Modifying an Olympus lens

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
Although I haven't used it in years, I still have the Olympus OM-2S setup I used through college. Not long ago I discovered lens adapters, and got one so I could fit its lenses onto my new Nikon.

For the most part, it's worked great. It's good to be shooting with some of my old, familiar glass again. However, there is one problem. Some of the Olympus lenses come with a protruding tab on the back (the body side), and that tab will not allow you to fit the adapter onto it.

Here's a pic of what I mean. It's that raised black ridge that runs from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock around the glass:

6b586448135905a181c419a33bc7863a.jpg

What I find odd is that this is not a uniform feature. Some of the lenses omit the tab:

olympus_f_zuiko_auto-s_50mm_f18-16_m42_04.jpg

(These are both internet grabs, btw.)

Unfortunately one of the lenses with the tab is the one I wanted to use most, my Zuiko Auto-Macro 50 mm f/3.5. I don't currently have a 50mm prime, and that OM Zuiko is one I was quite fond of.

So my question is: does anyone know if I can grind that tab off without doing structural damage to the lens?

Thanks very much!
 
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pforsell

Senior Member
Just guesswork based on my experience with Nikkor lenses.

The baffle most likely serves two purposes, it is a baffle to reduce internal reflections inside the mirror box, and it is a protection for the rear element in case someone were to put that lens on a table rear element down without a rear lens cap.

BTW did you realize the lens in the second picture is not an Olympus lens but a M42-mount lens?

Just wondering, you can get Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 lenses (2 stops faster than the f/3.5) off ebay at $30-$40 range... is it worth butchering the one you have?

If you decide to Dremel the baffle off, it's best to separate the mount from the lens first to avoid metal debris causing damage to the rear element.

I can't but wonder who manufactures the adapter you're using, if it cannot fit a regular OM Zuiko lens? And... wouldn't it be safer to Dremel the adapter?

But as I said, all is just guesswork since I haven't used OM lenses and I don't have any at hand to make any inspections.
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
If it's any consolation, and other than what's already been said about the costs, etc... The Nikon Non-AI lenses had essentially the same issue, and in the absences of having a modified lens piece from Nikon, the common method is/was to machine/Dremel the flange off lens... Of course, the converter folks take the lens apart before doing that to keep the metal shavings from getting into the lens's components...

File away!!!!
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
If it's any consolation, and other than what's already been said about the costs, etc... The Nikon Non-AI lenses had essentially the same issue, and in the absences of having a modified lens piece from Nikon, the common method is/was to machine/Dremel the flange off lens... Of course, the converter folks take the lens apart before doing that to keep the metal shavings from getting into the lens's components...

File away!!!!

That's great consolation indeed. Thanks very much, Fred!

:encouragement:
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
Just guesswork based on my experience with Nikkor lenses.

The baffle most likely serves two purposes, it is a baffle to reduce internal reflections inside the mirror box, and it is a protection for the rear element in case someone were to put that lens on a table rear element down without a rear lens cap.

BTW did you realize the lens in the second picture is not an Olympus lens but a M42-mount lens?

Just wondering, you can get Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 lenses (2 stops faster than the f/3.5) off ebay at $30-$40 range... is it worth butchering the one you have?

If you decide to Dremel the baffle off, it's best to separate the mount from the lens first to avoid metal debris causing damage to the rear element.

I can't but wonder who manufactures the adapter you're using, if it cannot fit a regular OM Zuiko lens? And... wouldn't it be safer to Dremel the adapter?

But as I said, all is just guesswork since I haven't used OM lenses and I don't have any at hand to make any inspections.

Thank you for the thoughtful and extremely thorough reply. It is much appreciated.

Let's see, to answer your questions:

1. I did realize the lens pictured was not an Olympus, but being in a rush at the time I just copied the first picture I saw with the tab I was trying to describe. As that was the salient feature I needed info on, I didn't think what lens it was attached to was critical. But...you've got a good eye :)

2. I hadn't checked eBay, partly because I'm getting tired of a certain household fixture saying "You bought ANOTHER piece of camera gear??" But I guess I will now. Even she can't argue with a lens that's 2 stops faster? Right? Right...?

3. I'm using a Photodiox Pro adapter. It fits all my other "regular" OM Zuiko lenses...the ones without the baffle. I don't know that I want to Dremel it and risk its current ability to connect the other3 lenses to my Nikon.

Thank you again so very much, especially for pointing out the availability of better lenses (that hopefully will be available without that baffle!)

All the best :)
 
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