FotodioX Pro M42 – EOS adapters: Type 1 & Type 2 Face- Off

   When it comes to choosing the right adapter for vintage lenses, the Fotodiox Pro M42-EOS Type 1 and Type 2 adapters often come under scrutiny. To explore their performance, I paired these adapters with a classic Kaleinar 5n 100mm lens and tested them extensively on three Canon bodies—the 1DX, 1D Mark IV, and 1D Mark III. This setup provided an ideal combination to evaluate compatibility, image quality, and user experience across different camera generations. From handling infinity focus to assessing build quality and usability, each adapter brought unique characteristics to the table. In this blog, I’ll share my insights and experiences to help you make an informed decision when choosing between Type 1 and Type 2.

Technical Specifications:

• Mounts M42 mount lenses to canon EOS (EF, EF-S) cameras.
• Focusing Distance: Infinity focus allowed.
• Lens Construction: Metal.
• 24 Month Fotodiox warranty.

Key Differences:

• The FotodioX Pro M42 to Canon EOS adapter has two versions: V1 (Type 1) and V2 (Type 2). The key differences are:

  1. V1 (Type 1):

  • Designed primarily for M42 lenses without aperture control pins.

  • Can cause issues with certain M42 lenses that have a deep aperture pin because the adapter lacks a mechanism to press it down.

  • May require modification or manual aperture control workarounds for some lenses.

  • Often cheaper than V2.

  2. V2 (Type 2):

  • Improved design with an inner ring that presses down the aperture pin, allowing proper aperture control for lenses that require it.

  • More compatibility with a wider range of M42 lenses, especially those with auto-aperture mechanisms.

  • Usually slightly more expensive than V1 due to the additional mechanical function.

  If you’re using an M42 lens with an auto-aperture pin, V2 is the better choice. If your lens has a manual aperture ring and no pin, V1 should work fine.

Price for the Money:

• The current price for these is $8.46 at Fotodiox website.  Usually Type 2 is more expensive but for now those are the prices.  I have a discount code for you at the bottom if you need to get one.

User Experience:

• Using the Fotodiox Pro M42-EOS adapters on my Canon 1DX, 1D Mark IV, and 1D Mark III with the Kaleinar 5n 100mm lens provided an insightful hands-on experience. The Type 1 adapter stood out for its effortless mounting process and seamless fit, requiring minimal adjustments during use. On the other hand, the Type 2 adapter offered a slightly tighter connection, which added a sense of stability but made initial setup a bit more rigid. Both adapters performed well overall, but subtle differences in usability, such as how smoothly they handled focus adjustments, became apparent through prolonged use. These nuances shaped my overall impression of their practical functionality in real-world scenarios.