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Canon EOS -- Adaptable Modern SLR

With the thinnest 35mm SLR body currently being manufactured, Canon EOS bodies (film or digital) are more adaptable to more different lenses than any other SLR, except for the smaller format digital 4/3 system.   All adapters listed on this page offer focusing throughout the lens's focusing range, infinity focus, no glass elements to degrade image, manual focusing, stop down metering at shooting aperture, and quality precision manufacture.    All of the adapters listed on this page allow you to use non EOS lenses on EOS film and digital cameras.  Side Note: The manual focus Canon R/FL/FD series SLRs also accept  Nikon F,  Exakta, or Pentax Screw mount lenses with the correct classic, and now hard to find adapters.  There is NO FD lens to EOS body adapter available without glass to make the focus correct. Unfortunately the glass degrades image.  I do not sell adapters with glass elements.

WHICH CANON EOS FLAVOR DO YOU HAVE?  It turns out the MOST adaptable EOS bodies are the APS smaller than full frame digital bodies.  These digital EF-S mount bodies have less restrictions internally.   Next most adaptable are the film EOS bodies and the full frame Digital Sensor EOS bodies -- except for the 5D.  The full frame 5D body has a different mirror, which means less compatibility than the other EOS bodies. 

THE ADAPTER ADVANTAGE is versatility, saving money by continuing to using favorite lenses you already have, and in some cases using better lenses than those available in EOS mount.  These are very useful adapters, allowing  you to combine elements of SEVEN fantastic systems: Leica R, Leica Visoflex,  Nikon F, Pentax Screw, Contax/Yashica,  Olympus OM, and Canon EOS.   The adapters themselves are precision machined and fit very well. 

THE DISADVANTAGE is inconvenience.  There is no linkage between the EOS body and the adapted lens.  You will have manual focus only.  You will manually  control the lens aperture.  For example, if you set the lens aperture ring at f/11, the lens aperture is indeed at f/11.  IF you want the lens to be wide open, you manually open it by turning the lens aperture. 

FOCUSING SCREENS: Canon EOS are autofocus cameras with focusing screens not optimized for manual focus photography.  The old Nikon F/F2 had focusing screens optimized for wides, normals, and teles.   The least accurate focusing is the easy and quick split image focusing screen, because it effectively has a very short rangefinder base length for all lenses.  Whenever the split image focusing disagrees with the background microprisms or ground glass -- believe the background focusing aids, NOT the split image!  Interestingly, some EOS instruction books warn that split image focusing may lead to inaccurate metering -- so check your particular instruction book.

MIRROR LOCK UP: There are various  super wide angle SLR lenses designed to mount with the SLR mirror locked up.  This means the viewing mirror can be locked up on that particular body, and it stays locked up until the photog lowers it back into normal position, in order to mount and use that particular "mirror lockup" lens.  While a few Canon EOS has a pseudo mirror lock up command which brings the mirror up, it immediately goes back down again after the exposure.  As far as I know, no EOS  has the traditional "mirror locks up and stays up" mirror command.  Accordingly no EOS should be used with a mirror lock up lens via a lens adapter.

What functions will be available with these adapters on YOUR EOS camera body?   As far as the camera is concerned, with no electronic contacts providing lens information, the body does not know the adapter and the lens is there  -- just like when it is connected to a bellows.  Check the instruction book to find out what functions YOUR camera body has when attached to a bellows.  Generally this works out to be centerweighted metering using metered manual or aperture priority AE metering (you set the f/stop, the camera sets the shutter speed)  at the actual shooting aperture.  Shutter AE priority, Programmed AE, and computerized matrix type metering will not be available with  lens adapters  mounted. Some EOS may seem to function with evaluative metering,  but if you check the instruction booklet, you will probably find it has defaulted back to centerweighted metering.

