How to Shoot Adapted OM Lenses on GF3
Shooting with adapted lenses can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your camera’s capabilities. If you have a GF3 camera and are interested in using OM lenses, you’re in luck. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of shooting adapted OM lenses on your GF3, covering everything from compatibility to technique.
Compatibility Check
Before you start, it’s important to ensure that your GF3 camera is compatible with OM lenses. The GF3 uses the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, which is a different system than the OM mount used by Olympus OM lenses. However, there are several adapters available that allow you to use OM lenses on your GF3.
One popular adapter is the OM to MFT adapter, which is designed specifically for this purpose. These adapters are available from various manufacturers and can be purchased online or from camera stores. Make sure to check the compatibility of the adapter with both your GF3 and the OM lens you plan to use.
| Adapter | Manufacturer | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| OM to MFT Adapter | Metabones | $100 – $150 |
| OM to MFT Adapter | Novoflex | $80 – $120 |
| OM to MFT Adapter | MC-1 | $50 – $70 |
Mounting the Lens
Once you have the appropriate adapter, mounting the OM lens on your GF3 is straightforward. Simply attach the adapter to the GF3’s MFT mount and then screw the OM lens onto the adapter. Make sure the lens is securely attached and that the adapter is properly aligned with the camera’s sensor.
It’s important to note that some OM lenses may not have an electronic connection with the camera, which means you won’t be able to use features like autofocus or exposure metering. However, many OM lenses are manual focus and manual exposure, which can be a great way to learn and experiment with your photography.
Exposure Settings
Since OM lenses do not communicate with the camera’s sensor, you’ll need to manually set the exposure settings. This includes adjusting the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. To do this, you’ll need to use the camera’s manual exposure mode (M mode) or program mode (P mode) and set the exposure compensation to match the lens’s exposure index (EI) or film speed.
For example, if you’re using a lens with an EI of 100, you’ll need to set the camera’s ISO to 100. Similarly, if the lens has an aperture of f/2.8, you’ll need to set the camera’s aperture to f/2.8. This process can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s a great way to learn about exposure and photography.
Focus and Composition
With manual focus lenses, achieving sharp focus can be a bit challenging, especially in low-light conditions. To help with this, use the camera’s live view mode and zoom in on the subject to fine-tune the focus. You can also use focus peaking, if available, to help you see which areas of the image are in focus.
When composing your shots, remember that the GF3’s sensor is smaller than the OM lens’s film format, which means you’ll need to be aware of the lens’s field of view. This can be a great opportunity to experiment with different perspectives and compositions.
Post-Processing
After shooting, you’ll likely need to process your images to ensure they look their best. Since OM lenses are often used with film cameras, you may want to apply some film simulation settings in your photo editing software to give your images a classic look.
Additionally, you may need to adjust the exposure, contrast, and sharpness to compensate for any issues caused by the adapter or lens. Be sure to experiment with different settings to see what works best for your particular lens and shooting conditions.
Conclusion
Shooting adapted OM lenses on your GF3 can be a fun and rewarding experience. By understanding the compatibility, mounting process, exposure
