How do I fit a lens with a different mount to a camera?
Answer
An adapter works only when the lens mount sits further from the sensor than the camera's own mount needs. Where it does not, an adapter with corrective glass is required, and that costs sharpness. Check the two flange distances before buying anything, and expect to focus manually either way.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Forcing an adapter that does not match can damage the mount on the camera or the lens.
Follow these steps
Compare the flange distances
Look up the flange focal distance for both mounts. The camera's must be shorter than the lens's for a plain adapter to reach infinity focus.
You should see: You know whether a simple adapter can work.
Choose the adapter type
If the distances allow it, buy a plain mechanical adapter. If not, only an adapter with corrective glass will focus to infinity, at some cost to image quality.
You should see: You have picked the right type for your combination.
Check aperture control
Confirm your lens has a manual aperture ring, or choose an adapter that includes an aperture control ring.
You should see: You can stop the lens down.
Set the camera to allow it
Enable shooting without a lens attached in the camera menu, since an adapted lens reports nothing to the body.
You should see: The shutter fires with the adapter fitted.
Test before relying on it
Photograph a distant subject wide open and stopped down, and check focus reaches infinity.
You should see: You know the combination's real limits.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 4 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the adapter is described as containing optical elements. A plain metal ring behaves differently from one with glass in it.
Before you change anything: Note both mount names exactly, and check whether your lens has an aperture ring — without one, a plain adapter leaves it stuck wide open.
Need a little more help?
Tell us what’s happening. Your saved expert chat will open beside this article.
Free to use. Don’t include passwords or personal details.