You can Leave the Adapter on the EOS body and change lenses using the Olympus OM, Visoflex and Pentax 42 Screw Mount adapters.  With the Contax, Leica R,  and Nikon  adapters,  mount the adapter on the lens first, and then mount the lens and adapter on the camera.    While it is feasible to use one adapter for many lenses, in practice it takes up a lot more time.  A push in catch on the back of the Contax and Nikon adapters allows you to remove the adapter .  It is much easier to remove the lens with adapter from the camera body, than it is to remove the adapter from the lens.   IF you want to switch lenses quickly,  use one adapter for each lens.  The rear elements of some lenses, especially  deep-seated wides,   may hit the EOS mirror, so be careful.    Yes, the adapters work with both film and digital EOS.

Canon EOS 5D:  Canon has changed the size of the 5D mirror, or perhaps the swing of the mirror, or both.  This has resulted in some rear elements hitting the mirror, lenses that work fine via adapters with other EOS models.  With the 5D exercise caution to avoid this problem.  Adapted lenses which have been reported not to be 5D compatible are listed under the camera type.  Some dedicated gearheads modify lenses or even camera mirrors  to get that adapted lens mounted.  Obviously such modifications are at your own risk, and NOT generally advised by any camera or adapter manufacturers.

NEW Pentax K to Canon Digital EF-S Mount EOS!

NEW Adapter introduced March 2006.  NO Glass in adapter to degrade image. Manual operation like the other EOS lens adapters.  Many believed this adapter was impossible to make without glass elements.   This adapter is NOT for EOS film cameras, or larger format EOS digital cameras.  It is for EOS EF-S mount digital cameras ONLY.  $175  ORDER

Leica R Lenses: REOS,  allowing R lenses to be used on your EOS in stop down mode.  On most bodies this means you will be able to get manual exposure, aperture priority exposure, TTL flash.    Mount your R lenses on a digital EOS for digital SLR capability!      $175  ORDER

• Optional AF with your Leica system? Not a problem, mount a Canon lens.  Try that with your R8 !!!
• 10 fps with your Leica R lenses?  Not a problem with the Canon EOS 1n RS. 
• Real motor drives built into the camera with  R lenses?  Gee, pick an EOS, almost any EOS.
• Wireless Multi TTL Flash with R lenses?   Haven't tried it yet, but I think its possible with your EOS and this adapter.
• Compact light weight low cost R body with built in flash for  R lenses?  You only have about 200
  Canon Rebel models to choose from.
• Sophisticated rugged pro camera with R lenses?   The EOS 1 V or digital Mark II DS  fit the bill.
• Digital SLR?  The Canon EOS digital bodies are popular with manual Leica R glass.  
• It will probably be easier to mount the adapter on your lens first, and then mount on the camera. 
• Exposure Compensation: For most EOS bodies, set the finder F/stop display to 1.0 or 0.0 for stop down metering.  Test the exposure compensation necessary for that camera/lens combination.
• IF you are using the large heavy Leica tele lenses which have both R and Visoflex mounts, it is probably wiser to use the  Visoflex to EOS adapter as it is larger and likely stronger than the R to EOS adapter..

Pushing up the little lever on the left hand side of the pic unlocks the adapter, allowing its removal.  Leica R 180/3.4 APO mounted on Canon EOS 3. 

• R Lenses Which will NOT work: Strangely enough not all Leica R lenses protrude in identical ways into camera bodies.  The following Leica R lenses are reported to have mirror clearance issues with most if not all adapted EOS cameras:  15/3.5, 16/2.8, 19/2.8 Second Version, 21/4 Mirror Lock Up Version,  35/1.4,  35-70/2.8, 80-200/4.5 First Version.   The 24/2.8 and 28-70/3.5-4.5 (2nd version) will not work on the EOS 5D because the rear element protective guard hits the mirror.  The 21-35/3.5 Aspherical and 28-90/2.8-4.5 Aspherical is reported not to work on the 1Ds Mk II.   Keep in mind there are minor design changes during a lens' lifetime (most of which are not reported by manufacturers), and so the changes are unknown to the public.  The first time you mount any adapted lens to any adapted camera, it only makes prudent sense to carefully check mirror clearance.   The Canon 5D has a larger than normal EOS mirror, so take extra care mounting lenses.  This list is not represented as complete.  If you find other Leica R  mount lenses which will not mount safely on the EOS adapters, let me know and I will add to this list.

