There are a lot of different M42 lenses on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is best for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a look at 9 of the best M42 lenses available. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each lens, so you can make an informed decision before purchasing!
If You Are In A Hurry, Here Are The Suggested M42 Lenses For You:
Top 9 Best M42 Lenses Reviewed
The Helios 44M-4 58mm F2 Russian Lens M42 Mount is a manual focus lens manufactured by the Soviet Union. It is an upgraded version of the original Helios 44, with a 58mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2. The lens was produced in both M39 and M42 mounts for Zenit cameras as well as other manufacturers such as Pentax, Yashica, Chinon, Kodak, and Exacta.
Fotodiox’s Pro Lens Mount Adapter is perfect for adapting your camera to a larger format lens. The adapter allows you to use a wide variety of lenses with your DSLR or SLR camera. It mounts directly onto the lens filter thread and will fit the most popular SLR cameras including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Olympus. This adapter does not support autofocus on any camera body.
This Fotasy brand lens adapter allows you to use a 42-millimeter lens on a Micro Four Thirds camera body. The adapter is made of metal and has a compatible mounting for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It also has a built-in aperture ring that can be adjusted to your desired focal length.
Fotasy T Mount Lens to Leica M42 Screw Mount Adapter is a perfect solution for those who want to use their Leica M42 screw mount lenses on their new digital or film cameras. The adapter allows you to attach your old lens and it will fit perfectly on your camera. This item is especially useful for the users of digital or film cameras with an APS-C sensor, which has smaller image circles than 35mm film or full-frame sensor, so many old lenses are not suitable for them.
This camera lens rear cover is made of all metal material and go through CNC integrated molding process, ensuring durability and long service life. It is small and lightweight, making it convenient for carrying and storage everywhere you want. The cover also protects the lens from dust, moisture, and another impact after you removed the lens from the camera. Being standard lens rear cap compatible for M42 lens mount, it fits precisely and accurately. A must-have accessory for every photographer!
Fotodiox lens mount adapters allow you to use different camera lenses on your Sony A-mount camera. This brand offers a variety of mounts to choose from, including Canon, Nikon, and Olympus. With a compatible lens, you can capture amazing photos and videos with ease. Fotodiox also offers adapters with a maximum focal length of 42 millimeters.
K&F Concept M42 Lens offers a great way to expand the shooting range of your Micro Four Thirds camera. This telephoto lens is compatible with any Micro Four Thirds mount and gives you the ability to get close to your subject while still maintaining a great level of detail. With manual focus, this lens is perfect for capturing photos and videos of sporting events, wildlife, or anything else that’s far away.
This Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter is designed to work with Sony E-mount cameras and compatible lenses. It allows you to attach a lens of your choice to your camera, making it perfect for shooting in different scenarios and environments. The adapter is made from durable materials, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use. It also features metal construction, providing added stability and durability.
This is a 58mm F2 standard lens made by Russian optics manufacturer Helios. It features a Canon EF compatible mount and has a focal length description of 58mm. The lens type is standard, and the camera lens description is 58 millimeters. This lens is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable, yet high-quality, Russian-made standard lens.
Buying Guide For The Best M42 Lenses
1. Exposure Issues
If your camera isn’t able to meter automatically with your lens then it may be hard to determine what optimal exposure will be if using manual mode. Some older lenses may not have the ability to transfer aperture information back to your camera. If you are using an aperture priority mode this will not be a problem, but if you are using manual exposure then it might be best to avoid ancient lenses with no aperture control.
2. Make sure your lens is compatible
Not all M42 lenses will work on every m43 camera! This is because of differences in sensor size, flange-back distance, and more issues that I am unaware of. Some people have successfully hacked together ways of making lenses work with different devices.
3. Lens Focal Length
M42 lenses are generally considered the best choice for APS-C-sized sensors, not full frame. The reason is that full-frame lenses still do not cover 35mm film, even after being reduced to APS-C size sensors. So if you have a Canon EF lens and want to use it on your m43 camera then you will end up with an ugly black ring around the edge of your photo! On the other hand, all FD or K mount lenses cover 35mm film without any major optical problems.
4. Quality Issues
The next problem with using old vintage lenses is that there are many lens manufacturers who produced bad glass in the past which couldn’t be sold today since they would be considered cheaply made. If you haven’t tried a lens before then it is best to spend a little extra money on a new, modern lens from well-known manufacturers such as Sigma or Tamron.
5. Price
The last thing I would consider before buying M42 lenses is the price. Your mileage may vary, but many vintage lenses can easily cost 20 times more than a brand new full-frame compatible lens from a major manufacturer! On the other hand, there are some really nice deals out there if you look hard enough.
3 Benefits Of M42 Lenses
1. Fast Autofocus
Much cheaper ‘kit’ zooms can be very slow when trying to rack focus from one end of the zoom range to the other.
2. Optical Quality
Although not as sharp at their maximum aperture, prime lenses are still typically sharper than most zooms throughout the majority of their focal range and often produce superior color/contrast.
3. Low Light Performance
With an f/1.4 lens (which you will certainly won’t if you’re stuck with a crappy kit zoom), you can hand-hold your camera in much lower light conditions without having to worry about handshake or slow shutter speeds. This allows you to capture moments that would otherwise be lost because of poor focusing or a camera shake caused by a slower shutter speed.
Conclusion
Even though M42 lenses are getting more and more popular, it can still be hard to choose the best lens for your needs. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite 9 so you can find one that suits your photographic style. Which do you like most?
