Olympus OM system close-up and macro equipment
Going digital
None of the digital SLRs have a macro system that approaches the one that was available for the Olympus OM, and so there is considerable interest in making the old Olympus equipment work with a modern, digital SLR body.
Adapters that allow normal lenses to focus to infinity are only available for 2 systems – Canon EOS and Four-Thirds, which has bodies from Leitz, Olympus and Panasonic.
None of the early digital SLRs had viewfinders and focusing screens that were well-suited for use with macro equipment, but more recent models have introduced features that are proving useful, including:
| Live View | Provides real-time preview on the LCD screen. |
|---|---|
| Articulated LCD screen | More convenient viewing with the camera low down, or pointing down on a microscope or a copy stand. |
| Remote Live View | Makes the Live View image available on a computer to check focus and exposure, and allows the camera to be operated from the computer. |
| Silent mode | Significantly reduces vibration when used with Live View. The mirror is already up, and an electronic first shutter curtain removes the need for any mechanical action when the exposure starts. |
| Full frame sensor | Makes full use of the 36×24 mm image produced by OM lenses, instead of cropping to APS-C (22.2×14.8 mm) or Four Thirds (17.3×13.0 mm) |
The ideal digital SLR would have all of these features, and be affordable, but this is what appears to be available in mid 2010:
| Live View | Articulated LCD | Remote Live View | Silent mode | Sensor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 5D Mk II |  |  | | | FF |
| Canon EOS 7D | | | | | APS-C |
| Canon EOS 40D | | | | | APS-C |
| Canon EOS 50D | | | | | APS-C |
| Canon EOS 60D | | | | | APS-C |
| Canon EOS 450D | | | | ** | APS-C |
| Canon EOS 500D | | | | ** | APS-C |
| Canon EOS 1000D | | | | ** | APS-C |
| Olympus E-3 | | | | | 4/3 |
| Olympus E-30 | | | | | 4/3 |
| Olympus E-330 | | | | | 4/3 |
| Olympus E-420 | | | | | 4/3 |
| Olympus E-520 | | | | | 4/3 |
| Olympus E-620 | | | | | 4/3 |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 | | | | 4/3 |
** The Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi), EOS 500D (Rebel T1i) and EOS 1000D (Rebel XS) do not have a selectable silent mode, but this feature is included and is permanently on when Live View is selected. More information from Charles Krebs and Canon USA.
Most of the Olympus equipment can be fitted to a Canon EOS or Olympus E-series body using readily-available adapters. One exception is the Auto Bellows, because the long release lever on the camera body mount hits the protruding pentaprism on the EOS and E-series bodies. For the EOS 40D, this problem can be fixed by using a 14 mm extension tube, while the EOS 5D MkII needs only a 7 mm tube. Most Olympus E-series bodies also need a 7 mm extension tube when used with the Auto Bellows, although the E-1, E-300 and E-330 do not need a tube.
Send comments or questions to Alan Wood
Created 8th October 2008 — Updated 26th August 2010
Copyright © 2008–2010 Alan Wood