After running into problems like fungus in vintage Canon lenses and dealing with adapters that just didn’t work well, I finally decided to stop collecting Canon glass. In this episode, I talk about my own experience adapting Canon manual focus lenses—like FD, FL, and FN mounts—to Micro Four Thirds cameras. I get into how things like the environment can mess with lens quality, and why I started moving toward Nikon mount and native MFT lenses instead—they just work better and are more reliable.

Introduction & Audio Test (00:00:00)

Speaker introduces the episode, mentions focus on Canon manual focus lenses, and discusses testing a new wireless microphone kit.

Decision to Stop Collecting Canon Lenses (00:01:16)

Speaker announces decision to stop collecting/adapting Canon lenses to Micro Four Thirds, including both autofocus and manual focus mounts.

Problems with Canon EF Mount Adapters (00:02:26)

Explains issues with Canon EF mount adapters, specifically the Viltrox EF-M2 MkII Speedbooster, and how it damaged a Panasonic GX85 camera.

Camera Malfunction and Troubleshooting (00:03:39)

Describes the camera glitching, freezing, and the troubleshooting steps taken, including removing the battery and lens.

Realization of Adapter-Related Damage (00:05:56)

Details the process of realizing the adapter caused permanent camera damage, and the impact on available camera bodies.

Further Camera Issues and Speedbooster Concerns (00:07:27)

Discusses additional camera malfunctions, including with native and manual lenses, and concludes the adapter electronics were at fault.

Viltrox and Micro Four Thirds Alliance (00:08:38)

Mentions Viltrox not being part of the Micro Four Thirds Alliance at the time, leading to compatibility and reliability concerns.

Switch to Nikon Mount and More Camera Damage (00:09:40)

Describes switching to Nikon mount adapters (without electronics), but then damaging another camera due to a physical accident.

Conclusion: No Speedboosters on IBIS Cameras (00:10:55)

Concludes not to use speedboosters on cameras with in-body stabilization (IBIS), and reiterates issues with Canon EF adapters.

Canon Autofocus vs. Manual Focus Lenses (00:11:58)

Explains why Canon autofocus on Micro Four Thirds is not worthwhile, and transitions to discussing Canon manual focus lenses.

Fungus Issues in Canon Manual Focus Lenses (00:13:21)

Shares experience with high rates of fungus in Canon FD/FL lenses, and the risks of storing and using fungus-affected lenses.

Fungus Detection and Storage Conditions (00:14:29)

Explains how to detect fungus by smell, the science of fungus spores, and the impact of moist, dark storage environments.

Why Canon Lenses Are More Prone to Fungus (00:16:43)

Theorizes that Canon manual lenses are more likely to have fungus due to being left unused in storage after Canon switched mounts.

Risks of Spreading Fungus to Other Gear (00:19:07)

Warns that using fungus-affected lenses can contaminate other lenses and gear, sharing recent personal examples.

Comparing Canon FD to Other Vintage Lenses (00:20:16)

Compares Canon FD lenses to vintage Nikon, Minolta, and Olympus lenses, finding Canon less impressive in quality and value.

Final Thoughts: Moving Away from Canon Mount (00:23:00)

Summarizes reasons for leaving Canon mount behind, mentions Blackmagic users, and notes declining practicality for Micro Four Thirds.

Recommendations: Nikon and Native MFT Lenses (00:24:08)

Recommends collecting Nikon F mount and native Micro Four Thirds lenses, especially those with manual aperture control.

Collecting Native Micro Four Thirds Lenses (00:25:25)

Mentions shift to collecting native MFT lenses, inspired by YouTuber Nigel Barros, and discusses experiences with new and vintage glass.

Testing Panasonic GX5 and Closing Remarks (00:26:40)

Mentions starting to test the Panasonic GX5 and invites listeners to check the website for future lens tests, confirming no more Canon mount reviews.