Leica M Visoflex Lenses: VEOS:  As far as I am concerned, this adapter is a HUGE improvement over  using  Leica visoflex mount lenses on ANY SLR, instead of using them on the awkward Visoflex/Leica M body combination they were designed for.  More INFO and PICS HERE   Leica visoflex lens to SLR body adapters are available Nikon, Leica R,  or Canon EOS mounts. You can leave the adapter on the camera body while interchanging visoflex lenses.   You still need whatever Leica focusing helical or adapters are necessary to mount the Viso lens on the regular Visoflex.  The adapter simply replaces the Visoflex housing so you can use the lens on an SLR.  Due to the comparatively thick Viso lens adapter, all Viso lenses are believed to work fine via the adapter with no mirror clearance issues with all Leica R, Nikon, and Canon EOS SLRs.   $175   ORDER

Nikon F Lenses: NEOS, allowing Nikon F lenses (AF or manual focus) to be used on your EOS in stop down mode.  On most bodies this means you will be able to get stop down manual exposure, aperture priority exposure, TTL flash.  In my opinion these are better adapters than the better known Novoflex Nikon to EOS adapters.  These adapters usually mount and remove more easily.  This is also a new improved design with a light shield which prevents reflections off the rear of the chrome Nikon  bayonet lugs. $175  ORDER

• Works with most Nikon manual focus and AF lenses, except the digital Nikon DX  lenses which do not cover the full 35mm film format, or cheap XX lenses which have no aperture control ring.
• Wireless Multi TTL Flash with R lenses?   Haven't tried it yet, but I think its possible with your EOS and this adapter and stop down metering.
• Multi-Spot metering ?  EOS 3 among others.
• Best of all, you can finally get some great glass on that EOS body !    Relax Canon fans, just joking.
• Mount the lens onto the adapter, then mount the lens/adapter on the EOS body.   To remove, remove the lens/adapter together.   There is a latch on the back of the adapter.  When pushed, you can remove the adapter from the lens. 
• The NEW version of this adapter includes a rear flange which shields the camera sensor from reflections off the rear of the Nikon bayonet mount! 

 By way of comparison, it runs over $700 to have your Nikon SLR  converted to R mount, takes about four months to do, and is not reversible.    A  R to Nikon  adapter won't do the job since the Nikon body is not thin enough to mount the adapter and still allow infinity focusing.   Even then, the Nikon to R conversion doesn't give you lens to body coupling, either.    

Nikkor Lenses which will not work: Mirror lock up lenses which will not work include the 6/5.6, 7.5/5.6, and 21/4 Nikkors. G series Nikkors with no aperture control ring -- no way to control the f/stops.  The first time you mount any adapted lens to any adapted camera, it only makes prudent sense to carefully check mirror clearance.   The Canon 5D has a larger than normal EOS mirror, so take extra care mounting lenses.  The 20/2.8 AIS and 24/2.8 AIS are reported to be incompatible with the 5D due to the protruding rear element.  This list is not represented as complete.  If you find other Nikon mount lenses which will not mount safely on the EOS adapters, let me know and I will add to this list.

Pentax Screw Mount Lenses: PEOS,  allowing Pentax 42mm screw mount lenses  to be used on your EOS in stop down mode.  NEW IMPROVED VERSION:  All black to cut down internal reflection in the mirror box.   Now has ridge on the back which also helps reduce flare, the same idea as the Nikon-EOS adapter above.   The other side of the ridge depresses the auto diaphragm, so that even lenses without auto/manual aperture switches can now be used at your choice of f/stop on your EOS.   This new version is a big improvement over the old version adapter.    The EOS digital bodies are a great digital options for your classic Pentax screw mount lenses.   You can remove the lens/adapter combination together, or leave the adapter on the camera body and simply unscrew the lens. 

