the results for around £50 and £80 used will amaze you.

excellent, i think the infinity focus on the prime won't be too much of a problem. i only really want it for shallow DOF and portrait work. i suppose i'd have to use the kit lens for landscape stuff.

 

[Boldonian]

I use an M42 adapter with optical element on my D300 and have been very pleased with the results. To use an M42 lens on a DSLR you will also need to bear in mind the lens must have an auto / manual switch or use stop down metering. This rules out the very nice Helios 44m-4 old Zenit kit lens, unless you want to do a bit of surgery . As Puddleduck stated above, the Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f1.8 lens is excellent and can be picked up for £20 - £30 these days. The Pentacon 50mm f1.8 is also a decent lens and can be had for the £10 - £15 mark on e-bay. The trick is to search for badly marketed Praktica cameras. I picked up a Praktica Super TL1000 with mint Pentacon 50mm f1.8 for £6 a couple of weeks back.

 

[jammy_c]

I use an M42 adapter with optical element on my D300 and have been very pleased with the results. To use an M42 lens on a DSLR you will also need to bear in mind the lens must have an auto / manual switch or use stop down metering. This rules out the very nice Helios 44m-4 old Zenit kit lens, unless you want to do a bit of surgery . As Puddleduck stated above, the Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f1.8 lens is excellent and can be picked up for £20 - £30 these days. The Pentacon 50mm f1.8 is also a decent lens and can be had for the £10 - £15 mark on e-bay. The trick is to search for badly marketed Praktica cameras. I picked up a Praktica Super TL1000 with mint Pentacon 50mm f1.8 for £6 a couple of weeks back.

wow! i'll have to keep my eyes peeled then. i'm currently watching some of the pre-mentioned lenses on eBay at the mo.