4.) Mount Matters

35mm film SLR and modern DSLR cameras have unique lens mounts (with the exception of M42 mount). The mount is nothing more than the type of connection fitting that is used by the camera to accept lenses. It is important to match the mount on a lens to the mount on your camera. Without the proper connection the lens will not attach. In addition, if you want infinite focus then lens mount is very important. With macro photography infinite focus is less of an issue (perhaps a non issue). However, when I buy manual focus lenses I look for mounts that allow for infinite focus on my camera – this allows for the greatest use of the lens.The key to this mechanical and optical mess is to use widely available and inexpensive adapter rings. Finding an adapter that will work with your camera and allow infinite focus is easier than it sounds. If you use a Canon DSLR (EOS mount) the short list of manual focus mounts that work with EOS and still retain infinite focus are as follows:

1. M42

2. Contax/Yashica (C/Y)

3. Pentax K

4. Nikon

5. Olympus

This is a great article on what mounts work with EOS. Search the web and you should find similar lists or articles for compatibility for other brands of DSLR cameras.

Perhaps an example will help.

I own a Canon XSI DSLR. It has an EOS mount which means I need adapters that work with EOS and the mount of the Vivitar lens. However, the Vivitar 90mm lens I used was made for a Contax Camera and has a Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount. That meant I needed a C/Y to EOS adapter. The adapters run about $10 to $30.

Read on under section 5.) Option B (for Bellows) to learn about bellows.

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