The first time you mount any adapted lens to any adapted camera, it only makes prudent sense to carefully check mirror clearance.  If you find a Pentax screw mount lens which will not mount safely on the EOS adapters, let me know and I will add to this list.     The Canon 5D has a larger than normal EOS mirror, so take extra care mounting lenses.   $75  ORDER

Olympus OM Lenses: OEOS, mounts Olympus OM lenses very conveniently on the EOS via the adapter.   The EOS digital bodies are an excellent digital options for your manual focus Olympus OM lenses.  Mount the lens onto the adapter, then mount the lens/adapter on the EOS body.   The lens will automatically stop down to the f/stop you have selected on the aperture ring.   IF you want to use the stop down switch on the lens instead, remove the long screw on the back of the adapter .  You can leave the OMEOS adapter on the camera and just interchange OM lenses.  Remove the adapter from the body with the lens, then remove the adapter from the lens.   Unlike some Leica R or Contax lenses,  Olympus OM lens clearance problems have not yet been reported with adapted EOS cameras.  However, such problems might exist with some lens variations, so exercise caution when using a lens/camera combination for the first time.     The Canon 5D has a larger than normal EOS mirror, so take extra care mounting lenses.  $175  ORDER

Contax/Yashica Lenses: CEOS,  mounts manual focus Zeiss Contax RTS lenses on EOS.   Unlike some Contax / Yashica to EOS adapters, the CameraQuest adapter does NOT require a set screw.   Not only do you not have to worry about losing the screw, this adapter is much faster to mount than adapters requiring a set screw.   The EOS digital bodies are a great digital option for your manual focus Zeiss Contax/Yashica lenses.  These adapters are NOT for Zeiss N series lenses, or G series.   Mount the lens onto the adapter, then mount the lens with adapter on the EOS body.   To remove, remove the lens/adapter together.   The locking latch is on the back of the adapter.  When pushed, you can remove the adapter from the lens.  $175  ORDER

There has been some internet discussion claiming it is best to use different thickness Contax/EOS adapters for different Contax/Yashica lenses.  While I admit I have no proof to the contrary, I have to say personally I find such a claim impossible to believe.   I don't believe ANY lens maker, especially Zeiss, would design  lenses within the same lens line with a different back focus, beyond their normal manufacturing tolerances.   However don't take my word on this, just email the good folks at Zeiss.com to get it from the horse's mouth.

Contax/Yashica lenses were discontinued January 2005 once Kyocera and Zeiss dissolved their partnership and discontinued the entire Contax lineup.   Prices started going up on the harder to find lenses, especially the ultra wides, in big part because EOS shooters became dissatisfied with Canon ultra wide lens performance. 

LENSES WHICH WILL NOT WORK: Reportedly the following adapted Contax lenses are not compatible with the EOS 5D: 18/4, 85/1.2, and 135/2.  There have been conflicting OK/Not OK reports on the Contax 28/2.8, perhaps suggesting unreported lens variations.  Lens mount variations have been reported on the 28/2.8 MM and the 35-70 MM lenses.  These lenses may require about 1mm to be filed from the end of the brass locking latch,  before the lenses will lock on the adapter.  Take note that if you do this modification, the adapter may or may not lock on other Contax lenses.

The Canon 5D has a larger than normal EOS mirror, so take extra care mounting lenses.  This list is not represented as complete.  If you find other Contax mount lenses which will not mount safely on the EOS adapters, let me know and I will add to this list.

Revised: December 08, 2008 .  Copyright © 2007 Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved.    This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind.  Information in this document is subject to change without notice.  Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.