Mounting 42Mm Lenses: Adapting For X-Mount Cameras

The M42 lens mount is a screw thread mounting standard for attaching lenses to 35mm cameras, most popular in the 1960s. It is also known as the Universal thread mount. The M42 mount was first used by the East German brand VEB Zeiss Ikon in the Contax S of 1949.

You can use an adapter to attach an M42 lens to an X-mount camera. There are many M42 lens mount adapters available for Fujifilm X-mount cameras.

How to attach a 42mm lens to an X-mount camera body

To attach a 42mm lens to an X-mount camera body, you will need to use a lens mount adapter. This is because the M42 lens mount is a screw thread mounting standard for attaching lenses to 35mm cameras, whereas the X-mount is a different lens mount.

Lens mount adapters allow you to physically attach a lens to a camera body with a different lens mount. In this case, the adapter fits between the camera and the lens, making it possible to attach an M42 lens to an X-mount camera body.

There are several M42-to-X-mount lens adapters available on the market, including:

• K&F Concept M42-FX Lens Mount Adapter
• Fotasy M42 to Fuji X Adapter
• Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter
• Neewer M42 to Fuji X Lens Mount Adapter
• Urth M42 to Fujifilm X Camera Mount Adapter

When using an M42 lens with an X-mount camera body, you will need to operate the lens and camera manually. This means that you will need to adjust the aperture, autofocus, AE metering, image stabilisation, and exposure settings manually.

To attach the lens to the camera body, follow these steps:

• Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear cap from the lens.
• Place the lens on the mount, keeping the marks on the lens and camera aligned.
• Rotate the lens until it clicks into place.

To remove the lens, turn the camera off, press the lens release button, and rotate the lens in the opposite direction.

How to use a lens mount adapter

To use a lens mount adapter, you will first need to ensure that you have the correct type of adapter for your lens and camera. In this case, you will need an M42 lens mount adapter for your 42mm lens and X-mount camera.

Once you have the correct adapter, follow these steps:

• Set your camera mode to Manual or Aperture Priority Mode.
• Go to the Camera Menu > Set Up > Button/Dial Settings > Shoot Without Lens > On.
• To focus manually, go to AF/MF Settings > MF Assist > Select preferred assist mode.
• If applicable, also switch your lens to Manual Mode.
• Align the red dot of your lens with that of the adapter and rotate clockwise until the lens locks in place.
• Gently connect the adapter to your camera body and rotate clockwise. Hold both the lens and adapter when rotating for a better grip.
• Press your camera's lens release button and rotate the adapter and lens counter-clockwise to detach them.
• To detach the lens from the adapter, press and hold the metallic button on the adapter and rotate counter-clockwise.

Note that using a lens mount adapter may disrupt some automatic functions of your camera and lens, such as aperture, autofocus, AE metering, and image stabilization. As such, you may need to adjust these settings manually.

How to manually adjust exposure settings

To manually adjust exposure settings, you need to first set your camera to manual mode. This can be done by going to the Camera Menu, then Set Up, BUTTON/DIAL SETTINGS, and finally, SHOOT WITHOUT LENS, where you should select 'On'.

Next, you need to set your lens to Manual Mode, if applicable. Then, you can focus manually by going to AF/MF SETTINGS and selecting your preferred assist mode.

Now, you can mount your 42mm lens onto your X-mount camera. To do this, align the red dot of your lens with the red dot of the adapter and rotate the lens clockwise until it locks into place. Then, gently connect the adapter to your camera body and rotate it clockwise.

Finally, press and hold the metallic button on the adapter and rotate it counter-clockwise to release the lens. Now, you can manually adjust the exposure settings of your 42mm lens on your X-mount camera.

How to manually focus a lens

To manually focus a lens, you will need to use a camera with manual focus capabilities. This means that the camera should have a focus ring that you can turn to adjust the focus. If you are using a modern camera, you may need to switch it to manual focus mode in the settings.

Once you have ensured that your camera is in manual focus mode, follow these steps:

• Look through the viewfinder and turn the focus ring until the subject appears sharp and clear.
• If your camera has a depth-of-field preview button, press it to see how much of the scene will be in focus. Adjust the aperture or focus as needed to achieve the desired effect.
• Some cameras have a focus confirmation feature, which will indicate when the subject is in focus. This is usually in the form of a beep or a light in the viewfinder.
• If you are having trouble achieving focus, try using a focus aid mode. These are features on your camera that can help you fine-tune the focus. Common focus aid modes include focus peaking, which highlights the areas of the image that are in focus, and digital split image, which shows a split image in the centre of the frame that you can use to adjust the focus.
• If you are still having trouble, try using a different lens. Some lenses may be easier to focus than others, depending on their design and your shooting conditions.

Remember that practice makes perfect! Manual focus can take some time to master, but it is a valuable skill to have as a photographer.

How to care for your camera and lenses

To mount a 42mm lens on an X-mount camera, you will need to purchase a lens mount adapter. These are available from a variety of brands, including K&F Concept, Fotasy, Fotodiox, and NEEWER.

Now, here are some tips on how to care for your camera and lenses:

• Always store your camera and lenses in a dry and cool place. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
• Use a protective case or bag when carrying your camera and lenses to protect them from bumps and scratches.
• Clean your lenses regularly with a soft microfiber cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints. Avoid using alcohol or other chemical cleaners, as they may damage the lens coating.
• When not in use, keep your lenses mounted on your camera or stored in a sealed container to prevent dust accumulation.
• Be gentle when attaching or detaching lenses from your camera. Hold both the lens and the camera body firmly to avoid putting strain on the mounting mechanism.
• Avoid touching the glass elements of the lenses with your fingers. Oils from your skin can leave marks that affect image quality.
• Use a rocket blower to remove dust and debris from the camera sensor. Do not use compressed air, as it can cause condensation and damage sensitive electronic components.
• Invest in a good-quality UV filter to protect your lens from scratches, dust, and other damage. UV filters can also reduce glare and improve image quality in sunny conditions.
• Ensure your camera batteries are charged before extended periods of use. Store batteries in a cool, dry place and dispose of them properly when they no longer hold a charge.
• Regularly update your camera firmware to the latest version to ensure optimal performance and access new features.
• Finally, consider purchasing insurance for your camera equipment to protect against theft, loss, or damage.

Frequently asked questions